2027 COLA update (October 28, 2026): The Social Security Administration announced a 3.6% COLA on October 14, 2026. VA's disability compensation COLA generally follows the corresponding Social Security percentage, but official VA compensation rate tables showing final dollar amounts for 2027 have not been independently verified as published at this fact-check date. Until VA publishes them, dollar values below are illustrative estimates, not official benefit amounts.
Important: The regular 2026 VA compensation rates remain published by VA at VA.gov. This independent site does not issue VA benefits or award decisions.
Estimated 2027 VA disability compensation rate chart
ESTIMATED - NOT OFFICIAL. Illustrative calculation: official 2026 base amount multiplied by 1.036, rounded to the nearest cent for display only. The final 2027 VA tables may differ because of statutory requirements, individual rate components, rounding, and dependent-specific adjustments. Do not use these numbers for billing, legal entitlements or financial commitments.
| VA disability rating | Veteran alone (est.) | Spouse, no children or parents (est.) | Spouse + one child, no parents (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $186.92 | Same as veteran alone | Same as veteran alone |
| 20% | $369.50 | Same as veteran alone | Same as veteran alone |
| 30% | $572.36 | $639.70 | $690.46 |
| 40% | $824.49 | $914.62 | $981.96 |
| 50% | $1,173.68 | $1,286.61 | $1,370.52 |
| 60% | $1,486.68 | $1,622.40 | $1,722.89 |
| 70% | $1,873.55 | $2,032.06 | $2,149.13 |
| 80% | $2,177.83 | $2,359.13 | $2,492.77 |
| 90% | $2,447.34 | $2,651.43 | $2,801.65 |
| 100% | $4,080.37 | $4,307.86 | $4,474.47 |
At 10% and 20%, VA does not add dependent compensation. Other dependent combinations, SMC and additional allowances are not estimated in this summary. Check VA's official tables for final amounts when published; the estimates here will remain labeled until those values have been verified.
When do the 2027 VA compensation rates take effect?
The prior 2026 VA rates became effective December 1, 2025, as published by VA. The 2027 compensation adjustment is expected to apply from December 1, 2026, subject to the authoritative implementing legal and VA documentation. That means the benefit for December 2026, normally deposited at the end of December 2026, is expected to reflect the new rate once effective. Calendar-year payment dates and annual rates must not be mixed.
Expected 2027 VA disability payment schedule
The benefit month and deposit date are different. VA generally pays recurring benefits after the benefit month, on the first of the following month or the preceding business day if necessary. This schedule is calculated from the VBA recurring pattern and OPM holidays; it is not a separately published VA 2027 calendar.
| Benefit month | Expected regular VA deposit date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| January 2027 | February 1, 2027 | Monday |
| February 2027 | March 1, 2027 | Monday |
| March 2027 | April 1, 2027 | Thursday |
| April 2027 | April 30, 2027 | Friday |
| May 2027 | June 1, 2027 | Tuesday |
| June 2027 | July 1, 2027 | Thursday |
| July 2027 | July 30, 2027 | Friday |
| August 2027 | September 1, 2027 | Wednesday |
| September 2027 | October 1, 2027 | Friday |
| October 2027 | November 1, 2027 | Monday |
| November 2027 | December 1, 2027 | Wednesday |
| December 2027 | December 30, 2027 | Thursday |
Year-end clarification: December 2026 compensation is expected to deposit December 31, 2026, because January 1, 2027 is a holiday. December 2027 compensation is expected to deposit December 30, 2027, because December 31 is the observed 2028 New Year's holiday. These two different payments must not be conflated.
How the 3.6% COLA affects estimated payments
The official SSA 3.6% announcement determines the percentage used for the annual increase, but it is not a complete VA dollar table by dependent category. Using a single percentage on the full 2026 payment produces an approximation, not an official award calculation. Compare any projected amount with the official VA table and your award letter when those are available.
VA rating calculator: which year does it use?
The VA Pay Calc calculator uses verified 2026 compensation rates. The combined-rating calculation (VA Math) is separate from the dollar amounts associated with an annual payment table. Illustrative 2027 amounts on this page are not used in that calculator. For confirmed compensation, see 2026 VA disability rates and payment dates.
USAA and Navy Federal early direct deposits
The dates above are regular expected VA payment dates, not promised bank posting dates. USAA may make qualifying government benefits available early depending on funds notification; Navy Federal publishes military-pay schedules that should not be substituted for VA disability dates. See VA payment dates and early direct deposits for detailed bank notes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the announced 2027 COLA percentage?
The Social Security Administration announced 3.6% on October 14, 2026. The percentage alone does not establish every final VA payment amount.
Are the projected 2027 dollar amounts official?
No. Every projected amount in the table is an approximation until checked against a published official VA 2027 compensation table.
Are 2027 VA ratings themselves increased by 3.6%?
No. COLA changes compensation dollar amounts, not the veteran's disability rating percentage.
Is January 2027's benefit paid in January?
The recurring benefit for January 2027 is expected on February 1, 2027. Separately, December 2026 benefits are expected to be deposited on December 31, 2026.
Does USAA or Navy Federal guarantee a deposit earlier than the regular date?
No; any early posting depends on the bank, the account and incoming payment information.