Veterans receiving disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are seeing positive changes in their benefits this May. Thanks to the 2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) of 2.5%, many veterans will notice a larger payment hitting their accounts on May 31, 2025. While the COLA increase was modest compared to prior years, it’s still a meaningful bump—especially for those with higher disability ratings.
Why May 31 Is an Important Day for Veterans
The VA adjusts disability payments annually to keep up with inflation. The 2.5% COLA for 2025 was implemented in December 2024, but the first full monthly payment reflecting the increase hit bank accounts in January 2025. Now, with the May 31 payment, veterans will again receive the updated benefit amount, based on May’s compensation.
For some veterans, especially those with a 100% disability rating, the boost amounts to nearly $100 more per month. For example:
| Disability Rating | 2024 Monthly Benefit | 2025 Monthly Benefit | Monthly Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% (no dependents) | $3,737.85 | $3,831.30 | $93.45 |
This adjustment helps offset rising costs for essentials such as food, rent, utilities, and healthcare.
How VA Disability Compensation Is Calculated
Each veteran’s benefit is tailored to their unique situation. Two main factors determine the amount:
- Disability Rating (0% to 100%): Assigned based on the severity of service-connected conditions.
- Dependent Status: Veterans supporting a spouse, children, or parents receive additional compensation.
A veteran with a 100% disability rating and dependents may receive significantly more than someone with the same rating but no dependents.
These payments are crucial in helping veterans manage their finances and maintain stability as they cope with the long-term impacts of service-related conditions.
Understanding the VA Payment Schedule for 2025
The VA issues payments on the first business day of the month, covering the previous month’s benefit. If that day falls on a weekend or holiday, payment is made on the last business day of the prior month.
Here’s a look at the updated VA disability payment schedule for 2025:
| Month Covered | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| May | May 31, 2025 (Friday) |
| June | July 1, 2025 |
| July | August 1, 2025 |
| August | August 30, 2025 (Friday) |
| September | October 1, 2025 |
| October | November 1, 2025 |
| November | November 29, 2025 (Friday) |
| December | December 31, 2025 (Wednesday) |
Veterans should mark their calendars and monitor their accounts to ensure timely receipt of benefits.
What Veterans Should Do Now
To avoid any disruption in benefits, veterans should:
- Keep personal information updated with the VA, especially banking and mailing details.
- Review monthly deposits to confirm receipt of the adjusted amounts.
- Reach out to the VA if a payment appears late or incorrect, particularly following COLA changes or after any updates to your account.
With May 31 promising a higher payout, veterans should see some financial relief—especially those most impacted by inflation and rising living expenses.
FAQs
Will every veteran receive more money on May 31, 2025?
Yes, but the amount varies depending on your disability rating and dependent status.
Why is the May 31 VA payment larger than usual?
It reflects the 2.5% COLA that took effect at the end of 2024 and applies to May’s disability compensation.
How are VA disability ratings determined?
Ratings are based on medical evaluations and reflect the severity of service-connected disabilities.