January 2, 2026

SMC-S Housebound Benefits: Who Qualifies for $4,400+ Monthly?

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If you’re a veteran with service-connected disabilities that prevent you from leaving your home, you may qualify for Special Monthly Compensation at the â€śS” rate (SMC-S). 

SMC-S is for veterans who are physically housebound or meet certain VA rating requirements, even if they can still leave home.  

Understanding who qualifies and how to apply can help you avoid missing out on thousands of dollars each year. 

Summary of Key Points

  • SMC-S housebound benefits are for veterans who are substantially confined to their homes or meet the “100% plus 60%” rating rule. 
  • You apply for SMC-S by submitting a claim online, by mail, or through a VA regional office with supporting medical evidence. 
  • In 2026, the SMC-S monthly rate is $4,408.53 for a veteran with no dependents. 

What is SMC-S?

SMC-S is a type of special monthly compensation that provides extra money for veterans who are essentially confined to their homes because of their disabilities.  

Sometimes referred to as housebound benefits, SMC-S helps cover the additional costs of living with severe disabilities, such as needing daily assistance or being unable to travel outside your home except for medical appointments or emergencies. 

Related Post: VA Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) 

VA SMC-S Requirements

There are two ways to qualify for SMC-S: 

  • Physically Housebound: You can’t leave your home due to a service-connected condition, or 
  • 100% Plus 60% Rule: You have one service-connected condition rated at 100%, or are approved for TDIU, and a separate and unrelated condition rated at 60% or higher. 

In other words, you must show that your service-connected disability severely limits your ability to get out and about on your own.  

This can include conditions that cause you to use a wheelchair, require assistance for mobility, or confine you to your home for most of the time. 

What is the 100% Plus 60% Rule?

The 100% plus 60% rule is one way to qualify for SMC-S housebound benefits without being physically confined to your home. 

To meet this rule, you must have: 

  • A separate and unrelated service-connected condition rated at 60% or higher. 

The key is that the second condition must be completely separate from the one rated at 100%.  

For example, if you have a 100% rating for PTSD and a 60% rating for a heart condition, and the two aren’t connected, you could qualify for SMC-S under this rule, even if you aren’t physically housebound. 

Related Post: The Difference Between TDIU and 100 Percent VA Disability 

How Much is SMC-S Pay?

SMC-S pays more than the standard 100% VA disability compensation rate. The exact monthly amount depends on whether you have dependents and the current VA compensation rates for that year. 

If you qualify for Special Monthly Compensation at the S (housebound) level, the VA pays you at the SMC-S rate, which is a higher monthly compensation level than regular VA disability pay alone. This higher rate replaces your standard compensation amount and reflects the added severity of your service-connected conditions. 

In 2026, SMC-S pays $4,408.53 monthly to a veteran without dependents. If you have a spouse, dependent children, or parents, your monthly rate may be higher. 

The VA updates these rates yearly based on cost-of-living adjustments. 

How to Apply for SMC-S

To apply for SMC-S, submit a new claim through the VA.  

You can apply for SMC-S: 

  • Online at VA.gov (add a new disability called “Request for Housebound Status”) or  

You can also include with your VA form: 

  • A doctor’s report or medical records showing you require housebound care 
  • Information about your daily routine and how you travel outside your home 
  • Evidence showing how your condition limits basic activities, like bathing or dressing yourself 

Pro Tip: Write a strong Statement in Support of a Claim explaining how your condition is permanently and totally disabling and why you meet the VA’s housebound criteria. 

Related Post: VA Statement in Support of Claim Example 

Conclusion

You may be eligible for SMC-S housebound compensation if you meet specific qualifications. This benefit can make a substantial financial difference, particularly for veterans with severe, ongoing medical conditions.  Make sure to gather solid medical evidence, understand the eligibility rules, and apply correctly to get the support you’ve earned.

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FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions

What is SMC-S?

SMC-S is a type of special monthly compensation that provides extra compensation for veterans who are confined to their homes because of their disabilities.

How much is the SMC housebound rate?

As of 2026, the SMC-S housebound rate for a veteran with no dependents is $4,408.53 per month. This amount increases if you have a spouse, children, or dependent parents. 

Is SMC-S paid in addition to compensation?

SMC-S increases your VA disability compensation above the standard rate, but it’s paid as a single higher monthly amount, not as a separate extra check. In other words, if you qualify for Special Monthly Compensation at the S (housebound) level, the VA replaces your regular compensation rate with a higher SMC-S rate. You don’t receive two separate payments, but you do receive more money each month than standard VA disability compensation alone.

Is SMC-S permanent?

Yes, it can be. If your housebound status is considered permanent and your condition is unlikely to improve, the VA may award SMC-S permanently. However, if your health improves or your circumstances change, the VA can reevaluate your rating and potentially reduce or remove the benefits. 

What is SMC S1?

SMC S1 refers to a specific level within the SMC-S category. It relates to the degree of housebound status and care needs you have. Higher numbers generally indicate a more severe impairment or a greater need for aid and attendance. 

Can I get SMC-S and Aid and Attendance benefits together?

No, you can’t receive Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound benefits at the same time.

Content Reviewed By

Content Reviewed by: VA Claims Insider Quality Control Team

 

Quality Assurance Team

The Quality Assurance (QA) team at VA Claims Insider has extensive experience researching, fact-checking, and ensuring accuracy in all produced content. The QA team consists of individuals with specialized knowledge in the VA disability claims adjudication processes, laws and regulations, and they understand the needs of our target audience. Any changes or suggestions the QA team makes are thoroughly reviewed and incorporated into the content by our writers and creators.

About the Author

Kelly Olone

Kelly Olone

Kelly Olone is a military spouse who earned her degree in Psychology from Florida International University. After working in the non-profit sector for several years, she turned to her passion for writing. She aims to contribute to a better understanding of the valuable benefits that veterans deserve. As a mom, Kelly navigates the delicate balance between deadlines and bedtime stories with finesse. 

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