Annual report · 2026 edition
The State of Government Pay & Benefits
One page, every number that changed for 2026 — from federal paychecks to veteran compensation to food assistance. Each figure below reads straight from our verified rule packs.
🏛️ Federal employees: a 1% raise
The 2026 GS tables incorporate a 1% General Schedule increase ("Incorporating the 1% General Schedule Increase "). A GS-12 step 5 base is now $86,659; locality percentages range up to the mid-40s in San Jose–San Francisco. All 58 locality tables are on the GS pay scale page.
📈 The 2.8% COLA ripple
October's 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment lifted Social Security and SSDI checks in January and drove the matching VA compensation increase. The Social Security taxable maximum rose to $184,500, and the under-FRA earnings limit to $24,480. The 2026 PIA bend points: $1,286 and $7,749.
🎖️ Veterans: rates effective Dec 1, 2025
A single 100% veteran now receives $3,938.58/month — up $107.28 from 2025's $3,831.30. Every rating and dependent combination is on the 2026 pay chart.
💵 TSP: room to save grew again
The elective deferral limit rose to $24,500 (from $23,500), with an $8,000 catch-up at 50+ and the $11,250 super catch-up for ages 60–63. Annual additions cap: $72,000.
Verified 2026-07-30 against Salary Table 2026-GS (effective 2026-01-01)
Verified 2026-07-30 against SSA — 2026 COLA information + OACT bend points + 20 CFR 404.621 (effective 2026-01-01)
Verified 2026-07-30 against VA.gov — Current Veterans disability compensation rates (effective 2025-12-01)
Verified 2026-07-30 against IRS Notice 2025-67 (2026 retirement plan limits) + TSP.gov contribution pages (effective 2026-01-01)
The 2027 edition + every update the week it drops
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