💸 STATUTORY SPECIAL COMPENSATION (SMC) & DIC SURVIVOR PROTECTION
Under 38 U.S.C. § 1114 (SMC) and 38 U.S.C. § 1311 (DIC), the VA pays statutory monthly tax-free compensation above standard 100% P&T rates for severe anatomical loss, housebound restriction, Aid & Attendance, and surviving spouse protection.
💸 SMC Tier Breakdown (38 U.S.C. § 1114)
SMC-K (CREATIVE ANATOMICAL LOSS)
• +$132+/month added to any rating for loss of use of a creative organ (erectile dysfunction DC 7522, loss of breast tissue, or loss of use of hand/foot).
• +$132+/month added to any rating for loss of use of a creative organ (erectile dysfunction DC 7522, loss of breast tissue, or loss of use of hand/foot).
SMC-S (HOUSEBOUND RATE)
• Pays ~$4,350+/month if veteran is rated 100% P&T for one single disability AND has additional independent disabilities combined at 60%+, OR is permanently housebound.
• Pays ~$4,350+/month if veteran is rated 100% P&T for one single disability AND has additional independent disabilities combined at 60%+, OR is permanently housebound.
SMC-L THROUGH SMC-R (AID & ATTENDANCE)
• Pays $5,300 to $11,000+/month for severe disability requiring daily regular Aid & Attendance (blindness, loss of multiple limbs, or total paralysis).
⚡ EVALUATE SMC ELIGIBILITY WITH VECTOR ➔
• Pays $5,300 to $11,000+/month for severe disability requiring daily regular Aid & Attendance (blindness, loss of multiple limbs, or total paralysis).
👩👧👦 DIC Survivor Benefits (38 U.S.C. § 1311)
MONTHLY TAX-FREE CASH STIPEND
• Pays $1,612+/month tax-free to surviving spouses of veterans whose death was service-connected OR who were rated 100% P&T for 10+ continuous years prior to death!
• Pays $1,612+/month tax-free to surviving spouses of veterans whose death was service-connected OR who were rated 100% P&T for 10+ continuous years prior to death!
PACT ACT EXPANDED DIC
If a veteran died of a toxic exposure condition (e.g. respiratory cancer, sinusitis, kidney disease) linked to burn pits, Agent Orange, or Camp Lejeune, the surviving spouse is eligible for full retroactive DIC back pay!
If a veteran died of a toxic exposure condition (e.g. respiratory cancer, sinusitis, kidney disease) linked to burn pits, Agent Orange, or Camp Lejeune, the surviving spouse is eligible for full retroactive DIC back pay!
FORM REQUIREMENT
Submit VA Form 21P-534EZ (Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits).
📄 DOWNLOAD FORM 21P-534EZ (DIC SURVIVOR APP) ➔
Submit VA Form 21P-534EZ (Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits).