How much are VA Education benefits increasing with the 2027 COLA? What to know about with the latest projection

Veterans and eligible military family members are receiving higher monthly education benefits following payment increases that took effect October 1 as the adjustments raise support available through two Department of Veterans Affairs programs. Helping recipients cover education-related costs, students enrolled in the Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty program can now receive up to $2,601 monthly, an increase of $83 – and full-time participants in Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) qualify for payments of up to $1,621, representing a $47 increase.

The Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty benefit is for qualifying veterans who served at least two years of active-duty service in total and the amount paid can also vary with the length of that service. Whilst the DEA is available to eligible spouses and children of veterans or service members who have died, are captured or missing, or have a permanent and total service-connected disability. The program helps qualifying family members pursue education. Monthly payments vary with enrollment and service history. GI Bill rates differ depending on whether a veteran completed two years or three or more years on active duty, while the number of classes taken also affects the amount a student receives. These rates are in effect from October 1, but they should not be mistaken for a confirmed forecast of the Cost-of-Living-Adjustment increase in 2027, which is not due until Wednesday, October 14. Estimates have the COLA rising between 3.4% and 3.8%.

What students should know about the new rates

The DEA increase adds $564 over 12 months of full-time enrolment and that extra support can help eligible military dependents manage education and daily living costs as the money can go toward housing, meal plans, transportation, books and other education-related expenses. However, the maximum monthly rate is not guaranteed for every student, because individual benefits depend on eligibility and enrollment. GI Bill recipients should also consider the program's time limit. The benefit must be used within 10 years after discharge, making it important for veterans to check their remaining eligibility before planning education costs. As a means of preparation, students should compare the maximum with their own award and course load before assuming how much will arrive each month. The new rates raise the available support, but the individual payment depends on program rules and personal circumstances but overall, the latest rates provide up to $83 more per month for Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty students and up to $47 more for full-time DEA participants.