$94 cost increase for veterans receiving VA benefits in 2025 – Know who is eligible and when to get paid!
The Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits that US veterans receive every month have been increased by 2.5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) in 2025. This increase is done keeping in mind the rising level of inflation, so that veterans can get financial relief and maintain their purchasing power.
If a veteran has a 100% disability rating, he will get about $94 more every month. On the other hand, veterans who have a lower disability rating will get a proportionately lower increase.
Overview
| Details | Key Information |
|---|---|
| COLA Rate for 2025 | 2.5% |
| First Payment | January 2025 |
| Estimated Monthly Increase | $94 for 100% disabled veterans |
| Eligibility | Veterans with service-connected disabilities receiving VA compensation |
| Source for Updates | VA Official Website |
What is COLA?
COLA i.e. Cost of Living Adjustment is an annual increase that ensures that the benefits received by veterans are adjusted according to inflation. This increase is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which tracks changes in the prices of everyday goods and services.
Amount
| Disability Percentage | Monthly Amount for Single Applicants | COLA Increase (2.5%) |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $175.51 | $4.39 |
| 20% | $346.95 | $8.67 |
| 30% | $537.42 | $13.44 |
| 40% | $774.16 | $19.35 |
| 50% | $1,102.04 | $27.55 |
| 60% | $1,395.93 | $34.90 |
| 70% | $1,759.19 | $43.98 |
| 80% | $2,044.89 | $51.12 |
| 90% | $2,297.96 | $57.45 |
| 100% | $3,831.30 | $95.78 |
How much will the new payment be?
The monthly amount each veteran receives depends on his or her disability rating and family size. Below is information on the potential new payment rates after the 2.5% COLA increase in 2025:
| Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| January | Friday, January 31 |
| February | Friday, March 1 |
| March | Monday, April 1 |
| April | Wednesday, May 1 |
| May | Friday, May 31 |
| June | Monday, July 1 |
| July | Thursday, August 1 |
| August | Friday, August 30 |
| September | Tuesday, October 1 |
| October | Friday, November 1 |
| November | Friday, November 29 |
| December | Tuesday, December 31 |
- Veterans with 100% disability will receive an additional $94.
- Veterans with other disability levels will also receive a proportionate increase.
- Veterans may receive additional benefits if they have a spouse, child or other dependent family member.
How to avail this increase?
Veterans do not need to apply for this increase. This increase will be automatically added to their monthly payment and will be effective from January 2025.
However, if you feel that your VA benefits are not updated or there is some kind of error, you can get information in these ways:
| Year | COLA Rate |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 1.3% |
| 2021 | 5.9% (pandemic-driven inflation) |
| 2022 | 8.7% (highest in 40 years) |
| 2023 | 3.2% |
| 2025 | 2.5% (projected) |
- Visit the official website of VA www.va.gov.
- View your benefits information in the “Disability Benefits” section.
- If there are any errors or delays, contact the VA and make the necessary corrections.
When will you get paid?
VA benefits are typically paid on the first business day of each month for the previous month. The possible payment dates for 2025 are as follows:
- The increase will take effect in January 2025.
- Payments will be made on the first of each month (if it falls on a holiday, payment will be made on the next business day).
How much has the COLA changed in previous years?
The COLA increase in the past few years has been as follows:
- 2022 – 5.9%
- 2023 – 8.7%
- 2024 – 3.2%
- 2025 – 2.5% (Latest)
It is observed that the COLA increase in 2023 was 8.7% due to high inflation, but in 2025 it is limited to 2.5% due to stable inflation. Still, this increase will help veterans keep their financial position strong.
Conclusion
Veterans will get an additional $94 monthly payment under the VA Cost of Living Increase in 2025, which will help them manage their daily expenses. This increase will be applied automatically, so one does not need to apply for it.
If you are receiving VA benefits, monitor your monthly payments starting in January 2025 and contact the VA in case of any problems.
FAQs
How much will the VA COLA increase be in 2025?
According to the new plan the disability pension benefits for veterans with 100% disability will receive an additional $94 following the 2.5% increase.
When will this increase go into effect?
This increase will automatically go into effect starting in January 2025.
Do I have to apply for a COLA increase?
No, it will be automatically added to your VA payment.
How is the VA COLA increase determined?
It is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which tracks inflation levels.
Where can I check my updated VA benefit information?
By visiting the official VA website www.va.gov or by contacting a VA office.