Millions of veterans are set to receive their regular VA disability checks for March.
Why It Matters
VA disability compensation is a tax-free benefit paid to veterans whose injuries or illnesses were caused or worsened by military service. For many households, these monthly payments help provide essential financial stability.
As of 2024, roughly 6.5 million veterans nationwide rely on this support. In some cases, eligible family members, such as surviving spouses, children, or dependent parents, can also qualify for payments.
When Will March 2026 Payments Arrive?
Benefits for March 2026 will be issued on April 1.
Four additional programs follow the same payment schedule as disability payments:
- Veterans and Survivors Pension, which provides financial assistance to veterans and families with limited income.
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, a tax-free benefit for survivors of service members who died on active duty, veterans who passed away from service-related conditions, or veterans who were permanently and totally disabled, even if their death was not service-connected.
- Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits, which are tax-free payments added to monthly VA disability to help cover the cost of in-home care, nursing homes, or assisted living.
- Special Monthly Compensation, a separate tax-free monthly benefit paid on top of VA disability to veterans who lost, or lost the use of, specific organs or limbs because of their service.
Who Qualifies?
A broad range of service-connected medical issues may make a veteran eligible. Physical conditions can include chronic spinal pain, lung disease, hearing damage, surgical or injury-related scarring, mobility limitations, ulcers, and cancers or other illnesses linked to toxic exposure or dangerous duty environments.
Mental and neurological conditions may also qualify. These include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries, and health issues connected to military sexual trauma.
How Much Can Veterans Receive?
Compensation amounts depend on how severe a veteran’s service-related conditions are and whether they have dependents, such as a spouse, children, or parents.
Disability ratings are assigned in 10 percent increments, starting at 10 percent. Higher ratings mean greater impairment and larger monthly payments. Veterans with multiple qualifying conditions receive a combined rating that determines their final benefit level.
Monthly base payments begin at $175.51 for a 10 percent rating and increase to $346.95 at 20 percent.
The maximum standard benefit, which is $4,544.23 per month, is paid to a veteran rated at 100 percent who has a spouse, one child, and two dependent parents. Those with additional dependents may receive higher amounts.
