Each year the federal cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is calculated based on the change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for urban wage earners and clerical workers from the third quarter average of the previous year to the third quarter average for the current year. Federal programs, such as Social Security, Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), and VA Disability Compensation, apply COLA to the upcoming year’s payment amount.
Military retirees, disabled Veterans, and Social Security beneficiaries will receive a 2.5% COLA increase for 2025. VA beneficiaries receiving disability compensation, Veterans pension, DIC, or survivors pension will see an increase in their monthly payments effective December 1, 2024 (payable on January 1, 2025).
Here are a few examples of the 2025 VA disability rates for a single Veteran with no dependents. Service-connected (SC) combined rating of 10% will be $175.51 per month, 20% will be $346.95/ month, 30% will be $537.42/month, 40% will be $774.16/month, and 50% will be $1,102.04/month. Current Veterans disability compensation rates may be found here: www.va.gov/disability/compensation-rates/veteran-rates/
The Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR) for Veterans Pension, Veterans with no dependents and do not qualify for housebound or aid and attendance benefits, will be $16,965 ($1,413.73/month). The net worth limit for eligibility is $159,240. More information about Veterans pension and rates.
Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for surviving spouses with no dependents and not eligible for additional benefits will be $1,653.07. More info on Dependency Indemnity Compensation rates.
The Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR) for Survivors Pension, surviving spouses with no dependents and do not qualify for housebound or aid and attendance benefits, will be $11,380 ($948/month). The net worth limit for eligibility is $159,240. More information about survivors’ pension and rates.
A friendly reminder, your CVSO does not issue VA Health ID Cards (VHIC). Your VHIC must be requested or renewed from your local VA Health facility or online at https://eauth.va.gov/accessva/?cspSelectFor=vhic-ss
Lake County Veterans Services will have limited availability during the end-of-year holiday period, from December 23, 2024, to January 3, 2025. While the office remains open, appointments will be limited. Please feel free to leave a voicemail or send an email, and we will respond as promptly as possible.
Brad Anderson and Melissa Crandall are the Lake County Veterans Service Officers and can be reached at 218.834.8326 or cvso@co.lake.mn.us
Karen Christianson is the Cook County Veterans Service Officer and can be reached at 218.387.3639, or karen.christianson@co.cook.mn.us
