Disabled Veterans, Military Retirees on Track for 3.6% Benefit Increase in 2027

Military retirees and disabled veterans are expected to receive a 3.6% cost-of-living increase in 2027, effective Dec. 1, 2026. VA disability payments should reflect the increase Dec. 31 or in early January. No paperwork is required, but the VA increase requires congressional approval.

A veteran with a 100% disability rating and no dependents would receive approximately $4,080 per month, up from $3,939.

Learn More

Youth Program Flyers

Program flyers for 5th Grade Flag Essay Contest and High School Oratorical Program/Junior Shooting Sports Program are now available for download from our website.

Use the flyers to promote these programs in your schools and your community.

National Regional Information Conference

Omaha, NE - Saturday, November 14

Registration is now open for:

• The American Legion National Regional Information Conference (NRIC)
• American Legion Auxiliary Mission Training
• American Legion Auxiliary National Junior Meeting
• Sons of The American Legion Meeting

November 14, 2026

Hilton Omaha

1001 Cass Street

Omaha, NE 68102

The conference is designed for any American Legion Family member to learn the organization’s mission, vision and programs, and to connect with other American Legion Family members. Attendees do not need to hold an office or position to attend. 

Housing

• Room rate: $139/night + 18.16% tax
• Parking: $5 Daily Self-Parking, $10 Overnight Self-Parking
• Check-in: 3:00 pm
• Check-out: 11:00 am

Reserve a room by completing your conference registration by the housing deadline of October 23. During your registration process, you will be prompted to make a housing reservation.

Registration

• Registration fee is $70
• Fee increases to $80 after November 1
• Fee includes materials for the conference, 1 continental breakfast, and 1 lunch
• No refunds will be issued after November 2
• Refunds before November 2 will be charged a $5 processing fee
• Registration will close on November 9

From the Secretary of State:

Help Iowa Veterans Get Election Ready

Organizations that serve veterans and military-connected communities can play an important role in helping their members prepare for the November 3 General Election. Simple actions can make it easier for veterans to access election information and participate.

Here are a few ways your organization can help:

• Help veterans register to vote or update their voter registration information.
• Share important election dates and deadlines through newsletters, social media, email, or at organization events.
• Make voting resources easy to find by sharing information about registration, absentee voting, and Election Day.
• Connect military and overseas voters with resources to help them understand their voting options.
• Host a voter registration or education event for veterans and members of your community.
• Encourage veterans to make a voting plan by thinking ahead about when, where, and how they will vote.
• Join our Veterans for Voting webinar on October 29 at 11:00 AM CT. Hear from a guest speaker from the Iowa Veterans Home and learn about accessibility at the polls, and voting resources available to veterans. Share the webinar with veterans and military-connected communities you serve.
• Become a Veterans for Voting partner and commit to supporting civic engagement among veterans in your community.

Whether your organization helps spread the word or takes action, every effort helps connect veterans with the information they need to participate in the November 3 election.

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs October 15 through December 7. It is an opportunity for people with Medicare to review their coverage and explore available options for the coming year.

Why does it matter?

Medicare plans, benefits, costs and individual healthcare needs can change. The enrollment period gives members an opportunity to review their current coverage and determine whether another option may better meet their needs.

What should you do?

• Review your current Medicare coverage.
• Consider your healthcare needs for the coming year.
• Review available Medicare options before the December 7 deadline.
• Make sure you understand the coverage and costs before making a decision.

How to take action:

Visit the Legionnaire Insurance Trust (LIT) eHealth portal to shop for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement Insurance.

The LIT has partnered with eHealth to show plans available in your area. Many of the plans are available at no cost to you.

Or you may speak with an eHealth licensed insurance agent at (844) 485-3434.

By using LIT and eHealth, you know that The Department of Iowa will benefit, and your selection supports American Legion programs right here in Iowa.

Renewal Notices & Target Dates

The third renewal notice is scheduled to mail November 7th through 13th, 2026. Members not paid in the system by October 14th will receive this next renewal. Below are the full renewal schedule with printing cutoff dates and the National membership target dates. These dates can be found in the Membership Processing Manual.