PERSONAL FINANCE
Personal Finance

VA Benefits Increase May 2025: Are you eligible for an extra $100 in your deposit?

The 2025 COLA was a relief for VA benefit recipients.

VA benefit recipients will receive good news with their April payment.
VA benefit recipients will receive good news with their April payment.LAPRESSE

The 2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) has brought much-needed relief to VA benefit recipients.

This annual adjustment resulted in a 2.5% increase in disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Individual benefits varied, with increases ranging from $5 to $111 per month.

How VA benefits are determined

The amount each veteran receives depends on their disability rating, which the VA assigns after approving an application. Additionally, monthly compensation is tied to the beneficiary's family situation-a single veteran with no children receives less than one ing a dependent spouse, parents, and children.

Because inflation erodes purchasing power, the COLA aims to ensure benefits keep pace with rising costs. While the 2025 increase was the smallest in five years, it remained a lifeline for those relying on VA benefits.

Who will receive almost $100 extra?

The COLA took effect in December 2024, impacting pension amounts differently. For instance, a veteran with a 100% disability rating and no dependents saw their compensation rise from $3,737.85 in 2024 to $3,831.30 in 2025-an increase of $93.45 per month.

Beneficiaries will receive their April payment on Thursday, May 1, reflecting the COLA increase. If you're eligible, watch your bank -good news is on the way.

VA benefits payment schedule for 2025

VA disability benefits are usually paid on the first business day of the following month. If that day falls on a weekend or federal holiday, payments are issued on the last business day of the prior month.

Here's the remaining payment schedule for 2025:

  • 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
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