Veterans News Flash
Millions Receive Cost-Of-Living
Increases for VA Benefits

WASHINGTON  – Millions of veterans and eligible family members will see their disability compensation, pension, and survivors' benefits increased as the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides an annual cost-of-living increase for key benefits.

"We want all veterans with disabilities related to the defense of our country to receive the benefits they have earned," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson.  "With this increase, we ensure their payments keep pace with the cost of living."

A recent law signed by President Bush provides a 3.3  percent increase in disability compensation and survivors' benefits.  Eligible veterans and family members will see this increase starting in their January 2007 checks.

Under the veterans disability compensation program, tax-free payments will generally range from $115 to $2,471 per month depending on the degree of disability.  Special payments up to $7,070 per month apply to the most severely injured veterans.

Pension disability benefits will also be increased by the same percentage and effective on the same date.  The maximum annual rate for permanently and totally disabled veterans can range from $10,929 to $18,234.  Payments under this program are based on household income.

This increase also applies to survivors of veterans who died in service or from a service-connected disability.  Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) survivors' benefit payments can range from $1,067 to $2,443 per month.

Survivors of wartime veterans receiving death pension are also entitled to an increase.  The maximum annual payment rate for a surviving spouse can range from $7,329 to $11,715.  Benefits under this program are intended to bring an eligible spouse's income to a level established by law.  

Under each benefit program, additional allowances may be payable for helpless, minor or school age children. 

For more information about VA benefits and services, go to VA's website at www.va.gov  or call 1-800-827-1000.

SOURCE: VA Office of Public Affairs Distribution List

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