As the fall of 2025 approaches, veterans receiving disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can expect a few important updates — including two pay dates in October and a continued cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) that shapes monthly payments for the year. These details may seem routine, but they play a big role in how veterans and their families plan, budget, and manage day-to-day finances.
Two VA Disability Payments in October 2025
Typically, VA disability compensation is paid on the first business day of the month for the previous month’s benefits. When that date lands on a weekend or holiday, payments shift to the last business day before the first.
In October 2025, this schedule results in two separate deposits:
| Benefit Month | Payment Date | Day | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 2025 | October 1, 2025 | Wednesday | Regular payment for the September benefit |
| October 2025 | October 31, 2025 | Friday | Paid early since November 1 is a Saturday |
That means veterans will see one deposit at the start of October and another at the end of the month. This double-payment month can feel like a financial boost, but it also means the next deposit won’t arrive until December 1, so careful budgeting is key.
Some banks and credit unions — especially those serving military members — may post deposits slightly early depending on internal processing timelines, so it’s wise to check your account around those dates.
2025 VA Disability Rates and the COLA Increase
For 2025, the VA disability compensation rates were raised by 2.5 percent, following the Social Security Administration’s annual COLA announcement. The increase took effect on December 1, 2024, and is reflected in all benefits paid out beginning January 2025.
While a 2.5 percent boost might sound modest, it helps offset inflation and rising costs for essentials such as food, fuel, and utilities — expenses that often weigh heavily on disabled veterans and their households.
Here’s how that adjustment roughly translates for veterans without dependents:
| Disability Rating | Approx. Monthly Payment (2025) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $185 – $190 |
| 20% | $360 – $370 |
| 30% | $560 – $570 |
| 40% | $800 – $810 |
| 50% | Around $1,010 |
| 60% | Around $1,280 |
| 70% | Around $1,610 |
| 80% | Around $1,870 |
| 90% | Around $2,100 |
| 100% | $3,900 – $4,000 |
These figures don’t include additional allowances for dependents or Special Monthly Compensation (SMC), which also receive the 2.5 percent increase.
Special Monthly Compensation and Family Add-Ons
Veterans with severe service-connected conditions — such as loss of a limb, organ function, or the need for ongoing care — may qualify for SMC, which provides extra monthly pay beyond the standard disability rate.
Likewise, those with spouses, children, or dependent parents will see additional amounts built into their monthly compensation. All of these categories receive the same COLA boost starting in 2025.
What Veterans Should Do in October
To ensure you’re getting the right amount at the right time, veterans should:
- Check your bank statements in early and late October to verify the two deposits (October 1 and October 31).
- Compare your payment to the updated 2025 VA rate tables to confirm the COLA adjustment is applied.
- Update your direct deposit and contact information with the VA to avoid payment delays.
- Review dependent or SMC entitlements if you believe your circumstances qualify for additional compensation.
Why It Matters
For many veterans, disability pay is more than just a benefit — it’s a lifeline. Knowing when funds arrive and how much to expect can make a major difference in maintaining financial stability. October’s double-payment month can help cover upcoming holiday expenses or provide breathing room for bills, but planning ahead remains essential.
While the 2.5 percent COLA increase won’t erase the impact of rising costs, it reflects the VA’s ongoing effort to align benefits with real-world living expenses. Staying informed ensures veterans and their families can make the most of every dollar earned through service and sacrifice.
