This VA Disability Payment Might Surprise You—See What 70% Gets You with a Family!

If you’re a veteran dealing with a 70% service-connected disability, and you’ve got a family to take care of—a spouse and one kid—here’s the simple answer:

In 2025, you’ll get $2,018.19 every month from the VA.

That money is tax-free, and it goes straight to you, automatically. You don’t have to apply for anything extra if your dependents are already listed with the VA.

Where That Number Comes From

The VA adjusts payments every year to help keep up with inflation. For 2025, they bumped benefits up by around 2.5%. So, for a 70% rating, the base pay is $1,716.28 if you’re single.

But once you add in your spouse and one child, it increases to $2,018.19. That extra $300 or so is the VA’s way of saying, “Hey, we get that you’ve got more than just yourself to worry about.”

Have More Than One Kid? You’ll Get More

Yup, the VA adds a little extra for every child after the first one:

• $61/month for each child under 18

• $198/month for each child 18+ who’s in school (college, trade school, etc.)

So if you’ve got two little ones? That’s another $61 added to your check.

Can You Get Even More? Maybe—Here’s How

Depending on your situation, your payment could be higher than $2,018.19. For example:

• You need help with daily activities like dressing or bathing (you might qualify for Aid & Attendance)

• You’ve got dependent parents

• Your child has special needs

• You qualify for something called Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)—usually for more serious medical issues

Each of these can add extra dollars to your monthly check. If any of this sounds like your situation, it’s worth looking into.

Is This Money Taxed?

Nope. Not a cent. VA disability compensation is 100% tax-free—federal and (in most places) state too.

Think Your Payment’s Off? Here’s What You Can Do

If the number on your check seems low—or your family situation has changed—you can do a few things:

• Go to VA.gov or the eBenefits site to update your dependent info

• Call a Veterans Service Officer (VSO)—they’re free, and they know how to cut through the red tape

• File for an increase if you think your condition has worsened

• Appeal if you feel like your rating is too low

The key is: don’t just settle if something feels off.

If you’re a 70% disabled vet with a spouse and one child, you’re getting $2,018.19/month in 2025. It’s not millions, but it’s yours—and it’s meant to help cover the life you’re living after service.

Make sure the VA has the right info about your family. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or reach out for help. You earned this, and you deserve every bit of it.

Need help figuring out your own payment, or want to know how much you’d get if your rating goes up to 80% or 100%? Just ask—I’ve got you.