Veterans’ Earned Benefits Access Act of 2026

This bill amends title 10, United States Code, to provide the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with greater flexibility in recouping separation, severance, and readjustment pay from members of the Armed Forces who are also receiving veterans' disability compensation. Currently, these payments are subject to deduction from disability compensation. The proposed changes would allow the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to deduct these amounts through monthly installments , a lump sum , or other appropriate payment plans. Significantly, the Secretary would also gain the authority to waive these deductions in cases where a member demonstrates financial hardship. The legislation mandates that the VA prescribe regulations within 90 days of enactment. These regulations must ensure that monthly deductions do not exceed 25 percent of a member's disability compensation and establish a clear process for members to apply for hardship waivers. The amendments will become effective after these final regulations are published and will apply to veterans' disability compensation paid on or after that date.