VA Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) Calculator
Estimate Special Monthly Compensation and learn which SMC levels may apply based on service-connected disabilities and dependent status.
Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) is additional VA disability compensation available to certain Veterans with specific service-connected disabilities, combinations of disabilities, loss or loss of use of certain organs or extremities, housebound status, or a need for regular aid and attendance.
Rates verified against VA.gov. 2026 rates are effective December 1, 2025.
2026 VA SMC Rates — Effective December 1, 2025
SMC-K is added to your regular VA compensation — it does not replace it. VA determines whether multiple SMC-K awards may be paid in your case.
Dependents
Dependent amounts follow the official VA SMC dependent tables: $109.11 per additional child under 18, $352.45 per additional child 18+ in a qualifying school program, and $201.41 for a spouse receiving Aid and Attendance.
Answer a few questions to see which SMC levels may be worth researching. This is an educational screener, not a VA decision.
Enter your service-connected disabilities, mark the single disability rated totally disabling, and we will combine the rest using VA math (not simple addition).
This is an educational screening result only. VA determines whether the disabilities satisfy the legal requirements for SMC-S, including whether the additional 60% is separate and distinct from the total disability. SMC-S may also apply when service-connected disabilities substantially confine you to your home (housebound in fact).
SMC levels & what may qualify
Veteran-alone base rates shown. Use the calculator above for dependent amounts.
SMC-K
A flat monthly amount added on top of regular VA disability compensation when certain anatomical losses or losses of use are established.
SMC-L
One of the first full SMC levels, often involving aid and attendance needs or loss/loss of use of extremities.
SMC-L 1/2
An intermediate step between SMC-L and SMC-M for qualifying disability combinations.
SMC-M
A higher level for more severe anatomical loss, loss of use, or qualifying blindness.
SMC-M 1/2
An intermediate rate between SMC-M and SMC-N.
SMC-N
A higher SMC level for very severe combinations of anatomical loss or loss of use.
SMC-N 1/2
An intermediate rate between SMC-N and SMC-O.
SMC-O / SMC-P
Higher SMC levels involving specific combinations of qualifying disabilities and statutory rules.
SMC-R.1
For veterans already entitled to certain higher SMC levels who also require the regular aid and attendance of another person.
SMC-R.2
For veterans at the R level whose care needs rise to a higher level of aid and attendance, generally requiring the personal health-care services of a trained provider.
SMC-S
Housebound compensation — either statutory housebound or housebound in fact.
SMC-T
For certain veterans with residuals of traumatic brain injury who require regular aid and attendance.
SMC-Q
A protected historical rate tied to older service-connection rules. VA generally does not make new SMC-Q awards.
Rates verified against VA.gov. 2026 rates are effective December 1, 2025.
StratForge Group is not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and is not affiliated with VA. This calculator and eligibility screener are provided for educational and estimation purposes only. Special Monthly Compensation eligibility can involve complex statutory and regulatory requirements. Results do not constitute a VA decision, legal advice, or a guarantee of benefits. VA determines actual entitlement and payment amounts.
View official VA SMC rates