VA COLA Increase 2025 Date: The annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) will mean that veterans who get monthly disability payments will get more money in 2025.
This change will make sure that your VA disability benefits keep up with the cost of living, which will help you buy things you need even as prices rise.
When will the increase in VA COLA become operative?
Starting in 2025, VA benefits, including disability compensation, will officially increase.
Payments reflecting the new rates will begin on January 1, 2025. This increase is based on the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) percentage, which comes from annual inflation trends.
VA Benefits Chapter 36: What are the benefits and how to use them?
Currently, a 2.6% increase is estimated, but this amount may change before the official announcement, which is expected in October 2024.
Your current benefit will be raised by the estimated 2.6%. For example, if your VA disability payment is about $3,600 per month now, the adjustment could increase it to about $3,690 per month, adding an extra $90.
That adds up to over $1,000 a year.
While it might not seem like a lot, every little bit helps with the rising costs of housing, food, and utilities. The COLA increase aims to make sure veterans’ benefits keep up with inflation.
By maintaining your purchasing power, this adjustment helps you avoid taking on too much debt for essential needs. Although it won’t make you rich, the boost is meant to help cover necessities, allowing you to manage daily expenses without constant financial worry.
Which VA programs will be impacted?
The COLA increase will affect a variety of VA benefit programs, including:
- VA Monthly Compensation
- VA Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
- VA Pension
- VA Survivors Pension
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
- Medal of Honor Pension
- VA Clothing Allowance
- VA Automobile Allowance
Your January 2025 payment will show the updated rates if you are eligible for any of these benefits.
A Guide to Starting an HVAC Business in USA Market
You should expect to receive your first increased payment at the beginning of 2025, even though the precise COLA percentage won’t be known until later this month.
Recall that your benefits will continue to be paid at the current rate for the remaining months of 2024.
You should have a little extra relief to help you deal with inflation and growing living expenses once the COLA adjustment takes effect.