Veterans Crisis Line: dial 988 then Press 1, or text 838255.
2026 VA Disability Compensation · effective Dec 1, 2025

100% VA Disability Pay

Veteran with Spouse and Two Children — federal monthly benefit, tax-free

Monthly compensation · 2026 rates, effective Dec 1, 2025 (2.8% COLA)
$4,428.10
$53,137.20 per year

Not taxable federal income (38 U.S.C. § 5301). Paid monthly by direct deposit, usually on the first business day of the month for the month before.

Source: VA.gov compensation rate tables (effective December 1, 2025) · Reviewed

Who this applies to

Married veteran with two dependent children under 18. VA's basic "spouse and 1 child" rate plus the added amount for one more child under 18.

All 100% amounts by dependent status

Dependent statusMonthlyYearly
Veteran alone (no dependents)$3,938.58$47,262.96
With spouse (no parents or children)$4,158.17$49,898.04
With spouse and 1 parent (no children)$4,334.41$52,012.92
With spouse and 2 parents (no children)$4,510.65$54,127.80
With 1 parent (no spouse or children)$4,114.82$49,377.84
With 2 parents (no spouse or children)$4,291.06$51,492.72
With 1 child only (no spouse or parents)$4,085.43$49,025.16
With 1 child and spouse (no parents)$4,318.99$51,827.88
With 1 child, spouse and 1 parent$4,495.23$53,942.76
With 1 child, spouse and 2 parents$4,671.47$56,057.64
With 1 child and 1 parent (no spouse)$4,261.67$51,140.04
With 1 child and 2 parents (no spouse)$4,437.91$53,254.92
With spouse and 2 children under 18$4,428.10$53,137.20

Added amounts at 100%

VA's basic "with child" rates include one child under 18. Add these amounts for each further child under 18, for each child 18-23 in school, and for a spouse who receives Aid and Attendance:

  • + $109.11/mo for each additional child under 18
  • + $352.45/mo for each child 18-23 in a qualifying school program (school children are never part of the basic rates)
  • + $201.41/mo if your spouse receives Aid and Attendance

Dependent parents are built into the basic rates in the table above (1 or 2 parents).

What a 100% rating means

  • The payment is not taxable federal income (38 U.S.C. § 5301).
  • Some needs-based programs, such as SSI and SNAP, can count it as income. Check each program's rules.
  • A 50% or higher service-connected rating puts you in VA health care Priority Group 1, the highest priority for enrollment.
  • You can get added pay for a spouse, children and dependent parents. Tell VA about them so they are added to your award.
  • A permanent and total (P&T) 100% rating can open other benefits, such as CHAMPVA health coverage and education benefits for eligible dependents. Eligibility rules apply.
  • Rates change each December 1 with the cost-of-living adjustment VA matches to Social Security.
Not yet rated? Or want to file for an increase? File VA Form 21-526EZ. Include your DD-214 and current medical evidence. A county or state veterans service officer can help you prepare and file it for free. They are typically VA-accredited representatives; ask whether the person helping you is VA-accredited. Accredited representatives cannot charge you for an initial claim.
In crisis? Call 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line — 24/7 confidential, federally-operated. Text 838255. Chat at veteranscrisisline.net.

Other dependent configs at 100%

Other ratings (veteran with spouse and two children)

How VA disability ratings combine (38 CFR 4.25)

VA uses the "whole-person theory" to combine multiple disability ratings, not simple addition. Two 50% conditions don't combine to 100% — they combine to 75% (rounded to nearest 10% = 80%). The VA Combined Ratings Table is at 38 CFR 4.25. Try the combined rating calculator. If service-connected conditions prevent you from holding "substantially gainful employment," ask about TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability) — paid at the 100% rate even if your combined rating is below 100%.

About this rate guide

These are 2026 rates, effective Dec 1, 2025 (2.8% COLA), copied from VA's published rate tables. VA decides your actual award. Always check the current table at va.gov/disability/compensation-rates/veteran-rates. See all ratings on the VA disability rates chart.