Veteran Pensions and Survivor Pay Get 2.8% Cost-of-Living Increase
Published Date: 2/17/2026
Notice
Summary
Starting December 1, 2025, veterans and their families receiving pensions or Parents' Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) will see a 2.8% boost in their benefits. This increase matches the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment, helping keep up with rising living costs. If you’re a veteran, survivor, or parent getting these benefits, expect a little extra in your pocket soon!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
2.8% COLA for VA Pensions and DIC
Starting December 1, 2025, VA increased Pension and Parents' Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) rates and related income limits by 2.8%, matching the Social Security Administration's announced COLA of 2.8%. This adjustment applies to the Pension and Parents' DIC programs.
Updated Maximum Veteran Pension Rates
VA updated maximum annual Pension rates effective December 1, 2025. Examples: permanently and totally disabled veteran with no dependents $17,441; with one dependent $22,839; aid-and-attendance veteran with no dependents $29,093; housebound veteran with no dependents $21,313. For each additional dependent add $2,984. Two-veteran combined and other combined rates are also listed.
Higher Survivor Pension Rates
Effective December 1, 2025, VA increased maximum annual Pension rates for survivor beneficiaries. Examples: surviving spouse alone $11,699; surviving spouse with one child $15,311; surviving spouse needing aid and attendance $18,697; surviving child alone $2,984. Additional child amounts of $2,984 apply and housebound/special survivor rates are listed.
Updated Pension Income and Net-Worth Limits
VA updated entitlement-related limits effective December 1, 2025: the net worth limit for pension entitlement is $163,699; Section 306 income limitations include $19,836 for a veteran or surviving spouse with no dependents and $26,663 for veteran or surviving spouse with one or more dependents; Old-Law limits include $17,372 (no dependents) and $25,033 (with dependents).
Parents' DIC Rates, Income Rules, and Add‑Ons
Effective December 1, 2025, Parents' DIC monthly rates and income-reduction formulas were updated: one parent rate $842 (reduced by $0.08 per $1 of annual income over $800 up to specified ranges), one-of-two-parents rate $611 (reduced by $0.08 per $1 over $800 up to ranges), parents living together rate $576 (reduced by $0.08 per $1 over $1,000 up to ranges). No Parents' DIC is payable if annual income exceeds $19,836 for certain cases and $26,663 in others. Aid and attendance adds $458 to the monthly rate when applicable. The minimum monthly DIC payable to any parent is $5.
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