2008 Cost of Living Increase Applied to Key Veterans Benefits

The increases will apply to three key programs: disability compensation, pension, and survivors' benefits.

Disability compensation: tax-free payments generally range from $117 to $2,527 per month, depending on the degree of disability. The most severely injured veterans could receive up to $7,232 in special payments per month.

Pension disability: the maximum annual rate for permanently and totally disabled veterans or veterans over age 65 can range from $11,181 to $18,654, based on household income and whether the veteran needs help with activities for daily living.

Survivors benefits: the 2.3 percent increase also applies to survivors of veterans who died in service or from a service-connected disability.

Dependency and indemnity compensation survivors' monthly benefit payments range from $1,091 to $2,499.Survivors of wartime veterans receiving death pension are also entitled to an increase. The maximum payment for a surviving spouse can range from $7,498 to $11,985 per year. 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, call our office or visit the VA web site at www.va.gov.