Military retirees and disabled veterans can expect a 2.8% increase in their monthly payments for 2026, following the latest Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) announced by the Social Security Administration.
This increase marks a modest bump from the 2.5% raise in 2025, continuing a steady trend after the historic 8.7% rise in 2023. The adjustment reflects inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), ensuring that retirement and disability benefits keep pace with the cost of everyday goods and services.
What the 2.8% Increase Means
- Military retirees will see an additional $28 per $1,000 in monthly pension payments.
- Retirees under the Career Status Bonus (CSB/Redux) plan will receive a smaller increase—about $18 per $1,000, due to the plan’s COLA reduction.
- Disabled veterans will see increases ranging from $4.91 monthly for a 10% rating to $107.28 monthly for a 100% rating without dependents.
- Surviving spouses receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) will also receive a 2.8% increase.
This adjustment also benefits civil service retirees and Social Security recipients, who will receive an average of $57 more per month in 2026.
For military families and veterans living in Colorado Springs and across the nation, these increases offer welcome relief against inflationary pressures.
If you or your loved one receives VA or military retirement benefits, now is a good time to review your financial plan for 2026 and ensure your benefits align with your overall goals.
Source: Military.com – Here Is the 2026 Pay Raise for Disabled Veterans and Military Retirees
