It is finally here. If you’ve been checking your bank account this month, you probably noticed the number looks a little different. Not massive, but different. The Social Security Administration officially locked in a 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026, and since VA math is tethered to those same inflation numbers, your disability check just got a bump.
Honestly, the "with spouse" part is where things usually get confusing for people. I see it all the time in veteran forums—someone with a 10% rating asking why they aren't getting extra for their wife or husband.
Here is the quick reality check: The VA doesn't pay a cent for dependents if your rating is 10% or 20%. You basically have to hit that 30% threshold before the "VA disability pay chart 2026 with spouse" actually matters to your wallet. Once you cross that line, the VA acknowledges that you aren't just supporting yourself; you’re supporting a household.
Why 2.8% Feels Different in 2026
Inflation has been a wild ride lately. While a 2.8% raise might seem small compared to the massive jumps we saw a couple of years ago, it is actually higher than the 2.5% increase from 2025. It’s the government’s way of trying to keep your head above water while eggs and rent continue to climb.
The new rates technically went into effect on December 1, 2025. But, because the VA pays in "arrears" (which is just a fancy way of saying they pay you for the month that just passed), that first bigger check didn't actually land until the end of December or the first week of January 2026.
Breaking Down the Numbers: Veteran + Spouse Only
If you are married but don't have kids at home or dependent parents, your 2026 monthly payment is going to look like this. I’ve laid it out clearly so you can see the jump at each level.
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30% Disability Rating
At 30%, a veteran alone gets $552.47. Add a spouse into the mix? That number jumps to **$617.80**. It’s about a $65 difference, which isn't life-changing, but it covers a tank of gas or a few bags of groceries.
40% Disability Rating
For those at 40%, the "with spouse" rate is $883.30. Compare that to the $795.84 you'd get if you were single.
50% Disability Rating
Now we’re getting into the four-figure territory. A 50% rated veteran with a spouse now brings in $1,242.48 per month.
60% Disability Rating
At 60%, the rate with a spouse sits at $1,566.73.
70% Disability Rating
This is a big jump. A 70% rating with a spouse gets you $1,961.23.
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80% Disability Rating
For 80%, you’re looking at $2,277.06 monthly.
90% Disability Rating
Getting closer to that total disability mark, the 90% rate with a spouse is $2,559.34.
100% Disability Rating
This is the big one. If you are 100% P&T or just rated at 100% schedular, a veteran with a spouse is now receiving $4,158.17 every single month. That is a significant jump from the 2025 rate of $4,044.91.
The "SMC" Wildcard
If your spouse requires "Aid and Attendance"—meaning they need help with daily living activities like bathing or dressing because of a disability—you can actually get an even higher amount. For a 100% disabled veteran, having a spouse who needs Aid and Attendance adds an extra $201.41 to that monthly check. Even at the 30% level, it adds about $60.07.
Don't Forget the "Invisible" Benefits of the Spouse Rate
Having your spouse on your award isn't just about the monthly cash. It’s about "Dependency and Indemnity Compensation" (DIC) protection. If a veteran dies from a service-connected condition, the spouse may be eligible for DIC. For 2026, the base DIC rate for surviving spouses has jumped to $1,699.36.
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If the veteran was 100% disabled for at least eight years prior to their death and the spouse was married to them during that whole time, there’s an extra "8-year provision" bump of $360.85.
Common Mistakes Veterans Make
- Not Reporting a Divorce: If you split up and don't tell the VA, they will eventually find out. When they do, they’ll claw back every cent of that "spouse" money you weren't entitled to. It creates a "debt" that they’ll just suck out of your future checks.
- Forgetting to Add a New Spouse: If you get married, the VA doesn't magically know. You have to file VA Form 21-686c. Do it immediately. They will usually backpay you to the date of the marriage if you file within a year.
- Assuming 10% Includes a Spouse: I'll say it again because it's the most common gripe—10% and 20% ratings are "flat" rates. There is no extra money for wives, husbands, or kids at those levels.
How to Verify Your 2026 Pay
You shouldn't just take my word for it. Log into your VA.gov account or the VA Health and Benefits app. Look at your "Benefit Summary and Service Verification" letter. It should already reflect the 2.8% increase and show your current dependency status.
If you see "Veteran Alone" but you've been married for ten years, you are leaving thousands of dollars on the table.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your latest deposit: Compare your January 2026 payment to your November 2025 payment. It should be exactly 2.8% higher.
- Update your dependents: If you had a change in marital status, use the VA’s online portal to update it today. This is the fastest way to fix your pay.
- Audit your rating: If your conditions have worsened and you are stuck at 20%, you are missing out on the spousal benefit entirely. It might be time to file for an increase.
- Keep your spouse informed: Make sure your husband or wife knows where your VA paperwork is. If something happens to you, they need to know how to transition to DIC benefits.
The 2026 COLA isn't a windfall, but it's a necessary adjustment in an expensive world. Make sure you're getting every penny you earned.