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.

Rita BarnesRita Barnes
00:03 20 Jan 22
This is a great group of people who really care about your well being. They all treated me as though I was family and helped me with my work comp case in more ways than the average would have.Thank you Jason and Thank you Tina! For doing an awesome job.
Cortex ButlerCortex Butler
18:09 29 Dec 21
I am a Veteran of United States Air Force and was awarded my first 30% in 1996 and have been fighting for my rating for 26 years I came to Perkins and Studdard in 2019 while my mom was in a terrible incident and was given to much anesthesia and through GODS Grace she was spared her life, She is disabled since 2018 and I have been struggling with my life and issues and yet I didn’t call the law firm every 10 minutes or call being rude anytime, I mentioned this as I got to know Jessica more than just a phone call and Mr Studdard was always available when not working on other cases or in court, They always called back and Never had to do a call back, My Review is Simple in Life there peaks and valleys and it doesn’t stop because you have issues, Perkins & Studdard took my case in 2019 in 2021 I received my 100% from VA, I Was Never Rude, I was Never Promised Success, I Was Never Lied too and I was Always Treated with Respect, Friendliness, and Kindness the Real Stuff not a (Money Thing) If You want a firm that Cares about the Client and will work on your case even through a pandemic, Will not lie, will not promise anything will communicate your case and will Give you their Best ALWAYS THIS IS THE Best Law Firm for VETS HANDS DOWN Perkins and Studdard THERE IS NO OTHER 100% we had 5 calls Total Case That’s Taking Care Of Business
annetteMomma nokesannetteMomma nokes
14:29 12 Sep 16
Jason and his paralegal Lisa were on point and on top of their game when it came to handling my worker's comp. injury case. I tried going it alone and the insurance carrier pushed me around. They denied extra physical therapy. They denied injections the doctor recommended to ease my pain. When I turned my case over to Jason things turned around, QUICK. They were at all times attentive and on top of my case. I cannot recommend Jason and his staff enough. If you are hurt at work, this is the firm you want on YOUR side.
Sheila KirklinSheila Kirklin
23:11 12 May 16
Jason Perkins, was my lawyer in a workers comp. case, my case has settled now, and I am very happy for all Jason and his office hard work on my case, he was always there to help me out with any questions that I had or help I needed. Jason is a excellent lawyer and if I ever need another one I would only go to Perkins,Because I believe they would be able to help me in any situation I am in need of..
Anna PabonAnna Pabon
23:16 13 Sep 15
I recommend Perkins Law Firm. Everyone I came in contact with there was very nice. Kim was very helpful and any time I had a question she made sure I got an answer. Ann Margaret really took the time to explain things to me.
js_loader

Related Posts

Contrast:

Font Size: