Your SMC level & household
Start with the letter on your VA award, then add dependents.
Levels L–O cover specific disabilities; R is aid and attendance at a higher rate; S is housebound.
VA may add K to basic disability and to SMC L–S except O, Q, and R.
SMC-K is not added to SMC-O/P or SMC-R. K control is off for this level.
Beyond the first child already in the basic rate.
SMC-K is an add-on to your basic disability rating (0%–100%), not a stand-alone household rate. Dependents do not change the K amount.
Your 2027 SMC estimate
Estimate · 3.6% COLA$5,077.26 /month
SMC-L, veteran alone
2026 official × 1.036, rounded to the cent
Choose an SMC level to see the estimate.
Estimate only. VA publishes the official 2027 SMC table on December 1, 2026.
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2027 SMC pay chart for your household
2026 official VA rates and 2027 estimate (× 1.036) for the dependent status you selected. Swipe sideways on a phone.
| SMC level | 2026 official | 2027 estimate | Monthly raise |
|---|
Add-ons (extra children, spouse Aid and Attendance, and SMC-K) are applied in the calculator above; this chart shows the basic SMC rate for the selected family status only.
How this 2027 SMC estimate works
VA special monthly compensation (SMC) pays more than the standard disability table when specific disabilities or care needs apply. Letters run from K through T. This tool starts from VA's official 2026 SMC rates (effective December 1, 2025) and multiplies the total by the 3.6% Social Security COLA that VA is required by law to match. It is an estimate, not VA's official 2027 table (due December 1, 2026).
SMC-K add-ons
SMC-K is $139.87 a month in 2026. VA may award 1 to 3 K's and adds them to basic disability compensation (any rating 0%–100%) and to SMC basic rates except SMC-O, SMC-Q, and SMC-R. This calculator disables K when you pick O/P or R.
Dependents
For levels L through S, pick spouse, parents, and whether you have a child. The first child is in the basic rate row; additional children under 18 ($109.11 each in 2026) and school-age children 18–23 ($352.45 each) are added on top, as is spouse Aid and Attendance ($201.41).
Frequently asked questions
What are the 2027 VA SMC rates?
VA has not published the official 2027 SMC table yet. This estimate multiplies VA's official 2026 SMC rates (effective December 1, 2025) by the 3.6% Social Security COLA. Example: SMC-L for a veteran alone is $4,900.83 in 2026 → about $5,077.26 in 2027 ($4,900.83 × 1.036).
Can SMC-K be added to SMC-O or SMC-R?
No. VA adds SMC-K to basic disability compensation and to all SMC basic rates except SMC-O, SMC-Q, and SMC-R. You may receive 1 to 3 SMC-K awards.
What is SMC-Q?
SMC-Q is a protected rate of $67.00 a month (2026) that VA has not newly awarded since August 19, 1968. It replaces basic disability compensation when it applies. It is not offered as a calculator option here.
Is this the official VA 2027 SMC table?
No. It is an independent estimate for planning. Your official rate is on va.gov and in your VA award letter. Rounding on VA's published table can differ by a few cents.
When do the new SMC rates start?
The new rates take effect December 1, 2026, the same schedule as other VA disability COLA changes.
Sources
- VA, Current special monthly compensation rates (2026 rates, effective December 1, 2025; K $139.87; Q $67.00; L–S tables with and without children; spouse A&A $201.41; extra child under 18 $109.11; school child $352.45).
- SSA, Latest Cost-of-Living Adjustment: 2027 COLA 3.6% (announced October 14, 2026). VA matches this percentage by law.