Special Monthly Compensation

Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) is a monthly monetary benefit for Veterans (and DIC spouses) with severe disabilities or who need extra care.

SMC is a tax-free payment for veterans who have certain severe disabilities or needs beyond what standard disability compensation covers.

The benefit is paid to service-connected individuals who has lost the use of their limbs or organs, need personal care, or are housebound. SMC is meant to compensate for specific impairments or hardships not fully addressed by the regular disability rating system.

It is not a very well-known or understood benefit, but it can add thousands of dollars a month to your disability compensation.

SMC may also paid to surviving spouses receiving Disability and Indemnity Compensation.

SMC Benefit Amounts

There are 26 different Special Monthly Compensation categories. Monthly payments range from $171.23 for the lowest SMC level (SMC-K) to $11,825.90 for the highest level (SMC-T) for Veterans without dependents.

Eligibility Requirements

Some of the eligibility requirements for SMC include:

• Severe service-connected disabilities, such as the loss of a limb, blindness, or deafness, OR
• A need for regular aid and attendance (help with daily activities like bathing or eating), OR
• Conditions that leave them housebound (substantially confined to their home)

Compensation amounts are based on the severity of the disability and its impact on daily life.

Filing a Claim

SMC is often overlooked in the VA disability claim process and DIC recipients. It is also a complex claim that can easily result in lengthy processing delays or denials due to:

• Misinformation on eligibility criteria
• Incomplete applications
• Insufficient evidence and supporting documents
• VA decisions based on different interpretations of requirements and policies
• Processing mistakes and errors

If you are a disabled Veteran, or Surviving Spouse currently receiving DIC, contact us today at (720) 779 – 3431 to find out if you qualify for SMC.

Our VA-accredited representatives will review your case to determine if you are eligible for additional compensation.