Veterans, your money just got a nice bump! Thanks to the 2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) of 2.5%, every VA disability check is bigger starting December 2024 payments. Whether you’re rated 10% or 100%, have a spouse and kids, or qualify for extra Special Monthly Compensation (SMC), this guide shows exactly how much extra hits your bank each month. No confusing government talk—just plain English, clear tables, and real numbers you can count on. Let’s uncover your new 2025 VA pay rates and make sure you’re getting every dollar you’ve earned.
What Is the 2025 COLA Increase and Why It Matters to You
Every year, the Social Security Administration sets a COLA percentage to help benefits keep up with rising prices for food, gas, and medicine. For 2025, that raise is 2.5%—the same increase Social Security recipients get. The VA automatically applied this boost to all disability payments starting with the check you received on December 31, 2024 (that was your January 2025 money).
That 2.5% might sound small, but it adds up fast:
- A 100% disabled veteran now pockets an extra $94+ per month — over $1,100 more per year.
- A 50% veteran with a family sees an extra $40–$60 monthly.
This is automatic—no forms, no waiting in line. The VA did it for you.
2025 VA Disability Pay Chart – How Much You Get Each Month
Here are the official 2025 monthly rates (effective December 1, 2024 payments). All amounts are tax-free!
Basic Rates for Veterans with No Dependents
| Disability Rating | 2025 Monthly Pay | Extra vs 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $171.23 | +$4.21 |
| 20% | $338.49 | +$8.31 |
| 30% | $524.31 | +$12.87 |
| 40% | $755.28 | +$18.53 |
| 50% | $1,075.16 | +$26.38 |
| 60% | $1,361.88 | +$33.41 |
| 70% | $1,759.19 | +$43.17 |
| 80% | $2,044.89 | +$50.20 |
| 90% | $2,297.96 | +$56.43 |
| 100% | $3,831.30 | +$94.00 |
Extra Pay When You Have a Spouse or Kids (30%–100% only)
| Your Rating | Spouse Only | Spouse + 1 Child | Each Additional Child Under 18 | Child 18–23 in School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30% | +$137 | +$211 | +$74 | +$137 |
| 50% | +$189 | +$310 | +$105 | +$189 |
| 70% | +$225 | +$380 | +$137 | +$225 |
| 100% | +$189–$400+ | +$500–$600+ | +$105–$310 | +$400+ |
Example: A 70% disabled vet with a wife and two school-age kids now gets about $2,200+ per month instead of $2,150+ last year.
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) – Extra for Severe Disabilities
If you lost limbs, are blind, or need daily help, you get SMC on top of regular pay. Some common 2025 SMC levels:
| SMC Level | Monthly Extra (2025) | Common Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| SMC-K | +$137–$550 | Loss of use of a hand, foot, or reproductive organ |
| SMC-L | +$1,000+ | Need Aid & Attendance (someone helps you daily) |
| SMC-R | +$2,000+ | Need a higher level of care |
| SMC-S | +$400 | 100% + housebound (can’t leave home much) |
When Do You Get Paid? 2025 VA Payment Calendar
VA always pays on the first business day of the month for the previous month—or the last day of the prior month if the 1st falls on a weekend/holiday.
| Month You’re Paid For | Date Money Hits Your Account |
|---|---|
| January 2025 | December 31, 2024 |
| February | January 31, 2025 |
| March | February 28, 2025 |
| April | April 1, 2025 |
| May | May 1, 2025 |
| June | May 30, 2025 (June 1 is Sunday) |
| July | July 1, 2025 |
| August | August 1, 2025 |
| September | August 29, 2025 (Labor Day shift) |
| October | October 1, 2025 |
| November | October 31, 2025 |
| December | December 1, 2025 |
Direct deposit = same-day cash. Paper checks can take 5–10 extra days.
Simple Glossary – VA Words Made Easy
| Term | What It Really Means |
|---|---|
| COLA | Cost-of-Living Adjustment – the yearly raise so your check doesn’t lose buying power. |
| Disability Rating | A percentage (10–100%) showing how much your service-connected conditions affect you. |
| SMC | Special Monthly Compensation – bonus money for very serious injuries. |
| Aid & Attendance (A&A) | Extra cash if you or your spouse needs help with daily tasks like bathing or dressing. |
| Dependent | Your spouse, kids under 18 (or 23 if in college), or parents you support. |
How to Make Sure You’re Getting the Right Amount
- Log into VA.gov or eBenefits → “Payment History” shows your exact rate.
- Check your latest VA award letter (mailed or downloadable).
- Call 1-800-827-1000 if something looks off—they’ll fix it fast.
- File for an increase if your conditions worsened—many veterans are under-rated.
Free help is everywhere: Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) at DAV, VFW, American Legion, or county offices will review your claim at no cost.
Real-Life Impact: What the Extra Money Means
A 100% disabled Marine in Texas used his $94 monthly boost to finally fix the family car. A 60% Air Force vet in Florida now covers her granddaughter’s braces without stress. Small increases, big relief—especially when medicine and rent keep climbing.
Final Word: You Earned This – Enjoy Every Penny
The 2025 2.5% COLA raise is the VA’s way of saying “thank you” while helping you stay ahead of inflation. From $171 at 10% to over $4,500+ with SMC and dependents, your new rates are locked in and growing. Check your December 31 deposit—you’ll already see the difference.