How to Claim Your Increase

In 2025, veterans, their families, and survivors will see a significant change in their VA benefits, thanks to a $94 increase in monthly payments. This boost, driven by the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), is aimed at helping beneficiaries keep up with inflation and the rising cost of living. For those who rely on VA benefits, this adjustment will provide much-needed financial relief.

What is the COLA Increase for VA Beneficiaries?

The COLA is an annual adjustment made to benefits to ensure recipients maintain purchasing power as the cost of goods and services rise. It’s based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which tracks inflation. In 2025, veterans will see a 3.0% increase, which translates to an average $94 more each month. This adjustment applies to various types of benefits provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), including disability compensation, pensions, and survivor benefits.

How the $94 COLA Increase Will Impact VA Benefits

This $94 increase will affect several key types of VA benefits, ensuring that veterans and their families can keep up with rising costs:

• VA Disability Compensation: Veterans receiving disability compensation for service-related injuries or illnesses will see their benefits increase by $94 per month. The exact amount varies based on the veteran’s disability rating and whether they have dependents.
• VA Pensions: Veterans who qualify for pension benefits due to low income will also see the COLA increase. These benefits are designed to help veterans who need additional financial support, and the increase aims to ease the burden of rising costs for those with limited resources.
• Survivor Benefits: Family members of veterans, including spouses, children, and dependent parents who receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) or other survivor benefits, will also see the $94 increase.
• Other VA Assistance Programs: Veterans who receive additional services, such as the Aid and Attendance and Housebound Benefits, will also see their payments reflect the COLA adjustment, helping them stay financially secure as costs rise.

When Will the $94 COLA Increase Be Paid?

The COLA increase will officially take effect on January 1, 2025. However, the new payment amounts will be reflected in the February 2025 check. The VA distributes monthly payments, so you can expect to see the adjusted payment amount starting that month.

The best part is that you don’t need to take any additional steps to claim the increase. If you’re already a VA beneficiary, the COLA adjustment will be applied automatically to your monthly benefits.

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How to Ensure You Receive the COLA Increase

While the COLA increase will be applied automatically, it’s important to take a few steps to ensure you are receiving the correct amount:

1. File Your Taxes: The VA uses your tax returns and other financial information to determine your eligibility for benefits. It’s crucial to file your taxes on time so that the VA has the most up-to-date information on your income and dependents.
2. Keep Your Information Updated: If you’ve recently moved, changed bank accounts, or had changes in your dependents, be sure to update your information with the VA. This can be done through the VA.gov website or by contacting the VA customer service department.
3. Check Your Payment: Once you receive your February 2025 payment, verify that the $94 increase has been applied. You can check your payment details through the VA.gov portal or review your payment statement sent via direct deposit or check.

What to Do If Your Payment Doesn’t Reflect the $94 Increase

In the rare event that you don’t see the $94 increase in your February 2025 payment, there are a few steps you can take:

• Log Into VA.gov: Check your payment history and benefits statement on the VA’s website to confirm whether the COLA adjustment has been applied.
• Contact the VA: If you notice a discrepancy or if the increase hasn’t been applied, contact the VA customer service team for assistance. They will help resolve any issues and ensure the COLA adjustment is processed correctly.
• Appeal the Decision: If customer service is unable to resolve the issue, you can file an appeal with the VA to review and correct your benefits.

Why the COLA Increase Matters for Veterans

The $94 COLA increase is particularly significant in today’s economic climate, where inflation is impacting everything from food prices to healthcare costs. Many veterans rely on their VA benefits to cover essential expenses, including housing, healthcare, and transportation. This increase provides financial relief and ensures that veterans aren’t left struggling with rising costs.

Furthermore, the COLA increase ensures that veterans’ benefits remain in line with inflation, helping to preserve the purchasing power of their monthly payments. This adjustment is vital for maintaining the standard of living for veterans who have already given so much in service to their country.

Final Thoughts

The $94 COLA increase for VA beneficiaries in 2025 is a welcome financial boost for veterans, their families, and survivors. Veterans and their families don’t need to take any action to receive the increase – it will be automatically applied starting in February 2025, so long as you’re already receiving VA benefits.

If you are new to VA benefits or need assistance, make sure to file a claim with the VA to start receiving your benefits, including the COLA adjustment. For current beneficiaries, keep your information up-to-date and check your February payment to ensure the increase has been applied.

This COLA increase is just one of the many ways the VA is working to support veterans in a rapidly changing economic landscape. By providing this increase, the VA is helping veterans and their families navigate the rising costs of living with greater financial security in 2025 and beyond.