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.