Many veterans who have a severe service-connected disability may still need additional financial assistance and care — and that is what a Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) provides. Veterans who are not familiar with this benefit provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs may be asking — what is a Special Monthly Compensation for veterans? We have answers to your questions here at VA Benefits Attorneys.

A Special Monthly Compensation is intended to provide additional support for veterans with severe disabilities that need extra care or assistance. This is a financial benefit that is paid in addition to the eligible veteran’s standard disability compensation. This special benefit for disabled veterans is not tied to a disability rating and is instead tied to a variety of levels that are different based on the individual disability or situation. 

Who Is Eligible for a Special Monthly Compensation?

Veteran Special Monthly Compensation is reserved for veterans with severe service-connected disabilities that meet select criteria. Veterans must have a 100% disability rating to qualify for a SMC that requires additional care and can be tied to specific disabilities that may include — loss of a limb, blindness, or deafness. These veterans will often be homebound and need additional care for day-to-day activities like bathing, dressing, and eating. Veterans may be eligible to receive multiple Special Monthly Compensation benefits. 

Guide to Special Monthly Compensation Levels and Rates

Veterans who qualify for a Special Monthly Compensation will be assigned a level and letter designation. Many of the designations cover specific disabilities or situations for the disabled veterans and each has its own monthly payment rate. Like VA disability payments, SMC designations and pay rates will depend on the veteran’s marital status, if they have children, or if they have dependents. Select SMC designations — SMC-K and SMC-Q — can be awarded in addition to other designations. 

SMC Designation	Monthly Pay Rate
SMC-L	$4,980.95
SMC-L ½	$5,227.61
SMC-M	$5,474.85
SMC-M ½	$5,836.61
SMC-N	$6,198.67
SMC-N ½	$6,550.61
SMC-O/P	$6,903.42
SMC-R.1	$9,772.83
SMC-R.2/T	$11,178.27
SMC-S	$4,502.06
SMC-K	$136.06
SMC-Q	$67.00

*The rates above are for veterans with a spouse and no dependents or children. 

How To Apply for a Special Monthly Compensation?

Are you a veteran with a severe disability? Are you housebound and need additional care? You may be eligible for a Special Monthly Compensation as a veteran and we want to help you apply. To start the process, you will need to complete VA Form 21-2680 for Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits. You may need to provide additional evidence to prove that you need additional care. It is important to note — the Department of Veterans Affairs is supposed to automatically consider veterans for this additional compensation when they apply for disability — but it is important for veterans to apply for specific benefits they believe they qualify for.

READ MORE: How Does a Veteran’s Discharge Affect Disability Benefits?

If you are a veteran with a severe disability that needs additional financial help, you may be asking — what is a Special Monthly Compensation for veterans? We hope that this overview answers your questions about the special designations, rates, and how to apply. Contact VA Benefits Attorneys today for additional information on your disability claims!