Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) is an additional tax-free benefit paid to veterans, spouses, surviving spouses, or parents who have certain serious disabilities or needs that go beyond the regular VA disability rating schedule.

SMC is not based on a percentage rating alone. Instead, it is awarded when a veteran has specific conditions—like the loss of a limb, loss of use of organs, or needs daily aid and attendance—that require extra compensation because of the severity or impact on independence.

To qualify, the applicant must be already eligible for VA pension and meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Needs assistance with activities of daily living

  • Examples: bathing, dressing, eating, or toileting

• Is bedridden—or spends a large portion of the day in bed—due to illness or disability

• Is a patient in a nursing home due to the loss of mental or physical abilities related to disability

• Has limited eyesight (corrected visual acuity of 5/200 or less in both eyes, or concentric visual field of 5 degrees or less)

Note: You can’t get Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound benefits at the same time

By Mail:

Fill out VA Form 21-2680 (Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance)

Along with the VA Form you can include:

• Other evidence that shows the need for A&A (like a doctor’s report)

• Details about what you normally do during the day and how you get to places

• Details that show what kind of illness, injury, or mental or physical disability affects your ability to activities of daily living on your own

If you’re in a nursing home, you also need to fill out VA Form 21-0779 (Request for Nursing Home Information in Connection with Claim for Aid and Attendance)

In Person:

Bring this information to a VA regional office near you

Many eligible individuals miss out on this benefit simply because they don’t know it exists or assume they don’t qualify. Applying for A&A can be complex, especially when it involves proving medical need and financial eligibility. A VA-accredited representative can help ensure the application is complete, accurate, and supported by strong medical evidence—significantly increasing the chance of approval.

We have attorney’s and representatives here at Greene & Marusak can help you complete your application.

Give us a call at (844) 483-8737