Over 1.3 Million Members – Strength Through Numbers – Veterans Helping Veterans:
MilitaryCafe.org provides clear, reliable information for U.S. military veterans, service members, and their families. Our focus is on benefits, employment, healthcare, and fraud prevention—using official sources and practical guidance veterans can trust.
NEW for 2026: VA disability and survivor benefits updated for the 2.8% COLA, and TRICARE costs/cost-shares change beginning January 1, 2026. See the official tables and what to check before you enroll or renew.
Details: Each year, federal benefit amounts and certain health plan costs change based on law and cost-of-living adjustments (COLA). Below are several confirmed, official updates affecting many Veterans and military families in 2026, along with direct source links.
1) VA disability compensation increases for 2026 (2.8% COLA)
The Social Security Administration announced a 2.8% COLA for 2026. VA compensation tables for 2026 reflect this increase.
- Official 2026 VA disability compensation rate tables (Veterans Affairs): https://www.va.gov/disability/compensation-rates/veteran-rates/
- SSA 2026 COLA press release and details: https://www.ssa.gov/news/en/press/releases/2025-10-24.html
What to do: If you receive VA disability compensation, you generally do not need to apply for the COLA increase. Review the VA rate table that matches your rating and dependent status to confirm your new monthly amount.
2) VA survivor benefits (DIC) updated for 2026
VA has posted 2026 Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) rates for eligible surviving spouses, dependents, and parents.
- 2026 DIC rates for spouses and dependents (VA): https://www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/survivor-compensation/dependency-indemnity-compensation/survivor-rates/
- 2026 DIC rates for parents (VA): https://www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/survivor-compensation/dependency-indemnity-compensation/parent-rates/
3) VA Pension: updated net worth limit window (Dec 1, 2025 through Nov 30, 2026)
VA updates pension-related figures on a defined annual window. If you are applying for (or already receiving) Veterans Pension benefits, check the current net worth limit and rates in VA’s official tables.
- Current Veterans Pension rates and net worth limit (VA): https://www.va.gov/pension/veterans-pension-rates/
4) TRICARE costs and fees change starting January 1, 2026
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) and TRICARE publish annual cost updates. In 2026, many enrollment fees, premiums, and cost-shares/cost-sharings change depending on plan type and beneficiary group.
- TRICARE 2026 Costs and Fees Preview (TRICARE): https://tricare.mil/Publications/Costs/2026_costs_fees_preview
- DHA / TRICARE newsroom article on 2026 costs (DHA): https://dha.mil/News/2025/11/10/16/29/Learn-your-2026-TRICARE-health-plan-costs
- Congressional Research Service Insight on scheduled TRICARE cost-sharing changes (Congress.gov): https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IN11532
What to do: If you use TRICARE, review your plan’s 2026 cost table before January 1 and during TRICARE open enrollment. Costs vary by plan (Prime vs Select), status (active duty family member vs retiree), and beneficiary group (A vs B).
5) TRICARE Pharmacy Program: copayment changes in 2026
TRICARE pharmacy copayments can change annually. For 2026, Express Scripts (TRICARE Pharmacy Program contractor) has posted copayment changes by tier and pharmacy type.
- TRICARE Pharmacy copayment changes for 2026 (Express Scripts): https://militaryrx.express-scripts.com/blog/changes-your-tricare-prescription-drug-copayments-2026
What to do: If you use maintenance medications, confirm your 2026 copay amounts and consider the most cost-effective fill option (e.g., home delivery vs retail) based on the updated table.
Notes
- Benefit amounts depend on personal factors (rating, dependents, plan type, beneficiary group, etc.). Always confirm your details using the official tables above.
- If you think your payment amount is incorrect, use your VA.gov account or contact VA/your VA regional office; for TRICARE plan questions, use the contact options on TRICARE.mil.