The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is placing into effect what is popularly known as Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) on all veterans` service-connected disability compensation with respect to 2025. This increase shall entail additional monthly grants of $94 for veterans who are rated as completely disabled (100%) from service-connected injuries or conditions. The new payment rates will take effect on April 1, 2025.
Through the VA Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), annual increases are made in the monthly disability benefits provided for veterans to keep the monthly benefits in line with inflation and the rising cost of living. The changes are triggered by the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), which captures changes in price for a variety of items in a specific basket of goods and services. Since the adjustments are based on inflation, it means that a veteran’s finances and purchasing power do not suffer degradation because of this measure by the VA.
The overview on VA Cost of Living 2025
| Department | United States Department of Veterans Affairs |
|---|---|
| Increase in VA Disability Benefits | Up to $94 per month |
| Updated Monthly Payment for 100% Disability Rating | $3,831.30 |
| Payment Date | Tuesday, April 1, 2025 |
| Category | Government Aid |
| Official Website | https://www.va.gov/ |
How Much More Will Veterans Get from the Increase?
The exact amount received by any veteran will depend on his or her assigned disability percentage. Below is a breakdown of the new VA compensation rates in 2025:
| Disability Rating | 2024 Monthly Payment | 2025 Monthly Payment (2.5% Increase) | Increase |
| 10% | $171.23 | $175.51 | $4.28 |
| 30% | $524.31 | $537.42 | $13.11 |
| 50% | $1,075.16 | $1,101.04 | $25.88 |
| 70% | $1,716.28 | $1,759.19 | $42.91 |
| 100% (No Dependents) | $3,737.00 | $3,831.30 | $94.30 |
Eligibility for the VA COLA Increase
Thus, the COLA increase is automatically applied to all veterans receiving VA disability compensation. No application is necessary as the VA will automatically adjust payments.
This increase is also applicable to the following groups:
| Benefit Month | Payment Date |
| March 2025 | April 1, 2025 |
| April 2025 | May 1, 2025 |
| May 2025 | June 3, 2025 (due to a weekend) |
| June 2025 | July 1, 2025 |
If either falls on the weekend or federal holiday, the pay date moves to the previous business day when applicable.
How to Check Your Updated VA Benefits
Veterans can verify their updated VA disability benefits in a variety of ways:
- VA.gov Account – Log in to VA.gov to view your payment details.
- VA Health and Benefits Mobile App – Check benefits history and updates on the go from your smartphone.
- Bank Account Statement – Monitor direct deposits to confirm the updated payment.
- VA Benefits Hotline – Call 1-800-827-1000 for help or questions about payments.
- Survivors receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
- Military retirees receiving Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP)
- Veterans receiving Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
VA Payment Schedule After COLA Increase
VA disability benefits are typically paid on the first business day of the month to cover the benefits received in the previous month. Below is the payment schedule for the first few months of 2025
Final Thoughts
The 2025 CLVA increase will ensure that benefits escalate along with inflation for veterans, allowing for stable finances. The raise will include up to $94 a month in eligible cases, which will take effect with payments scheduled for April 1, 2025. Veterans should log into their VA accounts, check their mobile apps, or watch direct deposit statements to keep abreast of changes.
Be sure to contact the VA Benefits Hotline for any inquiries regarding your eligibility and payment matters.
FAQs
Q.1. What is the $94 VA Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2025?
A. The VA COLA is an annual increase in disability benefits based on inflation. In 2025, veterans with a 100% disability rating will see an increase of up to $94 per month due to a 2.5% COLA adjustment.
Q.2. Who is eligible for the VA COLA increase in 2025?
A. All veterans currently receiving VA disability compensation are eligible. Additionally, military retirees receiving Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP), survivors receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), and those receiving Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) will also receive the increase.
Q.3. Do veterans need to apply for the COLA increase?
A. No, the COLA adjustment is automatically applied to monthly VA disability payments. Veterans do not need to take any action to receive the increase.
Q.4. When will the increased payments start?
A. The new COLA-adjusted payments will begin on April 1, 2025, covering benefits for March 2025.
Q.5. How is the VA COLA calculated?
A. The COLA is based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). The adjustment ensures VA benefits keep up with inflation and maintain purchasing power.