Veterans across the United States are receiving higher monthly disability payments this May, with some seeing nearly $100 more in their direct deposits. The increase comes as a result of the 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) implemented by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for 2025.
A 2.5% COLA Boost Now Reflected in May 2025 Payments
The Department of Veterans Affairs applied a 2.5% COLA to VA disability compensation payments, effective from December 1, 2024. While the adjustment technically began months ago, it is now clearly visible in the May 2025 payments distributed to eligible veterans on May 1.
This increase was part of a broader federal initiative to adjust government benefits in response to inflation. Veterans receiving VA disability compensation are among the beneficiaries of this yearly recalibration, which is tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
According to the VA’s official disability compensation rates, this 2.5% increase means that veterans may receive anywhere from $5 to more than $100 extra per month, depending on their disability rating and family status.
Who’s Getting the Extra $100?
Veterans with a 100% disability rating and no dependents are now receiving $3,831.30 per month, an increase of $93.45 from the 2024 rate of $3,737.85.
For veterans with dependents or more complex needs, the increase is even more substantial. For instance:
- A veteran rated 100% with a spouse and one child is now receiving $4,201.35 monthly.
- Veterans eligible for Aid and Attendance benefits, or those supporting multiple children, may see monthly increases exceeding $100.
To calculate your exact compensation amount, the VA offers a detailed compensation rate chart on their official site:
👉 VA Compensation Rate Tables (2025)
VA Payment Dates for 2025
VA disability payments are issued on the first business day of each month. If the first falls on a weekend or holiday, payments are processed the prior business day. Here’s a breakdown of the upcoming 2025 schedule:
| Benefit Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| May | May 31, 2025 |
| June | July 1, 2025 |
| July | August 1, 2025 |
| August | August 30, 2025 |
| September | October 1, 2025 |
| October | November 1, 2025 |
| November | November 29, 2025 |
| December | December 31, 2025 |
How to Check Your Payment or Disability Status
To verify your updated benefits or check eligibility, veterans are encouraged to log into the VA.gov portal. There, you can:
- View your monthly disability payments
- Check your disability rating
- Manage dependent information
- Access past benefit letters and documents
If you do not see your increased amount or suspect an issue with your May deposit, the VA recommends waiting three additional business days before contacting them, as per their standard payment delay policy.
What to Do If You Haven’t Received the Increase
If you believe you’re eligible for a COLA-related increase but haven’t noticed any changes:
- Log in to your VA.gov account
- Check your benefit payment history
- Compare current and previous months
- Contact the VA at 800-827-1000 if discrepancies remain
Note: Adjustments for dependents or new claims might take additional time to reflect in your monthly benefits.
More Than Just Disability Pay
In addition to disability compensation, the 2.5% COLA also applies to other VA-managed programs such as:
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
- Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
- VA Pension Programs
Veterans receiving multiple forms of compensation may notice the COLA impact across each program.
Final Thoughts
The VA’s COLA adjustment is a welcome change for millions of veterans who rely on disability compensation to support themselves and their families. As inflation continues to impact daily expenses, the 2.5% increase helps ensure that veterans’ purchasing power remains stable in 2025.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
Vikas Lalit is an experienced content writer at OTE News, covering business, economy, and international affairs. With a degree in Journalism, he combines analytical thinking with engaging storytelling to deliver well-researched updates. Vikas is passionate about uncovering underreported stories that impact readers.
Outside of work, he enjoys playing chess, following cricket, and writing short stories. His commitment to integrity and in-depth analysis strengthens OTE News’ mission of providing trustworthy journalism.
