Great news for disabled veterans and military retirees—your monthly benefits are increasing by 2.5% in 2025! This Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) is designed to keep pace with rising inflation, ensuring veterans maintain their purchasing power despite higher living expenses.
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This increase applies to:
✅ Veterans receiving VA disability compensation
✅ Retired service members receiving military pensions
✅ Survivors under the Survivor Benefit Plan
Note: Those under the Career Status Bonus (Redux) plan will see a slightly smaller increase.
Let’s break down how much you could receive in 2025!
Why Are VA & Military Retirement Benefits Increasing?
The 2.5% COLA adjustment is determined by changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which tracks the cost of goods and services across the U.S. economy. This ensures that veterans on fixed incomes don’t fall behind financially as inflation drives up costs.
🔹 Who Benefits the Most?
Veterans with higher disability ratings (70%-100%) will see the biggest boost, as their payments are higher to offset medical costs and living expenses.
Retirees who depend primarily on their pension will notice the difference in their day-to-day spending power.
How the 2025 COLA Increase Will Impact VA Disability Pay Rates: What Veterans Need to Know
VA Stimulus Check 2025: What Veterans Need to Know About Benefits
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Social Security Payment Schedule 2025: Key Changes and What They Mean for You
2025 VA Disability Pay Chart
Here’s how much veterans will receive based on their disability rating and dependent status:
🔹 10% – 20% Disability (No Dependents)
| Disability Rating | Monthly Payment |
|---|---|
| 10% | $175.51 |
| 20% | $346.95 |
🔹 30% – 60% Disability Without Children
| Dependent Status | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran Alone | $537.42 | $774.16 | $1,102.04 | $1,395.93 |
| Veteran + Spouse | $600.97 | $859.24 | $1,208.64 | $1,524.05 |
| Veteran + 1 Parent | $588.67 | $841.81 | $1,187.11 | $1,498.43 |
| Veteran + 2 Parents | $639.92 | $909.46 | $1,272.19 | $1,600.93 |
🔹 Additional Compensation for Aid & Attendance (A/A) Spouse:
📌 30%: $58.43
📌 40%: $77.90
📌 50%: $97.38
📌 60%: $116.85
🔹 70% – 100% Disability Without Children
| Dependent Status | 70% | 80% | 90% | 100% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran Alone | $1,759.19 | $2,044.89 | $2,297.96 | $3,831.30 |
| Veteran + Spouse | $1,907.81 | $2,215.04 | $2,489.63 | $4,044.91 |
| Veteran + 1 Parent | $1,879.11 | $2,181.21 | $2,451.71 | $4,002.74 |
| Veteran + 2 Parents | $1,999.04 | $2,317.54 | $2,605.46 | $4,174.18 |
🔹 Additional Compensation for Aid & Attendance (A/A) Spouse:
📌 70%: $137.35
📌 80%: $156.83
📌 90%: $176.30
📌 100%: $195.92
VA Disability Compensation for Veterans WITH Children
Veterans with dependent children receive higher benefits to support their families.
🔹 30% – 60% Disability With Children
| Dependent Status | 30% | 40% | 50% | 60% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran + Child | $579.44 | $830.54 | $1,172.76 | $1,481.00 |
| Veteran + Spouse + Child | $648.12 | $921.76 | $1,286.54 | $1,617.33 |
| Veteran + 1 Parent + Child | $630.69 | $898.19 | $1,257.84 | $1,583.50 |
| Veteran + 2 Parents + Child | $681.94 | $965.84 | $1,342.91 | $1,686.00 |
🔹 Additional Compensation for Dependents:
👶 Each child under 18: $31.78 – $63.55
🎓 Each child over 18 (in school): $102.50 – $205.00
👩⚕️ Additional A/A spouse compensation: $58.43 – $116.85
🔹 70% – 100% Disability With Children
| Dependent Status | 70% | 80% | 90% | 100% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veteran + 1 Child | $1,858.61 | $2,158.66 | $2,426.08 | $3,974.15 |
| Veteran + Spouse + Child | $2,017.49 | $2,340.09 | $2,630.06 | $4,201.34 |
| Veteran + 1 Parent + 1 Child | $1,978.54 | $2,294.99 | $2,579.83 | $4,145.59 |
| Veteran + 2 Parents + 1 Child | $2,098.46 | $2,431.31 | $2,733.58 | $4,317.03 |
🔹 Additional Compensation for Dependents:
👶 Each additional child under 18: $73.80 – $106.14
🎓 Each additional schoolchild over 18: $239.85 – $342.85
👩⚕️ Additional A/A spouse compensation: $137.35 – $195.92
When Will You See the Increase?
The 2.5% increase takes effect in January 2025. Veterans and retirees can expect higher payments in their first 2025 check.
Final Thoughts: What This Means for Veterans & Retirees
This COLA increase is a much-needed boost for veterans, military retirees, and their families, helping them keep up with rising costs of living. Whether you’re a retired service member or a disabled veteran, this increase will make a real difference in your monthly budget.
✅ Double-check your disability rating & dependent status to see how much you’ll receive.
✅ Mark your calendar for January 2025—that’s when you’ll see your increased payment.
✅ Spread the word to fellow veterans so they know about their new benefits!
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