On June 14, 2023, President Joe Biden signed into law the Veterans Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Act of 2023, which directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide a cost-of-living adjustment for Veterans benefits in 2024 equal to the COLA applied to Social Security benefits, as determined by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
The legislation, passed with bi-partisan support in the House and Senate, is an annual procedure for Congress but an important one, as it must be accomplished to ensure Veterans receive a COLA, and that it keeps pace with inflationary costs.
Which VA benefits will increase?
The COLA will affect certain VA benefits, including, but not limited to: disability compensation, clothing allowance, and dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) for spouses and children.
While the exact amount of next year’s adjustment has not been determined, it’s based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The CPI measures the average change in prices of goods and services to preceding years and is used by SSA to determine the annual COLA, which, by law, now applies to VA benefits as well.
The last adjustment in January 2023, which Veterans are currently receiving, saw an 8.7% increase following a second year of high inflation.
When can Veterans expect to see the adjustment?
Based on the timeline of previous years, SSA is expected to announce its 2024 COLA early in the next fiscal year, which begins on Oct. 1. VA will then set its compensation payment rates to match and Veterans can expect to see the new amounts starting with their January 2024 payment.
To stay informed on when the COLA is announced and what it will mean for your VA benefits, subscribe to the #VetResources newsletter and #theSITREP podcast, where that topic and many more of interest to Veterans are discussed.
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Let’s know forget rent is going to as well. Yes food has went I can’t leave the store under $400 with food to last a couple of weeks for a house three! My light bill went from $140 to $300 in a month and I’m rarely home. I have to go to Sam’s club to get my gas because putting $10 in my car at regular gas stations won’t cut it. Let’s not even talk about car insurance with all these accidents. I’m 100% disabled with 3 dependents and my disability doesn’t even cover all my bills so I have to work. I hope this increase is better than the last one.
omg, i feel the struggle too.. same here i have four kids and by myself off of VA….groceries have gone up and no they dont last at all..
At what age is cost of living increases occur ?
Why not attach it to the price of gas? COLA is not even close to the inflationary increases of living in America lately. I see comments about fuel, insurances and other increased items that are not even factored into COLA. Is this what awaits future retirees? We don’t get full pay and free medical, like those passing these laws…
I agree Food, Utilites and Fuel had increase tremendously and keeping you from enjoying life.
Provide me with a non-USA-toll-free prefix. I cannot use toll-free from Thailand.
MagicJack works great from overseas. You can have a US number ring anywhere with good internet.
Sounds great so hard to get along these days thank you v.a
For those of us who separated with a non-disable PULHES score but did not remain in the military long enough to be awarded a pension, probably two of the biggest forms of help would be employment assistance as well as a place to pitch a tent on govt. property the day the apartment rent goes to 3,000 a month because or the real estate market and industry etc. If you’re like me and all you have coming eventually is that sub-1,000/mo. social security check from a system that will be depleted financially in the next 10 years resulting in reduced payments, the financial outlook is kinda grim and there will probably be many of us looking for a place to lay out a groundsheet and drive tent stakes, providing any such are available and government lands haven’t all been sold off or placed off limits. Life with no money pretty much sucks and there are homeless vets out there right now who could use some positive guidance and assistance.
Food, Insurance and utilities is where i see the biggest increase
EVERYTHING has increased at an alarming rate.
Homeowners insurance costs rose and I’m expecting to increase next year based on the company’s projections. I mean, we can all take a higher deductable but the out of pocket costs could be debilitating. Catch 22.
Food by far. Retired limited income, everything is costing more. Having to buy food is most important.
Food, fuel and utilities
I wish I could retire, but inflation is delaying this option for me. I am grateful for any financial increase that I receive from anywhere. Any increase in financial means is already taken by tax increases, but it helps. The Good Lord willing, my wife and I keep our Faith and good health. I will keep going forward as my Dad taught me before the Army did.
Thank you for the update. Sounds like good news to me!!!
My taxes on my house, and groceries have hit me the most.
Primarily food, and utilities. Everything has gone up. Getting harder to make ends meet.
I can not think of anything in my COLA that did not increase from 2022 to 2024. My teacher retirement pay, Social Security, and VA disability increases did not come close to covering the COLA increases!
A 50% increase on my Car and Home insurance, and I had no claims.
Not sure exactly how the COLA is figured but prices on everything went up way more than the 8.7% COLA from last year. They are also up quite a bit this year. Seems like we have to make due with less and less every year. I do appreciate whatever help can be had.
My home qwners insurance and taxes went up puttin my mortage up to 4100! I should be living in a million dollar home for that! My car insurance went up 500 a month my electric groceries I barely make payments monthly its crazy
For those of us who are on disability, but who have co-pays, will there be an adjustment for co-pays? Inflation is eating us up, also.
This is new? My disability and my DoD Pension COLAs have been equal the SS COLA for more than 10 years.
I came here to say the same thing!
It’s about time they give us Real in increase COLA, long over due.
The VA needs to SPEED UP the CLAIM PROCESS (for decisions) It should not take 6 to 12 months to make a decision.
Groceries and goods in general. Everything has increased but the biggest is food.
Groceries, gas, electric bill – everything really
Literally everything has gone up in prices tremendously since Covid hit. For example, I used to be able to spend about $100 to $150 on groceries and now I can rarely make it out of the store under $300 for my family of 5 plus 3 dogs. Our city taxes have went up and pretty much all of our utilities have increased. My family had to downsize and get a smaller/cheaper home to be able to afford the higher cost of living.
Groceries, and eating out.
Also, local tax increase over 33%
We are stationed in Europe, and our electric bill has gone from around $250 a month to over $900; and our home heating oil went from around $3,000 in 2022 to over $6,000 this year. Completely insane prices. I retired in 2019, and now I’m considering going back to work!
To be honest EVERYTHING!!! It was almost as if everything const 17 to 25% more. From food to socks, to even rent. The thing that hit my family’s the hardest is rent.
Esto le hace justicia a los veteranos.
I am grateful for the cost of living increase, but I pray that it will not be offset by something else. It is just pointless. You see a cost of living increase, only to see it diminish by an increase in prescriptions, co-pays, or insurance. God Bless Us All!!!!!
Everything as taken an increase in our daily living. I am thankful that our heads are still above water and not just treading water. Groceries are certainly at the top of the list for the largest increase. Thank you for all you do.
Happy to hear that we have so much r getting a increase for putting r live on the line for America
Good news! Thank you sooo much, Everything has gone up. So this is heaven sent,
Thank you again.
Everything is high, as soon as we get an increase in our income to try and save for something, it is used up by an increase in a tax, a bill, a gas, water, everything..a cost from something or another by the government. There is no ways for saving any more or creating a savings for a rainy day. The lies need to stop and something needs to be done to balance this mess!
Really useless…..because VA always receives the exact same COLA as SS every single time. He is buying votes for 2024. Have been military widow many many yrs, it has been the same percentage, each and every time…..they are matched together as to raise percentage each and every time. No need for a law. Lol.
The second paragraph of the article states “The legislation, passed with bi-partisan support in the House and Senate, is an annual procedure for Congress…”. Every President signs this law, every year. VA News wrote the article to inform Veterans, it has nothing to do with “buying votes” as you say.
My food and my utilities bills have both increased way beyond my budget. Even the costs of growing and maintaining a small garden of vegetables has gone up dramatically. God help anyone that needs to replace a vehicle too! Even used vehicles are sometimes commanding more money than when they were new.
Mostly food. Rent is up around 20% and wages are the same as 6 years ago.
When I hit 65 Tricare VA forced me to Medicare even though I am working full time. Paying out Working medical & Medicare is rediculous. That is $3800 a year for both medical plans total. Now wife is 65 and tricare for life forced wife to Medicare even though she’s on my work plan for medical.
Now paying out 5800 per all medical plans. And all cancer treatments owing over 10k in medical bills. Getting ready to file bankruptcy due to all bills. I am not loosing my house over this.
when I was discharge I was told at age 65 I would get free medical for life. Are you saying that this free medical for is going to cost me?
We have seen a huge increase to food and the electric bill compared to last year. Our average bill is $550 and we even decreased our usage from last year!! A 5 pack of chicken breast from Walmart is roughly $15, which is about $4-$5 more than last year. Gas prices are insane. Living paycheck to paycheck despite my $1.50 raise I received from work. The average person is drowning in bills.
I have seen a significant increase in giving back. To me, such increase is over due because due to addiction to drugs and alcohol, i was always the one asking for support to feed my disease. Now, I am finally free of such incarceration (drugs and alcohol) for 14 month by participating in a AA/NA program. I understand that i have a long road ahead of me, but now at least i can concentrate clearly on things/people that are most important to me and give back, both financially and emotionally to those whom i did wrong and who is still trying to find a way out. Amazon gift card will definitely help me with purchasing literature, coins and other supplies that represent recovery.
thank you.
Food/groceries bill has gotten tremendously more expensive.
Fuel for getting to work, or groceries or anything needed to survive.
Groceries,utilities and medical have been a hug increased expense to our family.
Big increase in the cost of food items and Utility Bill.
Gas, food and utilities have gone off the chart.. We have to cut back on groceries so, we can get gas for our vehicles..
food and gas!!!
Thank you god Jesus I really need the new cola I pray in name of Jesus all veterans will get their cola thank you I will do my best for my duty towards this planet earth kings amen.
Gas and groceries!
Trying to get help from VA is like trying to find that needle in that haystack.
The only thing you failed to mention – is the reduction in Military Retirement Benefits when there is an increase in VA Disability
Exactly right! I am 40% disabled and have served over 20 years in military service, so I have been receiving my military pension. However, when my VA disability pension started, my military pension, (that I earned), was shorted by exactly that same amount. So, actually, I receive ZERO VA disability money. Congress approved this, so it is the law.
Food, gas, groceries and utilities
For all who are complaining I say, don’t accept the increase. I remember when Veterans didn’t receive an increase at all so, I am grateful to President Biden for putting this in place. Companies are increasing prices, not Biden.
Food is where I have seen the greatest increase to expenses in our budget.
Veterans are after all these years are being given the respect that they have earned.
Thank you citizens of the USA for pushing the elected officials to do the right thing. We have freedom that our forefathers and current service members have fought
so unselfishly for and only by the grace of God does that freedom continue. Love to all who love and somehow serve or have served to make the USA the greatest country ever!
How do I enter sweepstakes?
I am collecting 100% as a disable veteran, Can I still file for this
David, you don’t have to “file” for the increase. It will be automatic every year. You should see an increase in your January 2024 paycheck.
Most notable is food. Also clothing, and other living expenses. Even pet food is crazy high.
I’m in Texas and our energy bill is outrageous since snowmageddon of 2021. I live in a very energy efficient home and it is only 1,800 sq. ft. My wife and I are very energy conscious. We keep our thermostat from 71-74 Fahrenheit & do regular maintenance on our HVAC. Our HVAC is less than 10 years old. We shut off vents in rooms that aren’t being used. Our bill pre-snowmageddon averaged about $200/mo. Year around. Now it is averaging $350/mo. I guess us Texans are now having to pay for the mismanagement and lack of preparedness of the government. I wish Texas would build a couple of nuclear power plants instead of relying on the most inefficient windmill farms that froze up in 2021. I would be happy to pay extra if TX built nuclear power plants. I am not happy supporting windmill farms and paying extra for the government’s mismanagement of energy.
Why am I denied so many times? It’s amazing that I risk my d…. Life for this Country on 2 separate occasions 1973-1975&1984-1987. It’s no telling how many vets are getting screwed!!! I even had a diagnosis for PTSD from a Doctor at the PTSD clinic and they still haven’t approved me yet.
You need to contact your senator. He has a Veteran rep that can take care of this for you, you will have to give access to your records but they can expedite the process.good luck!
Your state congressional representative’s office should be able to help you. Call them and make an appointment for their local office and make an appointment to get some help and bring your records with you. PTSD is 70% but if you are completely unable to work because of your problems can be increased to 100%. I know because I have the same problem and was discharged with a general under honorable. I didn’t get any help for almost 40 years until a friend told me I was exhibiting all the symptoms of PTSD and The San Bernardino county Veterans help office helped me to finally push through the help I needed. Next year an election is coming up so remember you have a lot of power to get him kicked out of office if he refuses to help just by opening your mouth and letting the press know he is a bum as well as helping his political opponents run against him. Remember they run a lot of ads and would love nothing more that to bury his chances with this kind of scandal…
at the grocery store and the gas station.
I have seen most of my cost of living expenses in gas, groceries, utilities (electric and gas), dental and health insurance, and health and dental office visits not paid by insurance.
Have see no increase, been saving more money this year than any past time frame.
Groceries
Entertainment
Gas
Utilities
personally I have seen a increase in common house hold goods, Rent, Gas, and Childcare. It is getting tough and I feel like this is a good plan to set forward.
Biggest changes are in food, in grocery stores ane resuruants.
I can’t see the rules for the sweepstakes because it just keeps taking me in circles. I do want to comment though.
Everything has gone up. I run a rescue and I often have to coose between me and the cats. Costs for everything has increased so much that it’s ridiculous to try to live.
AEP raised their rates and before it even went into affect, my electric nearly tripled and we were already trying very hard to cut our usage. I’m looking into solar options, but anything good for us or the environment is the worst cost wise.
extra car expenses, due to someone stealing my cadillac converter, groceries and gas
I have been down the same road as you. it is truly sad the some people would do this.
Gasoline, groceries, and property taxes.
food and bills
Wife had to go into memory care. Has been in care for 1 1/2 year.
What about the sweepstakes?
Thank you for taking the time to keep us informed !❤️
Thanks for the information received and looking foward for future income.
I see nothing special, except a guarantee. We get COLA raise every year based on the CPI and what ever Social Security recipients get, so do the Veterans. This article is a waste of paper.
Amen Brother!
Food & Dental
Thank you greatly appreciated ??
Thank you!
Everything Cost of Living. Gas, Medical, Rent, Groceries, Clothing!
I love that I receive these through my work email. This allows me to see the upcoming events and educate the Veterans I interact with everyday on the changes that effect them.
My gas expense is sky high
This is great as we veterans often live on a fixed VA income and most places it doesn’t balance out with the cost of everything increasing. The defenders of the universe should absolutely not have to decide between a bill or food. We’ve earned the right to at the minimum live an adequate life for all who give so much. Bless you vets and those that support
Biggest cost increase for my family has been groceries, gas, and electric prices.
Thanks, great News !
Groceries mostly and everything else. Nothing is cheap anymore.
Food, Fuel, and Medication.
Have we not been receiving these benefits in past years? What is new about it? Certainly not the amounts.
Food prices are only going to increase because of climate change. Floods, droughts, wild fires. Get used to it.
Almost everything has increased from the light bill, car insurance, fuel, groceries and much more.
Veteran deserve everything they ask for!
My VA disability compensation increases are already tied to the CPI Index used by SOCIAL SECURITY and their annual SOCIAL SECURITY payments. Nothing is new here and nothing will change for disabled veterans. This is a hoax being perpetrated to the AMERICAN PUBLIC !!!!! PERIOD ….
Insurance and groceries!!
Food, Gas, Utilities They have gotten WAY out of Hand !!
Thank you so much for looking out for us veteran.
Largest increases to groceries, gas, and restaurants
Groceries have gone up a little for most things, but I’m noticing that the size of the packages are getting smaller- ‘shrinkflation’. The same goods are more, and yield less. Customer/consumer type services are more, i.e. fuel, airline tickets, hotel rooms, restaurant prices. A simple trip to the next city over for a day is triple the cost.
Fuel prices are higher as well, and with some recent traveling via car, I see that other places fluctuate quite a bit.
Here is where this could be a bad thing. I have been a disabled Veteran for 20+ years and worked as a Veteran Service Officer. The VA has always matched the SSA Cola, nothing NEW here People. However, Now the VA can never increase more than SSA!!!!!! Think about that, What if the VA wants to give Veterans in receipt of benefits a larger increase than SSA. WELL NOW THEY CAN’T. What if Washington decides to change how SSA determines it’s COLA the VA has to follow suit! Washington 2step to get votes,
Your statements are true but many receiving VA disability are not aware their COLA are and will continue to be based on the Social Security Cola. Glad you brought this to light for some as I noticed very few comments mentioned this fact. Sad VA compensation will be stuck forever with Social Security limitations. Social Security at its highest payout is not enough for most to survive without other income. Now veterans who have risked their lives are stuck in the system also.
Knowing that the cost of living has gone up on everything. I think that we all are being gouged by the auto and home insurance companies, gas prices at the pump which not even your local news stations will say anything about. The cost of everyday food items is off the chart. There’s no excuse for the amount of profit the big gas and food chains make at our expense. Yesterday I went to Food Lion for some lemons and 0ne lemon costs 99 cents. The US goverment gives famers and growers subsidies and tax breaks supposely to aid in growing and cut cost to the comsumers but still all we the tax payer see is increases. It’s a shame No onbody in Washington cares are willing to do anything about it.
Our expenses have increased most in groceries. Some items cost twice as much as they did two years ago.
Groceries and transportation
This is well deserved for all veterans!
Grocery prices, (particularly staples like meat, bread, milk, eggs and fresh vegetables), gasoline and utilities.
While it’s nice to talk about last year’s relatively “high” cost of living adjustment that we got, let’s really talk about all of the “barely getting by” cost of living increases, I’d like to see our career politicians get by on those, well, they don’t have to worry about that since they will never make that little of money and benefits.
After reading the other comments, yours hit the nail square on the head.
Food, gas and children expenses .
Thank you for these news articles. It is a great help to be able to know what’s coming,
My question is so what happens to our benefits when they decide to gut Social Security.
Food and gas have SKYROCKETED!!! What happened to the congressional report that gas prices above $2.00 per gal at the pump adversely affects the US Economy?
Paying off credit cards that were maxed out during Covid :/
Groceries.
The cost of living has raised significantly and continues. There is no relief in site. In fact, It is getting worse instead of Better. However, Salaries/hr pay is NOT rising with the cost of living.
My mortgage is astronomical, Electric bill has increased Immensely in 1 month and food prices are outrageous.
I’m not sure how people are surviving on minimal pay. The struggle is real.
Lastly, The pay increase employees receive every year for “Cost of Living”, Does NOT match the reality of “The Cost of Living.”
This affects Mental Health (worry, depression), Physical health (Healthy food is expensive) and emotional health (excessive worry). Especially for single parents and households with 1 income.
I feel this is an important issue that needs to be addressed sooner vs later.
I am Happy to hear that our Veterans will be getting an increase. Well done and deserved.
Living in NYC self explanatory…Everything has caused people to make hard choices…Put groceries or pay rent?! Balance is necessary at this point… Good bye inflation and its propaganda!!!!
Blessing✨️
There’s no way to keep up with property taxes, property insurance, auto insurance, fuel and utilities and groceries. We desperately need a higher than high increase.
Gas and groceries
The COLA info was very informative of what is coming of the benefit of COLA and as a disabled Veteran. The COLA is so desperately needed as a disable American Veteran.
Melvin Duncan-Ret. US. Army
Veteran, DAV
I would personally like to thank the VA for the benefits that I receive on a daily , monthly and yearly basis. There’s always a lot of complaining about the VA as a whole , but that has not been my experience . Medically , financially , and most importantly Mental Health wise , I have been provided for . Sometimes it has taken a little bit of time to get the ball rolling , but your not going to hear this Marine complaining. I’ve met great people who work for the VA . Thank You all for your help.
They give it and then it gets took away due to raising cost.
This is great news God bless my fellow veterans we really need it thank you
I hope they give us all dental coverage I’m in need of it badly but this is good news that we’re getting an increase on things we need badly thank you God bless
Food and Fuel.
My expenses that have increased most this year would be groceries. Gasoline prices have also increased a lot making my expenses go up.
Groceries (skip the meat), home heating and now cooling (Texas heatwave!), gasoline, and recreation costs (No vacation this year).
When the government increases the Cola And veterans benefits the corporations turn around and Increase their prices again And again so it’s a never ending battle, the veterans and Social Security recipients always lose, wake up America you’re being stupid.
I forgot to add that my food costs are way higher than what they were last year.
To be honest I already thought they were tied together with social security.
Gas and food expenses have skyrocketed for me this year. Prescriptions cost more too.
I’m pretty sure that anyone who thinks this whole thing is some kind of CON, (which it is and most of us know it) will be deleted from your site, The Govt. specializes in this sort of propaganda. Fools.
Big Time Bullish. Do you think we’re completely stupid?
You’ve been telling us for dozen’s of years that we get whatever the SSA get’s. Which is not nearly what those of us have wounded or died for the country. Now you say you may ‘award’ us as much as SSA does. In case you’ve forgotten, we paid SSA fees for 20 or more years. Jerks. This word is getting out and you are going to find it harder and harder to recruit. Very, Very, stupid,
Food and gas
This is the most useless and waste of time I’ve ever seen. As a retired Navy Vet. I’ve been “awarded” a COLA every year. It is always less than the official rate of inflation as even admitted by the the Govt. Every year, my purchasing power goes down. You goons are cheating me. And the people who paid SS with every pay-check. I don’t even know why I bother to reply to this nonsense, as the so called Govt. is a bunch of liars, and never lives up to what they promise. Pay me the rate of inflation, you crooks. Not to even mention that every god -damn company in the US, increases their prices when the so called COLA goes up. What’s wrong with you? I hate this place.
Food & gas primarily then the auto insurance
Thank you for your updates
Groceries and Services provided
Does this include survivors?
I saw a huge increase in my personal products, e.g. shampoo, lotions, makeup. Additionally my produce and meats (groceries) have increased as well.
Any raise is always welcome. Thanks.
Real reform will come when congress has to use medicare, VA, social security and so on.
Appreciate the Veteran’s newsletter updates. Thanks.
My increased cost this year has been across the board in utilities, home and auto insurance, food, and gas. It seems that every week we are paying more and more for the basic items we use everyday. My homeowners insurance increased by $200 I called the carrier and the answer I was given: it cost more to insure your home, mind that I have not filed a claim.
Rent, cost of living is getting ridiculous.
Everywherew, Food, Gas Utilities and just all expenses from vendors stores and Restaurants.
It may level the field in incomes to live
My wife and I Walmart groceries bill 600.00 per month . Includes vitamins$$, cleaning supplies etc for maintaining our home. SS jack up the Medicare cost $$ which I cannot use at VA medical care. Our TRICARE for life helps but co payments on our TRICARE payment only 20% copays.
food gas ulities
Energy and fuel cost in Alaska are through the roof.
There’s a vso that was refused to help me what can I do about this
Will the retired military reserved be exempt from windfall elimination set by Pres.Reagan that drastically reduced my social sec..pay .THAT I CONTRIBUTED FULLY FOR 24 plus years the whole time that I have served in the military.
As I age, I continue to need dental and vision services. Last week I paid from my retirement account $2,500 for dental work and $250 for a new pair of glasses. Both have increased 20% since I needed those services and items last. The cost of gasoline is also a problem for me – less expensive than a year ago, but more than it should cost today.
Veterans also need to receive a food stamp card which will allow them to go food shopping card should be at least 300 dollars monthly
Thank you for sharing/publishing this important news for us US Vets !!!
My expenses have increased in the grocery stores, prescription medications and gas. I’ve also noticed a increase in heating costs for my home as well.
Great information to keep the veteran informed. Keep up the great work.
for me its food and utilities
It is frustrating when you have a status such as TDIU and have a Supply Chain Logistics degree and can’t work in it.
Food, Gas, Heating oil, and electricity.
Gas & Food; And we should have free dental, that’s what was promised when I came in.
Like most others, groceries, toiletries, gas and utilities.
Our grocery bill has increased by at least 30%. Gas prices go up and down. Medical expenses increased tremendously. I found out that I have to pay out of pocket though I get all my services at the VA Medical Center.
Food has become a struggle
Our food and gas prices have increased significantly.
Good a d gas is just unbelievable, a raise in cola would be very appreciated
Fed employees get location pay, VA comp should also. VA could use the same location percentage as Fed workers get. Vets living in New York or California and other expensive areas are not being compensated fairly.
Thank you.
Gas and groceries.
Groceries! Somehow, an 11% inflation rate makes my grocery bill twice as high as it was. Must be that new “Common Core” math!
This is a very misleading article. The author breezed over the point that this is an annual procedural vote attached to the annual budget. VA increase has been lock-step with Social Security COLA for decades using this same process, nothing new. There’s no kudos due the President or Congress for agreeing to continue this budget item. I’m not sure what the author’s purpose was in making this sound like a bombshell event.
Groceries see a large portion of my check. Three years ago I could practically fill up a grocery cart for $150-$165. Today I pay on the average of $200 a week for 4 bags for 1 person. Did I mention there is no meat included in my bags? In 2003 I spent $150 every 7- 10 days for a family of 5 and meat was included . Inflation the last 3 years has skyrocketed.
What does Biden have to do with it.
“ Signing into law” this “law” has been in effect for years.
Maybe he should siign into law something meaningful to the entire country.
should be doubled like everything else went up.
Gas, Groceries, Insurance
Food and utilities, big time!
We need help
What also needs to be done is prevent military retirement pay being offset by VA compensation for all percentages of disability not just 40% and above. We earned our military pay and we suffered a disability due to our service, we should get both at the same time because we earned it.
My personal expenses increased in almost all categories due to record inflation numbers and their affects. The most costly is Food. Aside from clean drinking water, utilities, broadcast entertainment and major repairs on a 26 year old car. These increases and demand will not allow me to buy a new or used car at this time. I have no emergency rainy day funds set aside whatsoever. But, we are still here surviving and blessed beyond measure. One could say, “Like Hooch” the cost of living life and providing for oneself and a family has significantly gone up! (lol)
Cheers,
Gas, groceries, personal care items.
Gas and food.
Groceries, gasoline, electric bill.
Groceries and utilities
Groceries mainly. Suppliers have reduced the packaging from a 16 oz package to a 12 oz package in meat and produce which is a large chunk of the budget. Then there is the cost of keeping up a house from utilities to repairs and replacement of appliances. Every business wants customers to sign up for maintenance plans rather than offering affordable cost of work to be performed. A one inch plumbing pipe replacement is $800 and any sheetrock repair falls to another business and they charge $400. Of course, these thing have to be done, but it is eating up any savings the veteran has that he/she thought would be a cushion as they aged. Also, Dental is not available. I pay extra for a Dental plan.
How can I find out if this. Cola applies to me as a veteran?
I need clothes and food
Yes to gas and groceries plus an up tic in the cost of utilities where I live.
Groceries and gas.
Groceries and gas prices are the two highest increases we have seen. But the cost of insurance went up as well.
Definitely groceries, but utilities have taken a bite.
Gas and Food
Thank you I need it because I’m. It working I can’t pass a d o t physical I am service connected for hypertension and I’m trying to get more help my bp is not under control
Jule, according to the national Consumer Price Index (CPI) as of this moment the CPI rating is 2.2% that would be our COLA rating if it was announced today, inflation is at 4% today and the new CPI rating will be posted next month until October that normally when the COLA is announce. The president doesn’t have anything to do with giving us our COLA rates or raises at all it depends on national CPI and its automatic yearly.
Medical expenses, groceries, and gas.
How do I find out if I’m eligible for any VA assistance now?
This is good news! I’m pleased that veterans are even being considered for an increase of any kind. We are all affected by the steady increases in the cost of living, and there is no perfect solution. Perhaps one there will be but today this is what it is. I’m thankful!
thanks for taking care of the vets
This is great news but does not help NOW the cost of living has been skyrocketing for 3.5 yrs now and has already cost not only veterans but the American population so much money that ends are barely meeting.
I have seen increases in utility bills, cell phone, food (both restaurants and grocery stores), and fuel.
BUT Washington will still TAX our Social Security IF we as Couple make over a Certain amount of money? I get SS but my wife still works as a nurse and loves her job but every year EVEN if I don’t work we go over Washington’s SS limit and must pay, which last year that Tax was almost a Month of My SS income. VA Dr’s and Nurses have treated me very well. It’s the desk jockeys who are suppose to be helping the Veteran that keeps denying benefits to Veterans. Agent Orange is in our Blood and by the grace of God many of us have only suffered mildly vs our Buddies that go thru Hell AGAIN but the Desk Jockeys don’t care!
This is thoughtful, considerate, and long overdue. Thank you for this boost, Mr. Biden and Congress, it is very timely and much appreciated!
Definitely food and gas
Thank you
this information was very helpful to me, regarding the download information and the
telephone number to contact for questions.
Valerie whitfield
Fuel, food, and utilities
Food, gas and electricity. Affordable dental care would be a HUGE plus.
Michael, it simple when we have high inflation you get a high COLA increase and when you have low inflation you get a low or no COLA increase base on the national Consumer Price Index (CPI).
energy: heating and cooling increase!
This is MISINFORMATION. This is done EVERY YEAR.
It is just something that Congress and the President does…to make it LOOK LIKE they are doing something Special. They are NOT doing something Special. If they wanted to do something Special…they would Pass a Bill to make it PERMANENT. This is just another Ritual that they do Every Year…to make it LOOK LIKE they are doing something Special.
Groceries and auto prices.
All utilities went up. Auto insurance and house insurance increased. Price of most foods increased.
A lot of foods I used to enjoy have been eliminated. Can’t afford to eat out any more.
So sad!
Robert, everybody thinks America, in the place on this planet experiencing inflation, don’t get me wrong prices are up, but we fail to see that we are in a global inflation effect, allot of people need to go overseas and see the effects of inflation over there the meat prices forget it, gas prices between 8 and 10 ten dollars I think we got it good.
Food, gas, cat food, veterinary bills, utilities, credit cards interest.
What is the purpose of this message?
Why is people are never happy with anything. The VA does not have to pay you bills or buy you food or gas that is up to you. So lighten up and help yourself.
I call B.S. on this! All the VA has done to me for the past 2 years in decrease my benefits. Every single time the Social Security gives us an Increase or cost of living adjustment, they decrease my benefit. Although my caregiver expenses & medical expenses have gone up as well. I NEVER got my 8.7% increase, I got cut ANOTHER $100. My case is SO screwed up. I have submitted evidence , filled out forms, wrote my congressman ( with absolutely NO response). When I speake to the VA reps, all I get is, ” we are working on it” while I’m starving having to chose between medicine & food. Memphis & the Tennessee area has got to be the most screwed up system ever! I’ve reached out to the DAV twice and both times they’ve dropped the ball and I never heard from them. I do not know what to do at this point.
This means more money taken from my DFAS retirement. Thanks for saving me 3 more dollars in non-taxable income next year. CRDP now!
Hasn’t this always been the case? Whatever the SSA Cola has been, I have received the same VA disability increase in past years. Or, is this an increase in addition to the social security COLA increase? If not, I agree with the comment made by Hoop: This is just a way to win votes. If you go back and look at the COLA’s, the VA has been keeping up with the same rate with SSA.
I have been a member since 1991, a Marine corps officer, When my credit card was misused, the bank took two weeks to issue a new one and I lost you until they finally gave me a new one. At that time I called you and talked to a representative suggesting that my date changed from the 3rd of the month to the seventh. That change of date was very expensive but you representative never let me know that. What was before the change was a little over $300 a month is now $649.96 for my car and house. When I talked to another representative he said: “I understand but there is nothing I can do. It is the policy. Changing date is like starting all over again.” Thirty two years a customer I guess means nothing to you and I find you announcing new savings for Vets balderdash when I pay an additonal $300 because I change a date with nobody warning me what that would mean.
Grocery, gas pump, utilities, major purchases,
I’m a veteran 6 years of service will I see an increase in my SS?
I just noticed that the VA is now billing me for nurse and doctor visits $15 I never have gotten this billing before whats going on?
Gas and groceries.
You need to lower home loan interest on home loans to 4%. My interest is 7.25% I’m retired it’s hard to pay $2845 a month . You put us in this debt mess why we have to pay for the debt. We cut our spending down government need to do the same.
Food and rent, our rent increased $200 a month. That’s huge on my budget, I’m ot sure if we can make it month to month. The stress is intense.
Utilities, gas and groceries.
None of the links here work
I do think getting is information is very important to the veterans
Food costs have been rising and general amenities costs are increasing too.
My rent went up by $330 a month. When I asked my landlord why so much? The landlord replied it just cost more to live. I realize that but my income has not increased by that much. My landlord’s response was well then ask for a raise. I thought, I work for a non-profit where I help people, and a raise is not possible. My landlord owns more than 100 houses and condos plus the marina that houses and docks thousands of boats. I wish she were a little more empathetic and would help others too. I will say a prayer for her and others going through this time of economic instability.
Grocery store. We buy for just 2 people, my wife and me. It’s hard to not walk out of a grocery store at least $30 lighter in the wallet. I know that doesn’t sound like a lot to a big family, but on social security, and add in rent, utilities, gas, $30 a couple times a week makes it a bit tight by the end of the month.
Food, gasoline for vehicle, gas heating, shoes/clothing
GAS, GROCERIES AND HOME REPAIRS ARE ABOUT OUT OF SITE.
My food and gas expenses have raised tremendously but every other expense like clothing, insurance, repairs, etc. have made a tremendous impact on my monthly expenses.
I’m pleased to know about this increase. Cost of living is killing us and that’s why I appreciate what VA is doing for us.
VA disability and military retirement should keep pace with active duty military personnel COLA adjustments Each year retired military personnel are losing more money than they should because VA and military retirement benefits are less than the amount required to keep pace with inflation.
VA Benefits =SSA Benefits = Military Retirement Benefits = Active Duty Military Benefits
Grocery store and gas
Cost of increase in food, gas, and paying for someone to help me with household chores because I can’t keep up.
Ok, now how about an increase for GI bill users
Food. Biggest expense increase this yea has been food.
My groceries have gotten smaller in portion but higher in cost. It’s ridiculous. It’s not just food tho. Hygiene items like shampoo, soap, conditioner, ect, have all had their bottles or bars shrink in size. I actually cut my hair super short because it’s cheaper and uses less shampoo. How is it that we can live in an economy where a woman can’t afford to have long hair….
Groceries, utilities and property taxes
The cost of utilities!! The cost of electricity per kwh and the price of fuel to heat my house. No reason for it to have gone up so much with all the energy resources in this country.
Gas and food
Insurance costs are crazy, up 20% this year already on my vehicles.
The biggest increase affecting my family are utility bills and the price of food.
Thank you,
COLA is extremely helpful when all prices going up to include all household items, clothing, food, utilities and gasoline. I would love to go solar but again to expensive even with rebates. Dental and vision would be wonderful too! I haven’t been able to afford a dentist and the last time I saw the dentist was in 1999. ?
Food, especially produce!
Yes, this would be a blessing. Cost of groceries, gas and monthly cost of Service Animal takes a toll on us every monthly. Along with usual monthly cost, Morgage, utilities, ect..
If we already received increases when Social Security did, how does this change anything. It’s a confusing article.
I don’t understand. I am already (and have been for years) receiving any COLA increase on my Veteran’s Compensation/Allowance. Why did a new law need to be passed and how is it different from allowing for past COLA increases? ??
Bring it…… sooner rather than later. TIA.
I want to say thank you to all the VA staff that has made my life better and appreciate the COLA raise even if it’s political. I wouldn’t have medical if it wasn’t for VA.
Help with any thing?
Food, gas, household cleaning Etc.
I see increase is mostly in food.
Like almost everyone else, food and gas prices.
Food, gas, medical and building supplies. We live in a rural area and gas is at an all time high. It’s eating away at our budget big time.
Gas and groceries.
Ann/ These are precisely the figures, food and fuel $, that have been excluded from the Consumer Price Index so that your government, which supposedly works for you, can fudge the numbers.
As inflation continues, so should an increase in disability compensation. My biggest bill right now is FOOD.
I totally agree with you.
We need a increase badly.
This should be in addition to COLA increases.
Consider also dental inclusion of our benefits that won’t cost an arm and a leg for coverage
Very happy withe compensation in crease thank u
Food, gasoline, car, insurance, mortgage help the veterans and everyone that needs help!!!!
Why? The big corporations will just increase their products prices which in turn they are actually receiving the increase of cola and Social Security benefits.
We really never received the increase for cola and Social Security, veterans benefits, disability benefits anything, due to the fact that when the Government authorizes an increase the corporations turn around and increase all their prices again, so actually the corporations are really getting increase?
Yes we need the raise every $1.00 help we served our country glad to see they will follow up
Food and gas, primarily
Food & Gas big time increase.
Food, interest, AND everything else is still incredibly high (understatement)!
I spent almost 30 years in the military, and still don’t have dental coverage or hearing coverage! All those years in service, we were told, Upon retirement, you will receive 100% medical coverage! Where is this coverage now?
Food costs, whether groceries or eating out.
Gas for heating and electric have increased by $100 per month. This is the most notable cost.
recibo pension de alrededor de 800.00,por años de servicio en la Reserva de US, en Puerto Rico, se nesecita un aumento sustancial, ya que entre los aumentos de electricidad, agua y medicamentos, nos succionan
The cost of living in my area has skyrocketed making impossible to live as a retired Vietnam veteran which would categorize me as, homeless, unless I recieve the much needed cost of living expenses in my area. This needs to done, yesterday, meaning 2 years ago.
desperately needed
I AM A 66 YEAR OLD VETERAN THAT ENLISTED WHEN WAR WAS OVER IN VIETNAM. I HAVE BEEN SUFFERING FROM MY INJURY FROM A ACCIDENT WITHIN MY FIRST YEAR DURING MY ENLISTMENT. I LOVED BEING IN THE USAF OR ANY BRANCH THAT WOULD EMPLOY ME. MY FATHER PASSED AWAY IN 2010 AFTER SERVING 30 YRS. IN USAF. KOREAN WAR AND VIETNAM. HE LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT TO GIVE OUR FAMILY A BETTER LIFE. HE FINALLY PASSED ON FROM WAR RELATED ILLNESS ISSUES. HE LOVED THE MILITARY AND INSPIRED ME. I COULD NEVER FILL HIS BOOTS THOUGH, OR ANY OF MY OTHER UNCLES, A COUPLE OF THEM WERE AVIATORS, WHAT I HONESTLY WANTED TO BE. ANYWAY WHAT EVER GOOD UNCLE SAM HAS FOR MEN AND WOMEN THAT SERVED HONORABLY. THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING. IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN I WOULD WITH ALL MY HEART. AS FAR AS COMPENSATION GOES, I’VE NEVER BEEN A GREEDY PERSON. I’M AT 50% AT THIS AGE AND THERE ARE VETS OUT RECEIVING 100%. I’M NOT COMPLAINING, I JUST THOUGHT MENTION IT. ANYTHING ONE OF MY FAVORITE UNCLES CAN HELP ME, IT IS GREATLY APPRECIATED. IF THERE IS ANYTHING I CAN STILL DO FOR MY COUNTRY I WILL DO TO BEST OF MY ABILITIES. GOD BLESS AMERICA.
Groceries mostly
Food, gas,and utilities
Increase is needed. Most of the bills are paid by my wife. She works a lot of ot and her health is beginning to take a toll on her. Thanks for the much needed Increase.
My comment on: “Where have your personal expenses increased most this past year?” Pay for laundry and personal help now.
I’m looking into purchasing a pre-owned vehicle, and I don’t feel comfortable about the large increase in prices these days. Especially since the truck I’m interested in is gas, not electric. I’m worried that buying gas is going to become absolite.
Is this not how it’s always been decided as far as benefit increases go? We seem to just be trying to make Biden look like he did something for people.
My husband gave his all during Vietnam War married right at 40 years and Agent Orange took him after 25+ yrsof health problems.I to gave my all taking care of him.These raises don’t compensate near enough to keep my home and bills going because it all goes up in pricing as a raise arrives..Just trying to survive..raise COLA to more please..
I would just like to say that a lot is saying about benefits that we already have, like the cost to live in. But what about veterans and dental care? All the bays of dollars and people like myself. Who has been a very long time in the military? And we can’t get teeth or dinner work. It’s a shame that every VA rap is a director senate. House representatives all of you should pick up the facts. And you’ve back to me because nobody is trying to get veterans. Dental care, she’s not that hard people.
Glenn please check what you type before you send. Word check, spell check, etc.
I agree 100 percent.
What? Makes zero sense.
I am great full for whatever increase the VA gives us, there so many people out there that have to work harder or give up doing things they love. USMC GREAT FUL!!
Va will only provide dental care if you’re 100% service connected. ??? I don’t know why
I’m so thankful for my VA widows benefits
My healthcare which is secondary to my Medicare save me from bankruptcy.
It paid my co- pays on two major surgeries.
Pancreatic cancer and Breast cancer. Plus a breast restoration. I praise God for my excellent medical care.
Just so you know, the requirements for Dental have been relaxed somewhat. You might want to look into whether or not you’re eligible now.
My biggest increase is in food and gas. Also my utilities have shot up almost double.
Preach! How is 85% not enough for dental care, but 15% more and my whole family can get it? Doesn’t make sense
Thanks for the great news!
I don’t understand how my ex can get social security and VA benefits of about $5,000 a month and he didn’t even complete boot camp.Yet there are homeless veterans???
Dental help
at the grocery store, in addition portions of many items are reduced, example some 12 oz serving down to 10 1/2 or 11 oz, and slice cheese singles are about maybe 2/3 of what they used to be
Food,Gas, Veterinary bills, credit card interest!
Need to help because I m not make more money
I literally had my front teeth knocked out fire grenade launcher by a butterball lieutenant in basic training told me to shoot a grenade launcher left-handed. I am left-handed I lost my teeth 27 years later they still will not fix this. I had to spend over $25,000 of my own money very very upset about that.
All of the above!
This is nothing new. VA compensation always mimicked social security. Just political nonsense. If Biden really cared about veterans, why doesn’t he increase DIC payments for spouses of 100% total and permanent veterans. We should continue to receive the same amount as our deceased husband’s received.
A COLA raise to my disability compensation is a stick without a carrot. Since the exact amount of my VA payment is deducted from my retirement pay each month, the VA compensation is a joke. And so is this article giving Biden credit for any VA members due compensation.
Well said!
This will help out since USAA decided to go up on homeowners insurance and automobile insurance. Gas and groceries increased also. It seems like military towns rip off veterans and insurance companies like USAA does too. They always say they support veterans, but increase taxes and rates every we get a cola increase. I am sick of it.
True statement.
Trump got the same credit. It’s just a process government has to go through. Congress has to set it up as a legislation and the President has to sign it in to law. Either side could decide to be an a$$hole and not do their part I guess, but the fact this already isn’t a standing law and they have to do it every year is a joke.
That’s odd, since concurrent receipt restrictions for you should have already been phased out.
I’m retired also and it’s a shame that they take our VA benefits from our retirement. We earned that pay giving the military all that time to see it taken away because of the benefits we receive from the VA. We should get all our retirement money and the little VA benefits we get. I only get 10% from the VA which is nothing. They can really keep it.
What’s your problem. It was bipartisan.
That needs to be changed for all 49% disability and under veterans. That’s an atrocity, The Rules state one must have 50% or above to receive concurrent payments from military retirement and disability, I believe the stupid rule goes all the way back to the end of the Civil War do some research.
Military retirement pay and VA disability compensation are entirely separate forms of compensation. They are paid from different agencies and are paid from different buckets of money. They also represent two forms of compensation. Military retirement pay is a pension that is based on your years of service. VA disability compensation is a monetary award that is based on your decreased ability to perform work after leaving the military.
Aside from health care which has for many years now factually kept me alive and as healthy as I may be today at age 86, and my receiving that health care due to being a veteran and living on below poverty level of social security as my only income, what other benefits might I be qualified to receive if any. Thank you.
Hi Ernest,
If you haven’t already, you should check out the VA Benefits’ Special Group: Elderly Veterans (vets’ age 65+), among other resources. Hope that helps!
All the best,
Ben, Army Veteran
Contact your county veteran commission. If you make an appt they will help you find the right program. I know of a few but you should really check with the vet commission first…its free.
Depending on the years you served and your needs, you may be eligible for Aid & Attendance.
find a local disabled American veteran,(D.A.V.)rep or local American legion
As as always, great information. Keep up the GREAT/GOODwork.
Thank you!
V. Stevenson
I have only Medicare I can’t afford health insurance. My VA doctor said he would have a heart doctor check me after he saw a problem if he could. Everdenly I was not approved. I was in service for 4yesrs why can’t I get the help I need? The government gives the illegals free money and free healthcare.
Billy, they also got a free phone
You are eligible. Your primary care needs to give you a “consult” in the computer. A consult is just a request to see a heart doc. Than…the heart doc’s office at the VA will call you and schedule a appointment. So ask your primary care for a consult to see a heart doc.
Click bait
The va has always had my back. You have got to have a team.
This is just a way to win votes. If you go back and look at the COLA’s, the VA has been keeping up with the same rate with SSA.
Concur. Gives some of the most anti-military reps an opportunity to brag they’ve taken care of vets when the reality is that this doesn’t change the status quo.
That’s correct. This is probably a pay decrease.
I agree have always had cola for both.
The SS COLA now is lower than 1981 at 11.56%. So you’ve got it wrong.
Agree. Thought this was new news. Nothing has changed!
Hoop is right. Lot of Bull in this article. You just got 8.7% last year. This is just away to hook you! Wake Up!
You are absolutely correct. That’s what I said when I read that! 2023 COLA for Veterans was the same as SS.
Yep you are right we get in increase every year and we both know it won’t be 9% again maybe 5
No it hasn’t. We didn’t see any raise for over ten years.
Housing costs for me has had the most significant increase. The price of a house and the interest rate has made it very difficult to purchase a home.
Don’t forget taxes to go with the house if you are paying a mortgage. I do have a VA loan, and my escrow increases every year, this year was a substantial increase. I can’t keep up with it, even with my disability and working full time (thank the Lord I can still work). Takes over a bi-weekly paycheck now for my mortgage. Seems to me this increase for us and SS recipients should be a few hundred dollars, just to Help combat the inflation.
As I read these comments, I am bewildered from the perspective that some of these veterans are coming from. I thank God Almighty for the veterans administration, and disability compensation, that I receive from them. Life is tough enough without bellyaching about the things that you don’t have. Instead we, as veterans, should be thankful for the benefits that we do have. I am honored every time that I am able to proclaim that I am a disabled veteran. Many of Americans are not blessed with this status nor the subsequent benefits of being a veteran, much less a disabled veteran. We should all be thankful for what we have.
Housing is A. Big Problem!!
Thanks for reporting on COLA, but reading (and commenting on) this was a waste of my time this since you have no numbers or hard data to include.
And retirees when?
If not for the VA helping my husband when he was sick, I don’t know what we would have done. He was ill and needed my help for 20 years, and the VA saw to it we had the equipment needed, plus doctors and nurses . And now, since his passing they have helped me with a pension so I can remain in my home.
Gladys, I wish you much peace and blessings. Thank you for supporting your beloved Veteran for 20 years. Thank you for YOUR service!!
Excellent information keeping us informed.
So nothing really changed except VA benefits are separate from SSA yet they still mirror each other! Whatever SSA does the VA will do – so what!
I notice my biggest increase in expenses is my groceries.
I noticed my biggest increase in expenses is the cost of my groceries.
I’m very confused! We’ve already been receiving cola adjustments! This is not new news!!
Same here. Apparently it has to be voted on each year, and I did not know that. I thought it was already law and permanent. That’s a scary thought that any year they can vote no on the VA COLA.
I fully agree with you. The politians just have to agree with it yearly. This is nothing new except they want to give Biden a gold star for doing this.
Paying extra on the principal of my ? home loan
This is like putting a band aid on a festering wound in the end. It does nothing to attack the real problem, which is the Central Bank robing us. As long as the legislature has access to the Central Banking corporation through the Banking Act of 1913, which gives them unlimited access to as much money as they want to spend without the consent of the people this will continue to inflate the money supply.
An oil change that cost $26 now cost me $54, groceries have risen 40% yet the government claims 7%, what a lie. Most costs have doubled in the past since COVID. A gallon of paint has gone to $35. Yet the government continues to borrow money at an alarming rate which is the cause of the problem. When you borrow money which doesn’t exist it inflates the existing money and the cycle perpetuates itself every time they do it.
The Federal Government is out of control with no boundaries. This cycle continues to push people into higher taxing brackets and continues to lower the value of the dollar and increase taxing of the people. This bubble is going to explode at some point.
It will explode and it will be a mess. Also, why won’t we ever see a locality based pay system? Some cities are 25% higher cost of living.
Where has my biggest increase in expenses been? Groceries!! On a positive note, I cut back on nonessential items – and lost a few pounds. My cardiologist was pleased. I know that I am still very Blessed to have what I do have. Perspective is everything!
Thank you!
Keep us updated
Why is my military retirement offset by VA compensation?
Because the federal government only gives lip service to the needs of our disabled retired veterans. My father fought that battle to the day he died (in 1994!). Disabled retired veterans are the only group to have that offset. Not only is it a crock, but it is also flat-out theft.
Every single politician and bureaucrat should be ashamed of themselves. “Thank you for your service; oh, and by the way – BOHICA!!”
Because you need to be more than 50 percent disabled to get both retirement and retirement pay.
Your disability rating must be lower than 50% for to be offset by your retirement.
If your combined disability rating is 40% or lower and you do not have a combat-related disability, then your military retirement pay will be offset,
Glad we might be able to finally keep up. That so called huge increase wasn’t that huge at all. Sure 100% Disabled Veteran’s saw about 300 dollars but being honest within a month after that increase I had less money left after buying food and paying bills. So yes it helped but it’s the same thing as every year. It takes big business about 30 to 45 days to set their price increases across the board and they have always raised their prices about .1% more than what the Government Pay Increases are. So like clockwork we get say a 3.1% increase prices go up 3.2% . Oh and don’t think they’ll drop their prices after this Inflation runs its course because they never have before. We all remember being on Active Duty and going to the PX after the pay increases. Yep their prices went up across the board exactly the same percentage as our pay increase. The only way SSI and Veteran’s Disability Pay will ever keep up is giving 2 or 3 times what they give and Mandate through laws that prices can only rise half of the increase. Don’t get me wrong those increases sure are nice but they don’t come close with keeping up with the price increases in the economy.
I agree. I am lucky enough to still be able to work full time. We get our yearly menial percentage raise, but then we get les a paycheck because increase rates increase the same amount. It shouldn’t take being 100 percent to see a few hundred dollar increase. They need to realize that 3 percent of 800 bucks is a whopping 24 dollars. Granted I will not complain about the increase, but that is just a few gallons of milk nowadays, and I can’t even buy the little one a can of formula with that.
Thank you so much for this information for veterans God bless you all who are working to insure we are well taken care of after service mentally and financially. Peace
The greatest increase in expenses has been in grocery costs.
Waiting to hear about VA Disability to be approved. Never knew I could claim anything. I am a senior now. The VA should have been compensating me for years and I was not given anything. Now I am waiting out their decisions on a number of problems. How much longer would they have to give it to me anyway. I am afraid it is the “Good Old Boys Network”. I will be lucky if I am even considered.
Groceries. My grocery bill has doubled and I’m buying less.
Article had valuable\helpful information on how Veterans are affected by inflation. I noticed that the area of increased expense for me is purchasing groceries and utilities.
Had to move to take care of my mom, she has breast cancer. Bought a home. With interest rates so high, our new house payment is half of my VA disability check
Sometimes a VA Loan isn’t always the better option. Check out a USDA Loan and see if it might be a better option for you. They go by income base and makes it very affordable for lower income individuals to be able to purchase a home.
This is a way for the current administration to govern the discounted amount of a COLA calculation to be administered without being VA controlled, which is a crime. The VA acts (or used to) on it’s own and does not require any outside interference. The social security administration missed the ball and failed to adhere to any and all ongoing COLA “good faith” calculations as we all already know and agree from last year’s assessment . The last thing the Vets need is more ongoing “bad faith” assessments. I believe that the Vets are better off with the VA representing the actual COLA inflation numbers and not any “low ball” SSA as they have already have proven themselves guilty of. I believe he VA represents myself and other Vets better than the SSA,
Yep! That’s exactly what they dd.
Is this just added to cost of living expenses or will it be decreasing pay for 100% and/or unemployability through the VA in a overall total? So should I be expecting more or less next year?
Veterans already see an increase in the COLA that matches the percentage of the increase seen with Social Security. The only difference between the two has been that Social Security rounds off to the closest dollar amount, whereas Veterans Disability has been down to the penny. The COLA for 2023 would have seen a nickel increase per month, so I fail to see the point. It really is down to whether the amount is over or under 50 cents and I would say that the law of averages would make that a 50/50 change that would not show any actual difference.
Rent, services, and insurance.
hello im trying to apply for the 1.000 dollars
I don’t recall getting a COLA last. Year from VA last year.
Ron, maybe you need to look at and compare the the pay charts of this year and last year.
But if you are retired from the military, the amount of increase is deducted from your retirement pay. What kind of increase is this? None.
If you are retired you should receive Combined Retirement Service Compensation (CRSC)
Or whatever it’s name is
Only available to retirees who also receive VA compensation
You should get both
I believe that this situation only happens if your disability is less than 50%… 51% or more and you receive an additional tax free check. at 40% my check was off set. retirements plus DA now over 51% i get separated checks……dp
That’s only true if you are rated less then 50% by the VA. 50% and over receive both
If your combined disability rating is 40% or lower and you do not have a combat-related disability, then your military retirement pay will be offset,
Insurance for home and vehicle
I appreciate the increase in my disability benefits. My highest increase in expenses has been at the grocery store. the cost of food has increased dramatically and these additional funds will help to keep this veteran eating as healthy as possible.
Due to Enormous rent increase I’ve been evicted from my Apt of 12 years & thrown out into the streets. I’ve been living out of my car since 2022.
Go to your nearest VA to apply for a housing voucher. This will help you get a home. Sorry for your lost.
So are you telling me my SS Check I h will be getting ever month it there will be an increase because I am a veteran and my brother will not be getting a increase in his SS check because he isn’t a veteran
No, not correct.. every year Social Security gets a Cola increase regardless if they’re a Veterans or Not.. this article is saying that Veterans who receive disability payments, DiC (spouse and children, clothing expenses etc will also see the same amount of COLA that Social Security sets for their recipients…
I believe what they said is that your VA check amount is “guaranteed” to increase the same percentage each year as SS Cola. So if SS increases for a cost of living adjustment, so will your VA check and will not require a separate approval from whichever party is in charge of congress or the White House.
Living expenses have increased mostly for my rent. So much so that I couldn’t afford the enormous rent increase that I was evicted & thrown out into the streets where I’ve been living out of my car since 2022. All agencies such as Mission United, United Way, Legal Aid, HUD Vash are unable to assist.
I believe that this will be a great blessing to all veterans who put their lives on the line and time in while serving their country.
You guys are the best FIST team bar none. I am a 1966 – 1987 retired Airborne Soldier, now Pastor and I recommend your YouTube page to every Vet I meet. You are a God send. I also work with homeless Vet in getting them help with housing, job fairs and benefits. Thank you, Thank you. Scout Out First.
The grocery store is no longer a fun trip it’s painful to see what basic food costs. Might have to start a garden
All my increase of living is in food, gas & now my electric I have to cut back on everything.
Food and consumer goods.
Outstanding
All our lives we have paid taxes and the Government uses the taxes as they see fit. You are now (again ) going to give us COLA and raise for disabled people. You give us a raise, you take out more taxes and to top it all, which in my opinion is ironic, you take more money out for Medicare. All Government people get their hefty fat raises and you take from the poor and old. You should be ashamed and disgraced. This is not The Days of Robin Hood, shameful how America has gotten….greedy. I did my share in the Military, paid taxes all my life and now….less to live on. Please take a look at all the Senate and Congress people how have 4 and 5 different positions and offices and multiple salaries. You take from the poor and fill the pockets of the rich…sad, sad, sad
Well said Bernard. Thank you
Thanks for the good news! It would be interesting and informative to see a historical summary of how past years’ veterans’ benefits COLAs have compared with past SSA COLAs year by year. Have VA COLAs been consistently lower, or only sometimes lower and sometimes higher?
Food and Gas
Thank You for This Post and tor keeping us veterans connected and up to date with matters and issues concerning our veterans and family members.
I appreciate how you all are keeping the veterans connected and up to date on all issues concerning us.
Does this apply to retirement pay?
VA disability pay only.
Our electric and food bill
As a veteran who served from 1978 to 1984 , looks like I fall in the cracks and I’m not eligible for anything the VA offers…
My suggestion, try applying again . Rules keep changing on eligibility.
You served in peace time. Big difference.
Lewis, not necessarily so, you need to do some research on the PACT ACT, look depend on the branch you served, the Air Force, you made have been exposed to contaminated drinking water with chemicals like per-and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) maybe you served at a base or a duty station that exposed to this toxin or you were exposed jet propulsion fuel, JP-4, JP-5, JP-7 and JP-8, if you served in the US Navy, may have been exposed to asbestos, radiation and jet propulsion fuel, just about all navy ship exposed you to asbestos, did you worked around the nuclear reactor you probably was exposed to radiation, If you served in the Army you may have been exposed to PFAS. If you think this may apply to you then you need fill out a VA claim form 21-526EZ, pay close to box 15 D.
My cost of living has increased a lot this year because I have to pay for Medicare. Now they want me to get Medicare Advantage to cover drugs, but I thought my drugs are already covered. I don’t know what to think about having to use the VA because of my disability and paying Medicare. Seems like a scam to me.
Food, rent and the like
VERY HELPFUL INFORMATION ABOUT COLA. THANKS ALOT. GOD BLESS EVERYONE. AMEN ?
Basic food has sky rocketed,
Most everything. Phone bill was the latest. Internet before that. But, when I shop for food I’m often shocked. So happy for the COLA increase.
The most noticable in my cost of living over the past year has been about a 25% increase in basic food costs.
Will this increase include compensation for agent orange claims?
Agent orange claim? Agent orange was a herbicide. You cant claim agent orange because it is a herbicide not a disability.
Food, Gas and Rent
Good article, keeps me informed about what is happening with the veterans administration.
Food, gas, medicine, you name it! I’ve been selling artwork just to stay afloat
It’s been that way for years! Nothing changed.
Food and child care
I have definitely seen prices rise, and have been surprised many times by the way certain companies and people have used this as an excuse to take advantage of people. I try to not let it affect my spending decisions because I don’t have room for negativity, but some days it wears on me.
This years increase, the largest I’ve seen in my years with the VA, isn’t keeping up with expenses. If you can’t get inflation under control, these gestures will only get us so far. If this is based on Octobers inflation numbers, it will be higher by the time the check is in the bank next year and even more through out the year. I don’t mean to sound ungrateful, It’s better than nothing but it can only help out so much. At the rate the Government is going, quarterly COLA increases would probably help out more! Still just printing more money won’t help so I guess they probably should work harder to get inflation under control.
The COLA benefit increase for next year is very much appreciated, I am looking forward to receiving it. I wish dental benefits were available to veterans that are not 100% disabled.
Thank God!
Yeah va needs to give us dental benefits not just those with 100% that don’t need it. They get $3000.00 mo. and 50% gets $1000.00 mo how’s that fair?
Good news! Inflation has effected so many areas of our living. Especially food and gas. We live in an RV Park 10 miles from town. Apt. rent is still to high and have 100% disability with limited access to upstairs locations.
Too little, too late!
Food, gas, home maintenance services, baby essentials, car and health insurance
Question:
If the veterans cola is based on the SSA does that mean it’s based on a state basis? Because the last time I asked the SSA office why my state got a COLA that was so much less than almost every other state and was told it was based on the income of it’s citizens
Great article. I really appreciate the information as well as having it presented in a easy to follow way. Thanks!
Its great to finally be in the know. Thanks for keeping us updated will new changes that affects our veterans.
Can 100% Veterans go to the commissary & base/post exchanges?
It’s about time. I served 6 1/2 years in the AF in the late 60’s, early 70’s, then spent 8 years as a veterans claims examiner in the New Orleans Regional Office. There, I became acutely aware of the profound effects of legislation – and of lack of needed legislation – on veterans disability claims. Politics have often stood in the way of honoring our debt to those who have served our nation honorably and without question. On entry to service they signed a blank check to our country promising up to and including their very lives if necessary. While I have no service-connected disabilties of my own, I have friends who do, from the seemingly minor to missing limbs, and those who have now passed from cancers and other diseases incurred from exposure to toxins like Agent Orange in combat zones and on war deployments. I implore you to research your political candidates for their positions on support for veterans’ affairs and the voting records of incumbants. A nation that fails to honor its commitment to those who serve and have served to protect it cannot expect to remain free.
I personally can not think of one aspect of my Cost-of-Living that hasn’t increased. Those areas most noticeable consist of health care, dental, food, gas, electricity and housing.
Food. Plain and simple.
Food is out of this world with price increases.
Thank you!
Everyday living! Food, gas, utilities!
Food and gas went way up in cost.
Food, gas, electricity all continue to rise more than the cost of living.
I hope it at least equal to how high food, gas and personal care cost!
That will help out allot question though does that mean single Veterans has the same as Veterans with there spouses and families?
food/car insurance
So what has actually changed from the policy that has been in effect?
VA recipients already get the COLA percentage increase that SS people get.
VA recipients already receive the COLA increase percentage that SS peoole get.
It is startling to witness just how high the grocery bill is each week. I am down to just the basics but the food bill keeps climbing higher. Good thing Ramen noodles are still relatively cheap.
The biggest dent in our finances was caused by increase in food prices. We have to adjust our budget for grocery and for eating out.
utilities amd gas
Excellent!
I have seen increases in the cost of diesel and groceries.
Food and necessities for kids like diapers, clothes, ect
Nothing gained. Price increases across the board means “just” keeping up. That’s all.
The cost of even the most basic of foods (milk, eggs, bread, hamburger, and chicken has gone up in price by at least 20%. It was great to get that 8.7% for this year but it didn’t even cover half the increase we’ve seen in our real cost of living.
Gas, food, mortgage, utilities!
I’m sorry, but how do I share this so I can enter the drawing? Thanks!
Expenses that incressed most the past yesr is Insurance.
Thanks a lot to the concern/s it will be a big help/assistance for the poor and to military personnel family/s active and retired who can not compare their status in life to those of their civilian counterpart/s. I am a retired USNAVY person with more than 20 years active service and is now, long time retired. God bless the USA…
The rapid increase in the cost of fuel in early 2021 created a domino effect that spread to just about every commodity and service we consume. So in short as a consumer I experienced cost increases across the board. I view fuel in all forms a bedrock commodity whose cost is subsequently a component in the cost of food from farm to table and the cost producing things we buy to use in everyday life. As the price of fuel (and energy) changes most things downstream change as fuel and energy is reflected in the price of other commodities. Then we get a double whammy as the FED attempts to control increased inflation by increasing interest rates. Interest rate increases then are eventually passed through to me the consumer as the cost of doing business increases and is then reflected in the cost of goods and services. Housing costs then increase as the cost of borrowing increases. WOW a vicious cycle! So why not do things to reduce the cost of fuel instead of the situation we now have where the dog is chasing its tail so to speak!
Food is ridiculously expensive.
This cola stinks it has not kept up with inflation it went up 8.7 % last year but inflation was twice that if you compare say 1973 to now Veterans got more in comparison to say cars a car was 3200$ 1973 now ten times more, almost everything is up 10 times since then but not va comp, a study done in 2008 under Bush found what I’m saying is true, and they recommended next president handle it but none has disparity is worse how much more are we going to take?
Thank you for all the concerns and all the information. This is proven to be very helpful, thanks again.
Auto repair has had the largest cost increase in the past year. Our cars are older, but we are stuck fixing them because the cost of even a half-way reliable used car is so high now. We keep fixing our old autos, and hope nothing really major breaks.
With inflation being a heavy burden in our current society cost of living has been raised absurdly. Personal expenses of mine that have gone up the most are the prices of gasoline for my car, food, APR rates on credit cards, and insurance for motor vehicles . Costs of food have been raised by 6.7 percent between the months of May 2022 and May of 2023. Cost of insurance for all cars in my family has gone up with 3 licensed drivers and now an additional one recently (4) being insured under State Farm.
Everything has went up to housing, food, and utilities.
Veterans have received a COLA matching Social Security for years. Why was this article written in such a way as to insinuate that this is new or unusual?
What are they going to do with the landLord? They increase the cola, and the Land Lords increase the rents!!!!
I am a Vietnam war veteran with limited eyesight that needs assistance with transportation to medical appointments and the market
I’m interested
Increase dramatically
Nice to see some GOOD news! :)
The CDC, WHICH DETERMINED THAT ALMOST EVERY CITIZEN
SHOULD BE WITHHELD OPIOIDS
IN INCLUDING EVERY VETERAN.
SINCE THEN, THIS YEAR MAYBE LAST YEAR, THE CDC RETRACED
THAT IDEOLOGY AND HAVE SAID THAT IT IS NOT ONLY WRONG TO WITH HOLD OPIODS FROM THE ELDERLY, THAT SUFFER GREATLY, BUT THAT MANY AMERICAN’S INCLUDING DISABLED And INJURED VETERANS SHOULD NOT ONLY RECEIVE Opioids FOR THEIR INJURIES AND DISABILITIES.
THE FDA, WHO HARSHLY ENFORE THIS PRIORITY HAVE NOT BEEN GIVEN ” STAND DOWN ORDERD, BUT CONTINUE TO TAKE AWAY DOCTOR LICENSES, CONTINUE TO THREATEN DOCTORS, OFFICES AND HOSPITALS. THE VA HAS NOT REVERSED THEIR POLICY EITHER AND THE ELDERLY, THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN THE CHOICE OF A PAIN FREE QUALITY OF LIFE, BUT NEITHER HAVE THE AMERICAN CITIZENS AND VERTANS THAT WHERE NEVER Given THE CHOICE OF PAIN FREE QUALITY OF LIFE WITH WHAT TIME THEY HAVE LEFT TO LIVE. ESPECIALLY THE ELDERLY THAT SUFFER WITH SERIOUS PAIN And EVEN A SHORTER LIFE SPAN TO ONLY SUFFER RACH AND EVERYDAY.
DO WE NEED TO PUT UP BILLBOARDS IN FRONT OF DOCTORS OFFICES, EACH VA FACILITY AND HOSPITAL, TO MAKE THESE PEOPLE REALIZE THE CDC ADMITS THEY WERE NOT ONLY WRONG BUT HAVE ACTUALLY SAID THAT IT COULD BE HARMFUL TO WITHHOLD Opioids FROM AMERICAN CITIZENS, VETERANS AND ESPECIALLY THE ELDERLY THAT HAVE SUCH A SHORT TIME TO LIKE AND CAN ONLY THEY WILL CONTINUE TO SUFFER DAILY TILL THEY DIE !!!
Does this mean that if you are unable to use the VA facilities we wilkl not get the benefit of the COLA?
Thurs 29Jun23 So far, my personal expenses have increased most this past year in two main areas. The first is the massive interest rate hikes on credit card balances. I have seen some jump by 5% or MORE. ALL have increased SOME – as if they weren’t already VERY HIGH. When asked wat the most powerful force in the universe was, Albert Einstein replied “Compound interest” so true. The other area my personal expenses have increased most this past year is in general monthly ‘supply’ expenses… mainly GROCERIES.
Credit card interest rates, as well as home and yard maintenance items.
Thank you for looking out for us,this cost of living is well NEEDED for all of us Thank you
Food, utilities, property tax
Cost of living increase is without a doubt a welcome gesture for all veterans. But most of all the VA should focus on providing quality health care based on individual needs which may have been indirectly caused by service connected disability. As a veteran ages, another area of concern are the needs of the veteran’s spouse who has sacrificed his/her lifework to support the veteran while serving our country.
My apartment rental fee increased by 25% and no discounts are given to veterans since no one else is given the same benefit.
someone told me about home window? is this right
Sounds more like diet COLA. All the praise with 0 shirts given.
We already get that increase tried to the SSA. What is new here? NOTHING!
Our Government is doing the right thing!
This compensation adjustment is a big help to us Veterans and our family. Thank you very much President Biden and to the Veterans Administration.
Definitely food, this has been the most costly item…
Veterans receive a cola increase every year just like ssa. What’s different? Is this just pandering to media? Whats differant to previous years?
This great news, however Military retirees will still pay for it out of their retirement check. A military retiree with a service connected VA disability has the monthly amount of the VA disability payment deducted for their military retirement check. This has never made sense and cannot understand how congress can allow this discrimination and unfairness to continue. Retirees have earned their retirement pay and disability payments should not be deducted from it, Illogical…
Electric bill and food.
Guaranteed it won’t be enough to keep us out of poverty
That’s awesome! Thanks President Biden and your team for looking for the veterans and their family!!!!
good for the veterans who are suffering enough on the little compensation they receive for their disabilities.
I thought that 8.7% veterans received on January first 2023 was the same as people receiving Social Security?
Thanks Biden/Harris Administration for helping disabled Veterans with a financial means of living out their final days with a little more dignity. We could really use an increase in travel pay to and from our VA medical appointments!!!
Groceries and utilities have increased the most.
Everything has increased, nothing specific
For food for my family
Not a comment but a question.
Is the COLA Act applicable for retired veterans or any veteran? Thank you
Joe, it applies to all veterans.
Food, plastics, garden supplies, rent, food, and now, our electric has a 6.9% rate hike.
Food! But I feel like soon they’re going to start charging just to breathe at this point ..
Everywhere from gas, car repairs, food higher costs smaller pkg. electricity, dental, insurance, restaurants,veterinary bills and dog food, just to name a few.
Any increase is welcome. We struggle with the increased costs of food, fuel and prescription costs for my wife. I am thankful for the VA in providing medical care to me.
Semper Paratus
I’ll believe it when I see it. Thanks.
I saw the most increase in day to day groceries and necessities
So when is the military going to start taking the same approach? My AD paycheck is stretched thinner every year. Military pay hasn’t gone up any where near the rate of inflation.
I like turtles
Great move for the Military Veterans.
The actual cost of living has increased far more than the inflation numbers year after year since Biden has bean in office thanks to his energy policies. So I dont even see this as breaking even. It’s falling a bit short.
It’s great news that COLA is included in VA benefits and Vets will begin receiving this increase in the next future.
I live in WV will I receive COLA ? I get 100% and SS or will I receive it via SS?
Tammy, all this means is VA has it on independent COLA, SSA and VA COLA both rating will be the same base on the national Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Gracias por tan importante información
He deliberately induces inflation then takes credit for VA benefits increasing with inflation, something that already happens. Progressivism in a nutshell. Lol. What a joke.
That’s great news our veterans deserve all the service an increases they can get. They earn it and so does their surviving spouse and family .
When are they going to get rid of Concurrent Receipt for all retirees?
This is a great thing that the President is doing to help keep us Veterans from falling to far behind with the current inflation this nation is experiencing
My costs have increased in food costs. No longer can afford meat.
You guys Rock, Thanks for the things you do for us!!
We definitely need a reasonable increase. With inflation as high as it is it is difficult sometimes to pay my bills on time.
Will the cost of living increase also include an increase in the Threshold for medical benefits? I have been driven out of medical care because I can no longer meet the threshold due to my income.
Unfortunately we may not be seeing a proper VA COLA because it is attached to the SSA COLA based on CPI (which covers select items and not overall costs that happened to go up in reality as well). It’s a rate of inflation at the time calculation, so if inflation has slowed to something like 3% by October – it will be 3%. Prices may have gone up by 8-15% over the past year but you still only get the rate of that last quarter. And we really need to fix the gap between 90% and 100% ratings compensation by shifting up the 10-90% compensation amounts. As well, factor in COLA based on residence especially if the veteran is 100% and housebound. It’s not like they easily pack upor hire movers to put them in a lower COL area and the current special compensation is not much at all. If the public doesn’t like the cost they can either stop voting for people that want war all the time, or get the American multibillion dollar corporations we’re all defending overseas to pay more to cover the damages and work being done.
Veterans have been getting COLA for many years already. It’s nothing new Biden just trying to make non military people believe he’s doing something good for us veterans. All veterans know it’s not something Biden enacted.
Awesome news, thank you!
Support for Veterans works because the Government appreciates Volunterism ; (New Word apparently.). President John F Kennedy said. “Ask not what your Country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your Country.” Generally “Freedom is not free!” Freedom works. And because it works; The people have decided That it’s worth fighting for. And those who volunteer (or were drafted) in defense of Their (Our Country) deserve our Thanks for their sacrifice, And their service. How that thanks is expressed is different for each person who serves. Training and experience and love of Country are of benefit to the men & women who serve. Those who pay honest taxes and support and vote for representatives who are really in Government service as a civil duty should be voted in and serve with integrity. Those Federal employees will and do support fair treatment by and for all the citizens of our Country; and all other Countries and free peoples everywhere around the World. If they support us, We the people should and do support freedom fighters everywhere. God Bless America!. And Freefom seekers everywhere.
Approximately costs of living
Good things happen when they work together who would have guessed
The VA’s annual compensation adjustment doesn’t account for the previous OR upcoming year, it is only inflation-correct on the first day of the new year.
It doesn’t account for inflation from the second day of the year up to the last day of the year forward or backward. To be fair, it should ALSO be retroactively adjusting for inflation, back to either the second day of the year, or the second month of the year, through the end of the year when the inflation actually occurred. It’s accurate on January 1st. It’s 364 days behind what inflation is on Dec 31st.
The 8.7% inflation increase is justified, but it didn’t happen overnight after close of business on Dec 31st. It happened over the course of the previous year, (since the last inflation adjustment). For an 8.7% increase after a year; then after six months there would have been a roughly 50% of the 8.7% or a 4.35% increase. After nine months a 75% of 8.75%, or a 6.525% actual inflation increase, (8.7% / 12 months = 0.725% inflation rate per month). The annual increase is only accurate during the one day/month the increase happens (January (1st)).
I believe this is a fair request to be reevaluated, because of what this is about. Unlike benefits from any job someone may get, government compensation and retirement benefit’s amounts change because of ONLY ONE thing, and that is inflation, / the cost of living. That is the ONLY factor in determining the COLA. If inflation were to somehow never happen for twenty years, then the benefit amounts would also not change for twenty years. So when inflation does happen, and if the entire point of those set compensation amounts, is to provide a specific quality of life, based on a specific cost of living; then shouldn’t veterans be allowed to live at that level for the entire year, and not just one day or even one month? The second the cost of living goes up by one penny, we are no longer at the goal for that quality of life.
The FAIR thing to do would be to retroactively compensate for the increase that happened over the previous year when it ends. The EASY thing to do would be to calculate it as linear, (as a steady increase every month over the year), into a one time “retroactive COLA ADJUSTMENT” payment that would be paid annually, after the new rate is calculated.
The easy calculation would be to take the increase from the previous year, and multiply it times half of twelve months / or times 6. (Think of a right angle triangle. The bottom is one year. The vertical line is the increase. WHERE IS THE THIRD LINE? The third line is the ACTUAL COST OF LIVING that we ended up with). If you then flip the triangle image 180 degrees, and stack it for a rectangle. (Increase, x 12 months, divided by 2). The top half we would not receive, because inflation hasn’t yet occurred. The bottom, (climbing) half is my point here). It would be twelve months if you calculate only the day is accurate. It would be 11 months (or times 5.5), if the first month is accurate.
For a veteran with a 100% disability rating, that 8.7% increase MEANS that the ACTUAL COST OF LIVING that we JUST EXPERIENCED would be ($289.88 x 6 = $1,793.28 / or 6 x 8.7 = 52.2 x one month = ) $1,793.28. OUR ACTUAL COST OF LIVING, just cost us $1,793.28 MORE than what you projected our cost of living would be on January 1st. For the same 50% rating if you multiply it times 11 months, that would be $458.59 to compensate them across the year. The increase from 2021 to 2022 was 5.9%. Which would have been $1,1113.84 for the same 100%, and the same 50% rating.
By creating an “annual retroactive COLA” payment, you will be accounting for the inflation that actually happened, that you could not foresee and did not account for on January 1st.
My analogy is: If over the course of the year, I received a raise, yet when I paid my taxes, I said: I will pay my taxes for the rate I was at on January 1st. I will go ahead and adjust my taxes up to my new raise, starting with next year’s taxes since I wasn’t getting paid that on January 1st.
– You wouldn’t be okay with that if you are receiving the money. Why are you okay with it when it’s your obligation to pay it out?
The current method for calculating veteran’s benefits, will continue to be incomplete, until you include this.
Justin, why are you paying taxes on your benefits when are tax free?
Food and fuel is an ongoing strain.
Dental Bill’s groceries
Bills dental groceries
How about give us our retirement back just because we are 100% dosnt mean take my retirement. You retired me I wanted to stay in.
There is no way veterans with disabilities will ever be close to the real cost of living. People on fixed income that receive SSI are struggling with month-to-month bills as it is. Veterans should have a different pay scale because of the sacrifice and set backs that veterans endure on a day-to-day basis. Veterans should have a automatic minimum of 5% annually to keep up with day-to-day activities and be comfortable throughout the year..
oh wow, such great news! we thank all who support all the veterans ! god bless you all! respectfully, john & peggy
Thank you for this very important info. when your living payday – payday every little bit helps, and just knowing that s/s increase will be lockstep to what vet’t get. AWESOME,
Lovely…!
What were they using before? Will this be a net gain or a net loss?
Food. I notice it most with fresh items.
EVERYTHING is increasing! Food, heating, electricity, entertainment and leisure activities, clothes, sports activities for my kids, travel it just crushes the value of a dollar.
So, what’s the difference between this Act and the one usually included in the NDAA each year? It seems to me that either way, Congress has to act each year for a COLA increase to VA compensation benefits. To my knowledge, this act is basically the same or identical to what is usually in the NDAA.
Food to feed my family. Hard to make it being 100% T&P with no income.
Food for my family is outrageous and has to get to work.
Will they say inflation is transitory and its actually not as bad as people think it is too? Low expectations.
Gasoline and food costs have been an increasing burden on our finances
Will this increase be on top of the VA increase that is see each year? Meaning, will it be stacked or in lieu of?
HUD & SNAP count war time compensation as income.
Any increase in VA compensation is an increase in rent.
Hawaii income limit for SNAP is $2,500 while a disabled veteran receives over that.
Application is denied.
Hawaii has an ad that says Hawaii veteran can receive SNAP only if they are 100% Compensation ($3,600)
Scotus, Congress, IRS, Dept of Veterans Affairs all say it is NOT INCOME.
I have contacted Senators, AG, Sen Schaff no response.
What an insult.
I think this is Fabulous for those who have a disability rating , however I think it should be available for All Veteran’s who have served their Country Honorably. The Cost of living has affected everyone and for those who did not fulfill their obligation and fell short of an Honorable Discharge should not reap such an Amazing benefit.
Yes, my personal expenses have risen a lot! My home equity loan interest went from 4% to almost 10%! Food prices have risen significantly! I blame the Government, because they allowed the gas prices to go to almost $6.00 a gallon. Diesel prices have risen to almost $7.00 a gallon. That is why, everything has gone up!
VA increase last year was 8.7. What was the Social Security Cola?
Pat, the same.
Shopping at Home Depot and for supplies in general has been the most costly area. Have been buying lemon Pledge for years and now it’s $11.00 a can….amazing. It’s like they are targeting the stuff you use the most. Forget about candy bars. Quit buying thos long ago.
This will be much appreciated, needed,?
Excellent. Now for the The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers which is not tied to the COLA. We aren’t compensated in any stretch of the imagination for the kind of care we give our Veterans. Many of us are doing the work of a personal RN for our loved ones 24/7/365: No breaks. I wonder what savings we are giving taxpayers and the VA by keeping our veterans out of a facility?
That is how it already has been. What changed?
If i’m not mistaken, I believe we (veterans) receive the Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), whenever & same as recipants receiving Social Security benefits. If so, why would this new law matter?
????
Non VA covered medications.
how much will the adjustment be?
The VA cola adjustment has always been the same as the social security cola. So, why would a law have to be enacted?
This is something that is already a thing. Announcing it now like its a Biden accomplishment is disingenuous, at best.
This isn’t news, we get one every year. Don’t make it sound like Biden did us a favor
Will it be higher I hope because my Veterans Benefits got a better raise than our social security payments so I’m wondering now?
This is the way it has always been. What is new????
How do I know if I qualify for this increase in benefits?
I’ll take whatever increase they can give me. Still does not mean in any way shape or form I would ever vote for the idiot Joe Biden though. He nor the lib’s have done a damn thing for me.
Groceries, Housing, and Gas are what are destroying my wallet these days.
Food has gotten outrageous! My food bill has doubled!
Seriously, are you trying to convince veterans that this is something new??? VA compensation and pension has always used the same COLA rate as Social Security. Don’t act like you are doing something new .
how do i know if i qualify
After receiving top quality surgery for my 2 stints in my heart ❤️ from the Wade Park VA Hospital and was treated unbelievably well by the entire staff working on just me.
Honestly I didn’t know what was going to happen but as veteran one has to look into the mirror before you leave for boot camp and understand that the name you signed with is now available for use as a reference for the event that the enemy needs to be aware that you are fighting for freedom of others before your self.
So the operation was a success ? and the work of recovery was important and difficult for the beginning to be able to give your heart ❤️ a little bit of a push.
It was the scariest thing I had to be calm about.
The fire was ignited by the people who work in cardio recovery. At the VA hospital.
The fire was lit and I wanted to make it clear that I was not going out without a fight.
The year and then some has passed and I am 16 pounds away from the weight I was after boot camp.
The cardio is the best way, especially any kind that you can easily enjoy.
The heart is the one and only one that has to do everything else to help you ? be alive, be kind to it.
Food and utilities
All aspects of every day life cost have gone up. It isn’t just one or two things, it is everything. That makes it hard if you’re on a fixed or limited income.
This article helps struggling Veterans that’s financially struggling, feel some relief for the upcoming physical year so this article is very important and much needed information and gives financially struggling Veterans something to look forward to
I’ve seen a significant increase in the cost-of-living with: groceries, clothing, household utilities (electric, gas, internet and water) and taxes.
I had a Stroke many years ago and my VA benefits were denied. I had a Stroke at 25 yrs old and I joined the military at 19 yrs old. I was told blood does not change very often. I was denied my compensation and I am tired of trying to keep this going. What should I do?
Believe it when I get
dead link for the cola info
Travel expenses, with gas prices going up, and vehicle repairs costing more. Eating out a restaurant is much more expensive. And grocery prices have gone up substantially. Over the counter pharmacy prices have gone up some also.
I’m confused as we already receive COLA each year, what’s new here?
Food, personal items, household supplies, gas
I was diagnosed in 2015 by my mental health doctor that I have ptsd and depression & anxiety and have had science I got out of the service December 7 1964 he was the mental health doctor for the VA Little Rock and north Little Rock Ar but I can’t get them the VA to approve my disability!! At present I’m 50 present service connected . I’m a Vietnam veteran . I’ve applied for agents orange disability and have been turned down but I’ve reapplied under the pack act . How do I get help I have several thousand pages of medical records science my discharge December 7 1964 I need help and at Witt’s end Thanks!.
Great news
I would like to thank my fellow vets who give us this information. Very helpfull and appreciated. Thank you.
Good times
This is nothing new! Been that way for years!
A little bit here, a little bit there and a little everywhere, which adds up to a heck of a lot in total.
No getting around it anymore.
Will That go for widows too ??
Food and housing cost have gone up.
Thanks for information
Will there be COLA family support stipend
Expenses increased in most in the medical area.
By the time we receive the increase, we will already be too far in the hole for it to make much of a difference. We will see another year of high inflation next yaar and we will be pacing behind and losing ground all of 2024 as well.
I’m confused. Is Social Security COLA adjustment based on CPI automatic, and do adjustments require annual legislation?
Personally, I favor converting all COLAs to a different, more accurate index of inflation, perhaps the E-CPI that measures both rural and urban inflation and takes into account consumer’s natural product switches as prices rise.
The story is incomplete. Critical info is missing. Please contrast the current SS cola rate as compare to the current VA disability cola rate? Compare past years rates?
Food and clothing
Thank you so much for the heads up info on th e cost of living increase.
I’ve been retired 3 years and when I was working you could get a McDonalds large coke and small hamburger for $2. Now the same thing is $3.80. The cost of food has gone through the roof. It’s sad. I know I’m old because I remember when you could get a bottled Coke and a candy bar for a dime. I was heartbroken when Cokes went up to 6 cents.
Food has gone up the most. Then gas,electricity.
Isn’t that the way it as always been?
The increase in gasoline and food prices are very difficult to afford
The compensation increase actually lags the real loss of purchasing power (“inflation”), so the inflation that started late January 2021 was eroding our living conditions and savings for retirement a year before the increase began appearing in Compensation payment. The same, only worse, occurred in 2022, with the 2023 increase not making us whole. And, the COLA calculation is flawed. Many expenses (energy products and services) increased much more than 8.9%, and have remained high.
Hi all,my question is;Do dependents also get COLA increase every year?
I’m paying back to VA for 6 years of overpayment for this difference in COLA. I’m also homeless. Thanks VA for all the fake promises.
My groceries have increased at least 25% over last year, gasoline has also increased about 25% or more, making it more expensive to even go to the doctor.
I am a 76-year-old disabled veteran— this will be a real blessing to me
Like everyone out there, no matter what else, it is the high cost of food, utilities and gas. Everything has gone up since 2019, and it continues to go up. We all are having to use whatever credit cards that we have, just to get by with. When will it stop? That is just it, it will not stop…..
Gas, food, electricity, water, property tax, school supplies, clothes, diapers
I find this story very hard to believe since I have been getting an increase in my VA Benefits for years equal to the social security COLA each year! Did Brandon extend a law or what? This is ridiculous reporting and a flat out lie!
Food, rent and vehicle costs
My only comment is that this act actually required a law to be enacted. I’m surprised the it wasn’t already a law. Yet another way the US neglects its armed forces. The country can make veterans, but seems to fail to support them, especially when they are disabled.
Ok, by what percentage will it go up?
Thanks very much for providing this valuable information for veterans! I really appreciate it!
pretty sure we have been getting the same COLA increase as the social security has for the last few years
I get the same cola raise as SS now… what’s new
Groceries, over-inflated baby formula
Rent and food. I should be in a much better place than I am.
Biden did nothing. COLA is adjusted regardless. This illegitimate fraud’s policies have caused inflation to rise much more than the meager COLA increase.
Doesn’t matter how much they give us is not going to matter cuz by the time that January comes around cost of living is going to be so much more higher it won’t matter it all be gone again so what’s the point of all this if you don’t put a f****** cap on cost of living everything keeps going up and it’s not the people doing it it’s a government putting it up so what’s the point we don’t get a pay raise you guys all get to pay raise get this f****** clear you’re not doing nothing for us by giving us a pay raise but taking it back away from us
The cost of Housing/Rent
Without a doubt my biggest expense has become groceries. I am a wise shopper. Watch for sales, use coupons. Even stopping at the store for a few items turns into a $50 trip.
I am so proud to be a veteran I love my country and iam so grateful to finally be appreciated
I thought food was an issue until my property taxes went up 60%…
Would that include the earnings cap for the VA Hospital?
Tom YOU DO REALIZE that this is the #1 reason WE AT THE VA cannot keep Staff, Nurses and Doctors. We have ppl quitting left and right due to they can be PAID and TREATED Better. While many of our Veterans are polite, We would not need Federal Police here on site at the VA Hospitals if a good number of our fellow Veterans treated staff respectably. So at what point should we request the Active duty military with fix’d pay to start being the assigned doctors & staff at the VA’s? Our Veteran & Civilian staff are not not getting equal pay or benefits to our outside counterparts.
This is no big deal every year we get a cost of living increase I have been since I’ve been retired the president did nothing special.
This will not even allow me to rent a studio apartment. People want to know why so many vets are out on the streets. Some small groups of vets like me only get 1372.00 a month to live on. What’s that a joke. I like to see anyone in our wonderful government just try to live on this. People on welfare get more then I do. My own brother has more access to benefits than I. Did I say, I’m a combat war veteran. His been a total munch his whole life. But has more benefits than I do. WHAT YOU SAY?? Yes he does how did what happen?? No one really cares about us. Even the Romans gave money, land, and slaves to returning soldiers. I got the unemployment line when I got home from Vietnam.
THANK YOU❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
They need to keep track with the price of rent or charge these companies high taxes also the city and states that raise there rates also stop building unless it is for the good of the people in the state also the VA needs to buy ground to build for apts for vets to house them
Very Beneficial Information thank You Deeply Appreciated .
COLA has been equal to SS COLA for years , so what did Joe sign ???
We get it increase every year how is this news?