Good news is coming for many U.S. veterans this May. Starting this month, you might notice a little extra in your VA benefits deposit — and for some, that could be as much as $100 more than usual. This isn’t a one-time bonus or special stimulus, but a result of updated calculations to monthly VA payments.
The change is driven by annual cost-of-living adjustments and updates to disability compensation rates, and it’s part of a broader effort by the Department of Veterans Affairs to keep veterans’ benefits in line with today’s economic conditions.
Why Are Payments Going Up Now?
Each year, the VA adjusts benefits to reflect the cost of living — kind of like a financial check-in to make sure payments keep up with inflation. That’s known as the COLA, or Cost-of-Living Adjustment. While the main COLA increase usually kicks in at the start of the year, some updates roll out later due to delayed evaluations or follow-up assessments.
In this case, the VA has been reviewing disability ratings and compensation levels, and some veterans are now due for a bump. These adjustments can apply if your condition has changed, if your disability rating increased, or if you now qualify for additional compensation like Special Monthly Compensation or support for dependents.
Who Might See an Extra $100 This Month?
Not every veteran will see the same amount added to their deposit — but a significant number will notice some kind of increase. You’re more likely to see a larger bump if:
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Your disability rating recently increased (for example, from 80% to 90% or higher)
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You receive Special Monthly Compensation (SMC)
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You have a spouse, children, or other dependents included in your benefits
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You recently had your claim re-evaluated and approved for a higher tier
In these cases, your monthly compensation could rise — sometimes by $50, $75, or even $100 or more, depending on your situation.
How to Check If You’re Eligible
The easiest way to find out if you’re getting a bigger check this month is to log in to your VA.gov account. Under the “Disability Compensation” or “Payment History” sections, you can see your current and past benefit amounts.
The VA is also sending out notices to veterans whose ratings or payments have changed. If you haven’t gotten a letter or email yet, and you believe your condition has worsened or you qualify for more support, you can request a re-evaluation or file for an increase.
Do You Need to Do Anything to Get the Increase?
For most veterans, the answer is no. If you’re already receiving VA compensation and you qualify for this updated amount, the increase will happen automatically. You should see the higher amount hit your bank account on your usual payment date — typically the first business day of the month.
Just make sure your contact and banking information is up to date with the VA to avoid any hiccups.
It’s More Than Just a Pay Bump
While the headline might be about an extra $100, this update is part of something much bigger. Over the past year, the VA has been working on speeding up claims, modernizing the system, and cutting down wait times. These changes mean that more veterans are being evaluated fairly and receiving the benefits they’ve earned.
For many people — especially those on a fixed income — this boost couldn’t come at a better time. Groceries, gas, and housing costs have all gone up, and even a small increase can make a real difference.
Bottom Line
Whether your deposit increases by $20 or $100, this month’s adjustment is a reflection of the VA’s ongoing efforts to better serve veterans. And it’s not just about the money — it’s about fairness, respect, and ensuring those who served are taken care of.
If you’re unsure whether your benefits are changing, check your VA profile or reach out to a local Veterans Service Officer. A few minutes of checking could be worth a few hundred dollars over the course of the year.
