What Is Special Monthly Compensation

There are ten basic types of Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) offered by the VA. These SMCs are a form of supplemental income offering financial relief for different types of disabilities, loss, loss of use, or situations resulting from disabilities.

For example, Special Monthly Compensations are available for the loss of a limb, sight, or hearing. One of the most common forms of SMC is that of Aid and Attendance.

Who Qualifies for Aid and Attendance?

Veterans who are housebound or require aid and attendance on a daily basis may be eligible for one form of Special Monthly Compensation called “Aid and Attendance.” A&A alone pays about $146.16 per month to a married veteran in addition to whatever benefits a veteran may currently be receiving.

To qualify for Aid and Attendance, the veteran must:

  • require the assistance of another to perform daily tasks;
  • be bedridden as a result of, or in treatment of, your disability
  • reside in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacities

Like other forms of compensation, actual rates of payment for Aid and Attendance may vary based on marital status and family size.

Eligibility for more than one type of Special Monthly Compensation

The interesting, and very helpful, thing about SMCs is that they can be ‘stacked.’ In other words,  if a veteran is eligible for several different types of Special Monthly Compensation, he or she may receive each of them.

These benefits can also be received in addition to disability compensation. There are some exceptions to this rule and the maximum number of SMC benefits payable is 3. The additional income generated from SMCs can often be significant though, at times, difficult to understand.

We can help you understand the different types of Special Monthly Compensation available and discuss your specific eligibility. Just read this short article if you would like to find out more about setting up a free veterans disability consultation.

Travis Studdard is an attorney who focuses on representing veterans in VA disability compensation claims.  He regularly writes about issues that are important to veterans and their families.

You can subscribe to his Veterans Disability channel on YouTube.

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My experience with the team at Perkins Studdard LLC was nothing short of outstanding.Jason Perkins handled my case with the upmost professionalism. It has been emotionally and physically exhausting for me, but Jason Perkins and his team helped me thru it. Their service was exceptional and the Paralegal Staff was always courteous and prompt in their response time which made it more bearable.I am truly grateful for their patient and caring spirit and I highly recommend Perkins Studdard LLC .........Thanks so much, CherylCheryl Brown
We would highly recommend Perkins Studdard to everyone, they are very professional, personable and efficient. They have stood by our side during out VA disability case until we got our claim rewarded at 100%, more than we ever dreamed of. Travis is very experienced attorney and has an awesome demeanor with getting your case settled. Jessica his assistant is the smartest, sweetest asset to the firm. She's highly experienced in VA benefits, being a veteran herself. They always took our calls, questions and got us the answers we needed. Again, highly recommend the law firm of Perkins Studdard!!Janene Schoonover
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