Veterans Day is Wednesday, November 11, 2026. It is a federal holiday, observed on the day itself because it falls midweek.
Pay is not affected
No military payday falls on November 11, so no deposit moves because of the holiday. The mid-month paycheck still arrives on Friday, November 13, two days early because November 15 is a Sunday. See why November has only one payday.
VA disability compensation and military retired pay are paid on the first of the month and are not affected either.
What is closed
- Federal offices, including VA regional benefit offices, are closed.
- Most VA outpatient clinics are closed. VA emergency rooms and inpatient care stay open.
- Post offices are closed and there is no regular mail delivery.
- Banks that follow the Federal Reserve holiday schedule are closed, so transfers started that day are processed on Thursday.
- On most installations, offices such as finance and personnel are closed, and many units take the day off.
Benefits worth checking this week
Free entry to national parks. Veterans and Gold Star families can get free entry to national parks and other federal recreation lands every day of the year, not only on Veterans Day. Bring a VA health card, a Veteran ID card, a veteran designation on a state driver’s license, or your DD-214.
Your disability rating. If your condition has worsened, an increased rating can change your monthly payment by hundreds of dollars. Our VA disability rates pages show what each rating pays with dependents.
Discounts. Many restaurants and stores offer free meals or discounts on Veterans Day. Terms vary by location, so check with the business before you go and bring proof of service.
The 2027 VA increase
The yearly increase in VA compensation takes effect December 1, 2026. The first payment at the higher rate arrives on December 31. See the full schedule of 2027 VA payment dates.