2026 monthly compensation by rating & dependents
Dependent amounts apply only at 30% and above. All rates are tax-free.
| Rating | Veteran alone | With spouse | Spouse + 1 child | 1 parent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100% | $3,938.58 | $4,158.17 | $4,318.99 | $4,114.82 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 | $2,559.30 | $2,704.30 | $2,520.30 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 | $2,277.15 | $2,406.15 | $2,242.15 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 | $1,961.45 | $2,074.45 | $1,931.45 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 | $1,566.02 | $1,663.02 | $1,540.02 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | $1,241.90 | $1,322.90 | $1,220.90 |
| 40% | $795.84 | $882.84 | $947.84 | $865.84 |
| 30% | $552.47 | $617.47 | $666.47 | $604.47 |
| 20% | $356.66 | — | — | — |
| 10% | $180.42 | — | — | — |
Add these for each extra dependent (30%+)
Add on top of the base rate above for each additional dependent.
| Rating | Each child under 18 | Each child 18-23 in school | Each dependent parent | Spouse w/ Aid & Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30% | $32.00 | $105.00 | $52.00 | $61.00 |
| 40% | $43.00 | $140.00 | $70.00 | $81.00 |
| 50% | $54.00 | $176.00 | $88.00 | $101.00 |
| 60% | $65.00 | $211.00 | $105.00 | $121.00 |
| 70% | $76.00 | $246.00 | $123.00 | $141.00 |
| 80% | $87.00 | $281.00 | $140.00 | $161.00 |
| 90% | $98.00 | $317.00 | $158.00 | $181.00 |
| 100% | $109.11 | $352.45 | $176.24 | $201.41 |
2026 VA payment dates
Each month's benefits are paid on the first business day of the following month — moved earlier when that day is a weekend or federal holiday.
| Benefit month | Payment date |
|---|---|
| January 2026 | Friday, January 30, 2026 |
| February 2026 | Friday, February 27, 2026 |
| March 2026 | Wednesday, April 1, 2026 |
| April 2026 | Friday, May 1, 2026 |
| May 2026 | Monday, June 1, 2026 |
| June 2026 | Wednesday, July 1, 2026 |
| July 2026 | Friday, July 31, 2026 |
| August 2026 | Tuesday, September 1, 2026 |
| September 2026 | Thursday, October 1, 2026 |
| October 2026 | Friday, October 30, 2026 |
| November 2026 | Tuesday, December 1, 2026 |
| December 2026 | Thursday, December 31, 2026 |
Common questions
When does the VA pay? Each month's benefits post on the first business day of the next month (earlier if that's a weekend/holiday).
Is it taxable? No — VA disability compensation is tax-free, federal and state.
2026 COLA? 2.8%, effective Dec 1, 2025.
When are dependents added? Only at a combined rating of 30% or higher.
Want the exact dollar figure for your situation — or what you're owed in back pay?
Disability Calculator → Back Pay Calculator →2026 rates effective December 1, 2025 (2.8% COLA), from va.gov/disability/compensation-rates. Payment dates follow the VA's first-business-day rule. Estimates for planning — confirm your exact amount at VA.gov. US Vet Help is not affiliated with the VA and does not file claims.