Social Security and Disability Compensation

Under federal law, cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for VA compensation and pension rates are the same percentage as for Social Security Disability benefits.  This means that just like Social Security beneficiaries, disabled veterans will see a 1.6% increase in their monthly benefits for 2020 due to the rising costs of living.  The 1.6% increase went into effect on December 1, 2019; however, veterans will not actually see a change in the amount of their disability benefits until January 2020.  The following Rate Tables show the increased benefit rate for 2020.

The Social Security Benefits Application Process

To apply for Social Security Disability (SSD) or SSI benefits based on disability, a person must first make a claim…