Dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) rates increased 2.8% in 2026 based on the Social Security Administration (SSA)’s cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase.
The 2026 rates went into effect on December 1, 2025.
2026 DIC Rates
The 2.8% increase in DIC rates made payments go from $1,653 to $1,699.36 in 2026.
DIC rates depend on your relationship to the Veteran (spouse, child, or parent), your dependents, and when the veteran died.
DIC Rates for Widows of Veterans Who Died on or After Jan. 1, 1993
The base monthly rate for spouses of veterans who died on or after Jan. 1, 1993 is $1,699.
Surviving spouses may be eligible for additional compensation. The table below shows the available amounts. To get your final amount, add all values that match your situation.
Added Amounts for Surviving Spouses
| Condition to Meet | Qualifying Benefit | Added Monthly Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The veteran had a VA disability rating of totally disabled (including for individual unemployability) for at least eight full years leading up to their death, and you were married to the veteran for those same eight years | Eight-year provision | $360.85 |
| You have a disability and need help with regular daily activities (like eating, bathing or dressing) | Aid and attendance | $421.00 |
| You can’t leave your house because of a disability | Housebound allowance | $197.22 |
| You have one or more children who are under age 18 | Transitional benefit, and DIC apportionment rate | $359 for the first two years after the veteran’s death $421 for each eligible child |
DIC Rates for Widows of Veterans Who Died Before Jan. 1, 1993
The base DIC rates for surviving spouses of veterans who died before Jan. 1, 1993, depend on pay grade.
Enlisted (E-1 to E-9)
| Pay Grade | Monthly Payment |
|---|---|
| E-1 to E-6 | $1,699.36 |
| E-7 | $1,758.09 |
| E-8 | $1,856.02 |
| E-9 regular | $1,935.72 |
E-9 special capacity, which includes:
| $2,089.58 |
Added amounts for E-1 to E-9
| Condition | Added Amount |
|---|---|
| Add $360.85 |
| Increase payment to $2,060.20 |
| The surviving spouse has one or more children under 18 | Add $421 per child |
Warrant Officer (W-1 to W-4)
| Pay Grade | Monthly Payment |
|---|---|
| W-1 | $1,794.49 |
| W-2 | $1,865.80 |
| W-3 | $1,920.33 |
| W-4 | $2,032.23 |
Added amounts for W-1 to W-4
| Condition | Added Amount |
|---|---|
| Increase payment to $2,060.20 |
| The surviving spouse has one or more children under 18 | Add $421 per child |
Officer (0-1 to 0-10)
| Pay Grade | Monthly Payment |
|---|---|
| O-1 | $1,794.49 |
| O-2 | $1,856.02 |
| O-3 | $1,983.26 |
| O-4 | $2,102.15 |
| O-5 | $2,313.37 |
| O-6 | $2,608.49 |
| O-7 | $2,815.45 |
| O-8 | $3,092.41 |
| O-9 | $3,307.79 |
| O-10 regular | $3,628.08 |
O-10 special capacity, which includes:
| $3,893.83 |
Added amounts for 0-1 to 0-3
| Condition | Added Amount |
|---|---|
| Increase payment to $2,060.20 |
| The surviving spouse has one or more children under 18 | Add $421 per child |
Unmarried Adult Child of a Veteran When the Veteran’s Surviving Spouse is Also Eligible
Adult surviving children receive DIC separately from the veteran’s surviving spouse.
| Child Status | Monthly Payment |
|---|---|
| Schoolchild: | $356.66 |
| Helpless child: | $717.50 |
Eligible Child of a Veteran When the Veteran Doesn’t have an Eligible Surviving Spouse
Your DIC payment amount is based on the number of the veteran’s eligible surviving children. Eligible children include children who are under age 18, OR who are between ages 18 and 23 and in a qualified school program, OR those who are permanently unable to support themselves due to a disability that happened before turning 18 years old.
| Number of Eligible Children | Monthly Rate for Each Child | Total Monthly Payment |
|---|---|---|
| One | $717.50 | $717.50 |
| Two | $516.09 | $1,032.18 |
| Three | $448.97 | $1,346.92 |
| Four | $400.72 | $1,602.87 |
| Five | $371.76 | $1,858.82 |
| Six | $352.46 | $2,114.77 |
| Seven | $338.67 | $2,370.72 |
| Eight | $328.33 | $2,626.67 |
| Nine | $320.29 | $2,882.62 |
Notes:
- Add $255.95 for each eligible child for families of 10 or more children
- Add $421 for each helpless child (a child permanently unable to support themselves due to disability)
2026 Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Pay Dates
Effective date: December 1, 2025
First Compensation Check Date: December 31, 2025
Other DIC payment dates:
- January 30, 2026
- February 27, 2026
- April 1, 2026
- May 1, 2026
- June 1, 2026
- July 1, 2026
- July 31, 2026
- September 1, 2026
- October 1, 2026
- October 30, 2026
- December 1, 2026
- December 31, 2026
2026 VA Disability Pay Dates
On which dates will VA disability payments be sent/deposited in 2026?| Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| January | January 30 |
| February | February 27 |
| March | April 1 |
| April | May 1 |
| May | June 1 |
| June | July 1 |
| July | July 31 |
| August | September 1 |
| September | October 1 |
| October | October 30 |
| November | December 1 |
| December | December 31 |
What is DIC?
DIC is a tax-free monetary benefit payable to a surviving spouse or child of a service member who died while on active duty, active duty for training or inactive duty training. Survivors of veterans who died from service-connected disabilities may also receive this benefit.
Parents’ DIC is an income-based benefit for parents who were financially dependent on a service member or veteran who died from a service-related cause.
The Survivor Benefit Plan
The Survivor Benefit Plan, sponsored and subsidized by the Department of Defense, provides up to 55% of a service member’s retired pay to an eligible beneficiary if a service member passes away.
Your military benefits make homeownership more affordable—$0 down, no PMI, and lower average rates whether you’re buying or refinancing. See if you're eligible today.
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Jon Rehagan is a 2-time Emmy Award-winning journalist who covers financial topics and military news for the veteran community. With 16 years in broadcast media (including roles in radio and television) Jon has spent his career writing, shooting, editing, and producing everything from long-form investigative specials to daily news broadcasts and digital content. His work has been recognized by the Kansas Association of Broadcasters, and he brings that same commitment to accurate, accessible reporting to helping service members, veterans, and military families navigate complex benefits and financial decisions.
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Eldon Mullis is an Army Veteran and the deputy director and chief operating officer at Army Emergency Relief, a private non-profit company located in Arlington, Virginia.