Special Monthly Compensation

Find your SMC level and rate

SMC is a higher rate paid for specific losses, for needing daily aid and attendance, or for being housebound. Pick the situation that matches what VA assigned you, add your dependents, and see the official rate.

Tiers building upward, suggesting compensation that stacks in levels

Start with the most common: SMC-K

SMC-K is added for loss or loss of use of a hand, foot, eye, or reproductive organ. It adds $139.87 per award (you can receive 1 to 3) on top of your regular monthly compensation, or on top of most SMC levels below.

Estimate your monthly SMC

Choose the level that matches the situation VA assigned, then add your dependents.

SMC level

Loss or loss of use of both feet, of one hand and one foot, or blindness in both eyes; being permanently bedridden; or needing the daily Aid and Attendance of another person.

I have a spouse

Dependent parents

Children under 18

Children 18 to 23 in school

SMC-K awards (loss of use)

How this works

SMC levels are assigned by VA based on very specific losses and combinations. This tool does not guess your level from your conditions. You tell it the level that matches your situation, and it returns the official published rate with every line shown. The deciding authority is always VA.

Common scenarios

Loss or loss of use. SMC under 38 USC 1114(k) compensates for loss of a hand, foot, eye, or reproductive organ, added on top of your schedular rating.
Aid and Attendance. Higher levels apply when you need regular help from another person, or are housebound.
Combinations. Some combinations reach S, R, or T. These are highly fact specific and worth reviewing with an accredited representative.

Need representation

SMC is one of the most worthwhile areas to review with a VA accredited representative.

Find an accredited representative

Cite this page

Writing about VA benefits? You are welcome to reference this page. Copy the citation below and link back so your readers can verify the source.

VA Special Monthly Compensation Explorer. The Veteran Benefit Desk. https://veteranbenefitdesk.com/calculators/smc

How this data is compiled and verified

SMC eligibility is fact specific. This is an estimate from the published VA tables, not a guarantee of SMC at any level. VA decides your level and rate.

Rates and rules verified against VA.gov SMC rates on August 2, 2026Report an error

Common questions

Questions veterans ask about SMC

What is Special Monthly Compensation?

SMC is a higher rate of compensation paid on top of, or instead of, the basic rating for specific serious losses, such as the loss or loss of use of a limb or organ, the need for daily aid and attendance, or being housebound.

What are the SMC levels?

SMC runs in lettered levels, from SMC-K (a smaller add-on for a specific loss) up through SMC-L to the SMC-O, R, and S range for the most serious combinations. SMC-R covers the highest levels of aid and attendance, and SMC-S covers housebound status.

What is SMC-K?

SMC-K is a fixed monthly add-on paid for the loss or loss of use of a specific body part or function, such as a hand, foot, eye, or creative organ. It is paid in addition to your other compensation, and a veteran can receive more than one K award.

What is the difference between aid and attendance and housebound?

Aid and attendance (toward SMC-L and above) is for veterans who need help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, or eating. Housebound (SMC-S) is for veterans substantially confined to the home. A veteran is paid under one or the other, not both at the same time.