50% VA Disability Pay
Veteran with Spouse and Two Children — federal monthly benefit, tax-free
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 50% amounts by dependent status
| Dependent status | Monthly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| Veteran alone (no dependents) | $1,132.90 | $13,594.80 |
| With spouse (no parents or children) | $1,241.90 | $14,902.80 |
| With spouse and 1 parent (no children) | $1,329.90 | $15,958.80 |
| With spouse and 2 parents (no children) | $1,417.90 | $17,014.80 |
| With 1 parent (no spouse or children) | $1,220.90 | $14,650.80 |
| With 2 parents (no spouse or children) | $1,308.90 | $15,706.80 |
| With 1 child only (no spouse or parents) | $1,205.90 | $14,470.80 |
| With 1 child and spouse (no parents) | $1,322.90 | $15,874.80 |
| With 1 child, spouse and 1 parent | $1,410.90 | $16,930.80 |
| With 1 child, spouse and 2 parents | $1,498.90 | $17,986.80 |
| With 1 child and 1 parent (no spouse) | $1,293.90 | $15,526.80 |
| With 1 child and 2 parents (no spouse) | $1,381.90 | $16,582.80 |
| With spouse and 2 children under 18 | $1,376.90 | $16,522.80 |
Added amounts at 50%
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:
- + $54.00/mo for each additional child under 18
- + $176.00/mo for each child 18-23 in a qualifying school program (school children are never part of the basic rates)
- + $101.00/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 50% 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.
- Rates change each December 1 with the cost-of-living adjustment VA matches to Social Security.
Other dependent configs at 50%
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.