{"id":25296,"date":"2024-07-31T15:08:44","date_gmt":"2024-07-31T19:08:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/?page_id=25296"},"modified":"2025-12-08T13:24:44","modified_gmt":"2025-12-08T18:24:44","slug":"special-monthly-compensation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/veterans\/va-benefits\/disability\/special-monthly-compensation\/","title":{"rendered":"VA Special Monthly Compensation for Mesothelioma"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>What Is VA Special Monthly Compensation?<\/h2>\n<p>Special Monthly Compensation is an <strong>additional tax-free<\/strong> <a href=\"\/veterans\/va-benefits\/\">VA benefit<\/a> offered to U.S. veterans facing a severe disease who have specific disabilities that require extra financial support.<\/p>\n<p>Unlike standard <a href=\"\/veterans\/va-benefits\/disability\/\">disability compensation<\/a>, SMC accounts for more severe disabilities and the need for assistance due to these conditions.<\/p>\n<div class=\"callout-shortcode\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.callout-shortcode{background:#EDF8F9;border-radius:0 10px 10px 0;padding:20px 20px 20px 24px;margin:40px 0;max-width:860px;position:relative}.callout-shortcode:before{content:\" \";position:absolute;top:0;bottom:0;width:4px;height:100%;left:0;background:linear-gradient(180deg, #0FAEBF 0%, #EDF8F9 100%)}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{color:#100134;font-size:22px;display:block;margin:0 0 15px}.callout-shortcode:first-child{margin-top:0}.callout-shortcode:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:20px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding-top:17px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:74px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{left:22px;position:absolute;top:20px;width:59px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background:#fff url(\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/mh-icon-65.png);background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:70%;border-radius:30px;bottom:-10px;content:\"\";display:block;height:30px;position:absolute;right:-10px;width:30px}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.callout-shortcode{padding:25px 25px 25px 34px}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{font-size:24px}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode.has-img{min-height:170px;padding-left:175px}.callout-shortcode.has-img .img-wrap{position:absolute;left:29px;top:25px;width:119px}.callout-shortcode.hope.has-img{padding-left:170px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding:0}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{width:109px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background-size:66%;bottom:-15px;height:42px;width:42px}}<\/style><strong class=\"callout-shortcode-heading\">VA SMC 2026 Rates<\/strong><div class=\"content\"><p>SMC payouts <strong>start at $139.87 a month<\/strong>, depending on your disability level.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<h3>Key Facts on VA Special Monthly Compensation<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Who&#8217;s eligible:<\/strong> <a href=\"\/veterans\/\">Veterans with mesothelioma<\/a> who are bedridden or need care from another person.<\/li>\n<li><strong>How it works<\/strong>: Veterans who qualify will receive an SMC rating that determines the amount of their monthly benefits.<\/li>\n<li><strong>How to apply:<\/strong> Veterans can receive SMC when applying for disability compensation or by filling out a separate form.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Mesothelioma Hope can help you pursue all veterans benefits you qualify for, including SMC. Our VA-accredited agents can make the process <strong>easy and hassle-free.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Get our <strong>Free Veterans Compensation Guide<\/strong> now to learn more about your options.<\/p>\n<div data-vqueid=\"18414\" class=\"widget widget_oscar-vque default-alt image-left has-img\"><style type=\"text\/css\" data-style=\"default-alt\">.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt{margin:60px auto;max-width:315px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt:first-child{margin-top:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt>a{background:#100134;display:block;padding:20px;border-radius:10px;color:#fff;text-decoration:none}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt img{margin:0 auto 20px;max-width:150px;width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt .image-fade{position:relative}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt .image-fade img{position:relative;z-index:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt .image-fade:after{content:\"\";background:#100134;background:linear-gradient(0deg, #100134 0%, rgba(16,1,52,0) 100%);filter:progid:DXImageTransform.Microsoft.gradient(startColorstr=\"#100134\",endColorstr=\"#100134\",GradientType=1);position:absolute;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;height:50px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt .vque-content{font-size:16px;text-align:center}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt strong.subheading{display:block;line-height:1;font-size:14px;margin-bottom:5px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt strong.heading{font-size:20px;display:block;margin:0 0 25px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt ul{font-size:16px;text-align:left;list-style:none;max-width:265px;line-height:1.4;margin:15px auto 25px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt ul li{padding-left:28px;margin-bottom:10px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt ul li:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt ul li:before{font-family:\"mesohope\" !important;font-display:swap;speak:none;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;font-variant:normal;text-transform:none;line-height:1;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;-moz-osx-font-smoothing:grayscale;content:\"\\e904\";border:none;position:absolute;left:0;top:0px;background:#0FAEBF;width:20px;height:20px;border-radius:20px;line-height:20px;text-align:center;font-size:12px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt strong.button.arrow{width:100%}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt{max-width:620px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt>a{padding:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt>a>div{display:block;display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;flex-direction:row-reverse}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt>a>div img{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt>a>div>div{padding:0 25px 0 0;width:41%}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt>a .vque-content{width:59%;padding:30px;text-align:left}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt img{max-width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt strong.subheading{font-size:16px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt strong.heading{font-size:24px;margin:0 0 16px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt ul{max-width:none}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt strong.button.arrow{width:auto}}<\/style><a href=\"\/veterans-guide\/\" title=\"Veterans Compensation\u00a0Guide\" class=\"cte\" data-ce-category=\"In-Content Ads\" data-ce-label=\"Veterans Compensation\u00a0Guide Ad\" data-desktop-image=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/veterans-compensation-guide-ipad.png\"><div><div><div class=\"image-fade\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"236\" height=\"230\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/veterans-compensation-guide-ipad.png\" class=\"attachment-Medium size-Medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"Mesothelioma veteran support guide\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/veterans-compensation-guide-ipad.png 236w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/veterans-compensation-guide-ipad-55x55.png 55w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 236px) 100vw, 236px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vque-content\"><strong class=\"subheading\">Free Downloadable Guide<\/strong><strong class=\"heading\">Veterans Compensation\u00a0Guide<\/strong><ul>\n<li>File for VA benefits<\/li>\n<li>Increase your disability rating<\/li>\n<li>Receive legal compensation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong class=\"button arrow\" title=\"Get Your Free Guide\">Get Your Free Guide<\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<h2>What Qualifies for VA Special Monthly Compensation?<\/h2>\n<p>You or a U.S. veteran that you love can potentially receive VA SMC for severe disabilities, or combinations of disabilities, that resulted from active-duty service.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The VA awards SMC to veterans suffering from:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Being bedridden:<\/strong> Some veterans may not be able to leave their bed due to their service-related disabilities (such as end-stage <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/\">mesothelioma<\/a>).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Loss of a limb:<\/strong> You may qualify for SMC if you needed an amputation due to service-related injuries.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Loss of senses:<\/strong> Veterans who are blind, deaf, or can\u2019t talk could be eligible for SMC.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Paralysis:<\/strong> Service-related disabilities or illnesses could lead to limb paralysis.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs):<\/strong> Since a TBI can lead to significant impairment, the VA is authorized to award SMC to affected veterans.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Severe mental health conditions:<\/strong> In certain cases, veterans with PTSD or other mental health issues could qualify for SMC.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"did-you-know icon-bell\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.did-you-know{background:#F3F2F0;border-radius:10px;margin:40px 0;padding:20px 20px 20px 80px;position:relative}.did-you-know:before{position:absolute;left:20px;top:20px;width:45px;height:45px;background:#0FAEBF;border-radius:50px;color:#fff;text-align:center;line-height:45px;font-size:27px}.did-you-know .heading{font-size:24px;color:#100134;padding:10px 0;display:block;margin:0 0 5px}.did-you-know h2,.did-you-know .h2,.did-you-know h3,.did-you-know .h3{font-size:24px;line-height:1.14}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.did-you-know{padding:25px 25px 25px 90px}.did-you-know:before{left:25px;top:25px}.did-you-know .heading{padding:8px 0}.did-you-know h2,.did-you-know .h2,.did-you-know h3,.did-you-know .h3{font-size:24px;line-height:1.14}}<\/style><strong class=\"heading\">Did You Know?<\/strong><p>The VA also awards SMC to disabled veterans who need <a href=\"\/veterans\/va-benefits\/aid-attendance\/\">Aid and Attendance (A&amp;A)<\/a> attendance with feeding, bathing, or dressing themselves. If a veteran with advanced mesothelioma needs A&amp;A, they could potentially obtain it through SMC.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Call <strong><a href=\"tel:+18666088933\" title=\"Click to call (866) 608-8933\" class=\"in-content-tel-link\" data-ce-category=\"Click to Call\" data-ce-label=\"(866) 608-8933\">(866) 608-8933<\/a> <\/strong>now to find out if you or a loved one is eligible for SMC and other VA benefits. Our in-house veterans advocates are standing by to answer all of your questions.<\/p>\n<h2>How VA Special Monthly Compensation Works<\/h2>\n<p>To determine a veteran&#8217;s SMC payments, the VA uses a rating system with levels based on the severity of the disability.<\/p>\n<p>Learn about the different levels and the amount of compensation available below.<\/p>\n<h3>SMC-K<\/h3>\n<p>This is awarded usually for the loss of a limb or limb function. As of 2026, you can receive <strong>$139.87\u00a0per month<\/strong> if you qualify for SMC-K.<\/p>\n<h3>SMC-L Through SMC-O<\/h3>\n<p>These SMC levels are typically available for veterans suffering from the loss or loss of function of multiple body parts.<\/p>\n<p><strong>You may qualify if you:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Became permanently bedridden due to mesothelioma<\/li>\n<li>Can\u2019t hear out one or both ears<\/li>\n<li>Lost or can\u2019t use more than one limb<\/li>\n<li>Lost or can\u2019t see out of both eyes<\/li>\n<li>Need A&amp;A for daily living<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>U.S. veterans can receive<strong> $4,900.83 to $7,229.60<\/strong> <strong>per month<\/strong> for these SMC levels, with more available if they have a dependent spouse or child.<\/p>\n<h3>SMC-R and SMC-S<\/h3>\n<p>Veterans who need help with daily activities may be able to get SMC-R or SMC-S benefits.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Here are the differences between the two:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>SMC-R<\/strong> is Aid and Attendance offered to veterans who rely on others to bathe, dress, and feed them. The base rate is <strong>$9,973.73 per month<\/strong> with more available if the veteran has dependents.<\/li>\n<li><strong>SMC-S<\/strong> is for veterans who are housebound or bedridden due to their disability. SMC-S <strong>starts at $4,555.38 per month<\/strong> and increases from there.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These veterans Special Monthly Compensation rates may seem confusing, but <strong>we can make the process easy to navigate.<\/strong> Get our <a href=\"\/veterans-guide\/\">Free Veterans Compensation Guide<\/a> to see how much money you could receive.<\/p>\n<div data-vqueid=\"18414\" class=\"widget widget_oscar-vque default-alt image-left has-img\"><style type=\"text\/css\" data-style=\"default-alt\">.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt{margin:60px auto;max-width:315px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt:first-child{margin-top:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt>a{background:#100134;display:block;padding:20px;border-radius:10px;color:#fff;text-decoration:none}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt img{margin:0 auto 20px;max-width:150px;width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt .image-fade{position:relative}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt .image-fade img{position:relative;z-index:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt .image-fade:after{content:\"\";background:#100134;background:linear-gradient(0deg, #100134 0%, rgba(16,1,52,0) 100%);filter:progid:DXImageTransform.Microsoft.gradient(startColorstr=\"#100134\",endColorstr=\"#100134\",GradientType=1);position:absolute;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;height:50px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt .vque-content{font-size:16px;text-align:center}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt strong.subheading{display:block;line-height:1;font-size:14px;margin-bottom:5px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt strong.heading{font-size:20px;display:block;margin:0 0 25px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt ul{font-size:16px;text-align:left;list-style:none;max-width:265px;line-height:1.4;margin:15px auto 25px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt ul li{padding-left:28px;margin-bottom:10px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt ul li:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt ul li:before{font-family:\"mesohope\" !important;font-display:swap;speak:none;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;font-variant:normal;text-transform:none;line-height:1;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;-moz-osx-font-smoothing:grayscale;content:\"\\e904\";border:none;position:absolute;left:0;top:0px;background:#0FAEBF;width:20px;height:20px;border-radius:20px;line-height:20px;text-align:center;font-size:12px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt strong.button.arrow{width:100%}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt{max-width:620px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt>a{padding:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt>a>div{display:block;display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;flex-direction:row-reverse}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt>a>div img{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt>a>div>div{padding:0 25px 0 0;width:41%}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt>a .vque-content{width:59%;padding:30px;text-align:left}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt img{max-width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt strong.subheading{font-size:16px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt strong.heading{font-size:24px;margin:0 0 16px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt ul{max-width:none}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt strong.button.arrow{width:auto}}<\/style><a href=\"\/veterans-guide\/\" title=\"Veterans Compensation\u00a0Guide\" class=\"cte\" data-ce-category=\"In-Content Ads\" data-ce-label=\"Veterans Compensation\u00a0Guide Ad\" data-desktop-image=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/veterans-compensation-guide-ipad.png\"><div><div><div class=\"image-fade\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"236\" height=\"230\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/veterans-compensation-guide-ipad.png\" class=\"attachment-Medium size-Medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"Mesothelioma veteran support guide\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/veterans-compensation-guide-ipad.png 236w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/veterans-compensation-guide-ipad-55x55.png 55w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 236px) 100vw, 236px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vque-content\"><strong class=\"subheading\">Free Downloadable Guide<\/strong><strong class=\"heading\">Veterans Compensation\u00a0Guide<\/strong><ul>\n<li>File for VA benefits<\/li>\n<li>Increase your disability rating<\/li>\n<li>Receive legal compensation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong class=\"button arrow\" title=\"Get Your Free Guide\">Get Your Free Guide<\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<h2>2026 VA Special Monthly Compensation Rates<\/h2>\n<p>There are currently <strong>11 SMC levels<\/strong>, each with its own monthly compensation rate.<\/p>\n<div class=\"table-wrap \">\n<table id=\"tablepress-92\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-92\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">SMC Level<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Monthly Rate<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">Monthly Rate With Spouse<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">K<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">$132.74<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">N\/A<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">L<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">$4,651.06<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">$4,859.46<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">L 1\/2<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">$4,891.50<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">$5,099.90<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">M<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">$5,132.92<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">$5,341.32<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">M 1\/2<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">$5,485.61<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">$5,694.01<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">N<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">$5,839.08<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">$6,047.48<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-8\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">N 1\/2<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">$6,182.55<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">$6,390.95<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-9\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">O\/P<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">$6,526.64<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">$6,735.04<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-10\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">R.1<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">$9,326.07<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">$9,534.47<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-11\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">R.2\/T<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">$10,697.23<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">$10,905.63<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-12\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">S<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">$4,183.85<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">$4,392.25<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div><!-- #tablepress-92 from cache -->\n<p>Keep in mind that the exact amount you may receive will <strong>vary based on your specific situation.<\/strong> For example, you may qualify for additional compensation if you have a dependent child.<\/p>\n<h2>How to Apply for VA Special Monthly Compensation<\/h2>\n<p>The process to access Special Monthly Compensation generally follows these steps. Our team is here to guide you through each of them.<\/p>\n<h3>1. Get the Right Forms<\/h3>\n<p>In many cases, the VA <strong>automatically awards SMC<\/strong> as part of your larger disability benefits package if your particular condition qualifies. You can fill out VA Form 21-526EZ to file a VA disability claim.<\/p>\n<div class=\"did-you-know icon-bell\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.did-you-know{background:#F3F2F0;border-radius:10px;margin:40px 0;padding:20px 20px 20px 80px;position:relative}.did-you-know:before{position:absolute;left:20px;top:20px;width:45px;height:45px;background:#0FAEBF;border-radius:50px;color:#fff;text-align:center;line-height:45px;font-size:27px}.did-you-know .heading{font-size:24px;color:#100134;padding:10px 0;display:block;margin:0 0 5px}.did-you-know h2,.did-you-know .h2,.did-you-know h3,.did-you-know .h3{font-size:24px;line-height:1.14}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.did-you-know{padding:25px 25px 25px 90px}.did-you-know:before{left:25px;top:25px}.did-you-know .heading{padding:8px 0}.did-you-know h2,.did-you-know .h2,.did-you-know h3,.did-you-know .h3{font-size:24px;line-height:1.14}}<\/style><strong class=\"heading\">Did You Know?<\/strong><p>The process is slightly different if you want SMC and need care from someone else or are housebound.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"\/about\/contact\/\">Contact our team<\/a> to make sure you&#8217;re using the right forms and get help walking through each step of your application.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Collect Documents to Support Your VA SMC Claim<\/h3>\n<p>You will likely need to provide supporting evidence to show why you deserve VA SMC, such as medical records confirming your <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/diagnosis\/\">mesothelioma diagnosis<\/a> and documents related to your military service.<\/p>\n<p>Our VA-accredited attorneys can help you gather the medical evidence and records you need, and <strong>it doesn\u2019t cost anything to work with us.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3>3. Submit Your VA SMC Claim<\/h3>\n<p>Once you have gathered the right documents, it\u2019s time to file them with the VA. This can be done online, at a nearby VA office, or with the help of a VA attorney.<\/p>\n<p>The VA will review your application and the evidence you submit before making a decision.<\/p>\n<h3>4. Receive Your SMC Benefits<\/h3>\n<p>If you are approved to receive SMC for mesothelioma, you will start to get monthly payments.<\/p>\n<p>You can use your SMC payouts to cover the cost of daily living, mesothelioma treatment, and other expenses.<\/p>\n<h2>Other VA Benefits and Compensation for Veterans With Mesothelioma<\/h2>\n<p>SMC is just one of many benefits available to U.S. veterans who developed mesothelioma.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Other mesothelioma VA benefits include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"\/veterans\/va-benefits\/va-healthcare\/\">Health care<\/a>:<\/strong> Veterans can receive specialized medical treatments for mesothelioma for free or at a low cost through VA health care.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"\/veterans\/va-benefits\/pension\/\">Pensions<\/a>:<\/strong> Veterans whose net worth is below a set limit may receive a pension paid out in monthly installments.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"\/veterans\/va-benefits\/va-dependency-indemnity-compensation\/\">Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)<\/a>:<\/strong> Surviving spouses and dependents who lose a veteran they love to a service-connected disability or illness may qualify for VA DIC benefits.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"\/veterans\/va-benefits\/burial\/\">Funeral and burial benefits<\/a>:<\/strong> A veteran\u2019s surviving family members may receive compensation to help with funeral and burial costs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Besides VA benefits, U.S. veterans may also pursue legal compensation through <a href=\"\/legal\/lawsuit\/\">mesothelioma lawsuits<\/a> and asbestos trust fund claims. Many veterans have received <strong>$1 million or more<\/strong> through legal claims while still accessing VA benefits.<\/p>\n<p>Get our <strong>Free Veterans Compensation Guide<\/strong> for help claiming VA benefits and other financial assistance after a mesothelioma diagnosis.<\/p>\n<div data-vqueid=\"18414\" class=\"widget widget_oscar-vque default-alt image-left has-img\"><style type=\"text\/css\" data-style=\"default-alt\">.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt{margin:60px auto;max-width:315px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt:first-child{margin-top:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt>a{background:#100134;display:block;padding:20px;border-radius:10px;color:#fff;text-decoration:none}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt img{margin:0 auto 20px;max-width:150px;width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt .image-fade{position:relative}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt .image-fade img{position:relative;z-index:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt .image-fade:after{content:\"\";background:#100134;background:linear-gradient(0deg, #100134 0%, rgba(16,1,52,0) 100%);filter:progid:DXImageTransform.Microsoft.gradient(startColorstr=\"#100134\",endColorstr=\"#100134\",GradientType=1);position:absolute;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;height:50px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt .vque-content{font-size:16px;text-align:center}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt strong.subheading{display:block;line-height:1;font-size:14px;margin-bottom:5px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt strong.heading{font-size:20px;display:block;margin:0 0 25px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt ul{font-size:16px;text-align:left;list-style:none;max-width:265px;line-height:1.4;margin:15px auto 25px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt ul li{padding-left:28px;margin-bottom:10px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt ul li:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt ul li:before{font-family:\"mesohope\" !important;font-display:swap;speak:none;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;font-variant:normal;text-transform:none;line-height:1;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;-moz-osx-font-smoothing:grayscale;content:\"\\e904\";border:none;position:absolute;left:0;top:0px;background:#0FAEBF;width:20px;height:20px;border-radius:20px;line-height:20px;text-align:center;font-size:12px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt strong.button.arrow{width:100%}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt{max-width:620px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt>a{padding:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt>a>div{display:block;display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;flex-direction:row-reverse}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt>a>div img{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt>a>div>div{padding:0 25px 0 0;width:41%}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt>a .vque-content{width:59%;padding:30px;text-align:left}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt img{max-width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt strong.subheading{font-size:16px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt strong.heading{font-size:24px;margin:0 0 16px}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt ul{max-width:none}.widget_oscar-vque.default-alt strong.button.arrow{width:auto}}<\/style><a href=\"\/veterans-guide\/\" title=\"Veterans Compensation\u00a0Guide\" class=\"cte\" data-ce-category=\"In-Content Ads\" data-ce-label=\"Veterans Compensation\u00a0Guide Ad\" data-desktop-image=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/veterans-compensation-guide-ipad.png\"><div><div><div class=\"image-fade\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"236\" height=\"230\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/veterans-compensation-guide-ipad.png\" class=\"attachment-Medium size-Medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"Mesothelioma veteran support guide\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/veterans-compensation-guide-ipad.png 236w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/veterans-compensation-guide-ipad-55x55.png 55w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 236px) 100vw, 236px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vque-content\"><strong class=\"subheading\">Free Downloadable Guide<\/strong><strong class=\"heading\">Veterans Compensation\u00a0Guide<\/strong><ul>\n<li>File for VA benefits<\/li>\n<li>Increase your disability rating<\/li>\n<li>Receive legal compensation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong class=\"button arrow\" title=\"Get Your Free Guide\">Get Your Free Guide<\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<h2>Get Help Filing for Mesothelioma Special Monthly Compensation<\/h2>\n<p>VA Special Monthly Compensation and other benefits can provide much-needed financial relief for you or a loved one after a mesothelioma diagnosis.<\/p>\n<p>Mesothelioma Hope can help you pursue all of the VA benefits you qualify for at no cost to you.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Our VA-accredited claims agents can:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Help you build and file a VA SMC benefits claim<\/li>\n<li>Increase your VA benefits after a mesothelioma diagnosis<\/li>\n<li>File legal claims on your behalf for additional compensation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Call <strong><a href=\"tel:+18666088933\" title=\"Click to call (866) 608-8933\" class=\"in-content-tel-link\" data-ce-category=\"Click to Call\" data-ce-label=\"(866) 608-8933\">(866) 608-8933<\/a><\/strong> or fill out our <a href=\"\/about\/contact\/\">contact form<\/a> to get started.<\/p>\n<div class=\"faq-wrap\"><h2 class=\"faq-wrap-heading\">VA Special Monthly Compensation FAQs<\/h2><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"1\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">Do I qualify for SMC?<\/h3><div><p><strong>Possibly, yes.<\/strong> Many U.S. veterans develop mesothelioma due to military asbestos exposure between the 1930s and early 1980s, and the VA may consider this cancer to be a service-related illness.<\/p>\n<p>Depending on a mesothelioma veteran\u2019s level of disability, they could qualify for SMC.<\/p>\n<p><strong>You could be eligible for SMC if mesothelioma:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Causes you to need a daily caregiver<\/li>\n<li>Forces you to be housebound or bedridden<\/li>\n<li>Leads to loss of use of reproductive organs (which could happen with <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/testicular\/\">testicular mesothelioma<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Call <a href=\"tel:+18666088933\" title=\"Click to call (866) 608-8933\" class=\"in-content-tel-link\" data-ce-category=\"Click to Call\" data-ce-label=\"(866) 608-8933\">(866) 608-8933<\/a> to learn if you\u2019re eligible for SMC or other VA benefits after a mesothelioma diagnosis.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"2\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">How much is SMC a month?<\/h3><div><p>SMC can pay anywhere from <strong>$139.87 to $$11,271.67<\/strong> <strong>per month<\/strong>, depending on what type of disability you have, your number of dependents, and other factors.<\/p>\n<p>Our team can help determine how much VA SMC you could receive after a mesothelioma diagnosis.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"3\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">How much does SMC K pay for 2026?<\/h3><div><p>SMC-K pays <strong>$139.87<\/strong> <strong>a month<\/strong> as of 2026.<\/p>\n<p>You may receive up to 3 SMC-K awards depending on your disability, meaning you could receive <strong>up to $419.61 monthly. <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"4\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">Can you get VA Special Monthly Compensation back pay?<\/h3><div><p><strong>Yes,<\/strong> the VA may offer back pay (also call retroactive payments) for Special Monthly Compensation.<\/p>\n<p>Back pay is dated to the day you applied for benefits <strong>or<\/strong> the date you became eligible.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"5\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">Why do mesothelioma patients deserve SMC?<\/h3><div><p>Many veterans were exposed to asbestos (the only known cause of mesothelioma) while serving in the U.S. Army, <a href=\"\/veterans\/navy\/\">Navy<\/a>, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps.<\/p>\n<p>If a mesothelioma diagnosis forces a veteran to rely on others for help with daily living activities, or if they become bedridden, they deserve to receive SMC from the VA.<\/p>\n<p>Get our <a href=\"\/veterans-guide\/\">Free Veterans Compensation Guide<\/a> to learn how we can help you access VA SMC and other financial benefits.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"6\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">Is VA Special Monthly Compensation permanent?<\/h3><div><p><strong>In some cases.<\/strong> If the condition is deemed permanent and total, a veteran could receive Special Monthly Compensation for the rest of their life.<\/p>\n<p>However, the VA may periodically review the case to determine if the veteran&#8217;s condition has improved.<\/p>\n<p>We can help you get a better understanding of how long you\u2019ll receive SMC for: <a href=\"\/about\/contact\/\">Contact us now to learn more<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\",\"name\": \"Do I qualify for SMC?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\": \"Answer\",\"text\": \"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Possibly, yes.&lt;\/strong&gt; Many U.S. veterans develop mesothelioma due to military asbestos exposure between the 1930s and early 1980s, and the VA may consider this cancer to be a service-related illness.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;Depending on a mesothelioma veteran\u2019s level of disability, they could qualify for SMC.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;You could be eligible for SMC if mesothelioma:&lt;\/strong&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;ul&gt;\n&lt;li&gt;Causes you to need a daily caregiver&lt;\/li&gt;\n&lt;li&gt;Forces you to be housebound or bedridden&lt;\/li&gt;\n&lt;li&gt;Leads to loss of use of reproductive organs (which could happen with testicular 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Special Monthly Compensation is an additional tax-free VA benefit offered to U.S. veterans facing a severe disease who have specific disabilities that require extra financial support. Unlike standard disability compensation, SMC accounts for more severe disabilities and the need for assistance due to these conditions. Key Facts on VA&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":0,"parent":17888,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-25296","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25296","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/35"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25296"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25296\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/17888"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25296"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}