The DWS Strategic Municipal Income Trust (NYSE: KSM) announced today the designation of the S&P Municipal Bond 7 Day High Grade Rate Index as the successor index to the S&P Weekly High Grade Index (formerly known as the S&P Kenny 30 Day High Grade Index) for the purpose of calculating the maximum rate on the Fund's remaining outstanding Series T auction rate preferred shares (cusip no. 811234-20-2). S&P Capital IQ has ceased production of the S&P Weekly High Grade Index.

Important Information

DWS Strategic Municipal Income Trust seeks to provide high current income exempt from federal income tax by investing in a diversified portfolio of investment-grade tax-exempt securities. Bond investments are subject to interest-rate and credit risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall. Credit risk refers to the ability of an issuer to make timely payments of principal and interest. Investing in derivatives entails special risks relating to liquidity, leverage and credit that may reduce returns and/or increase volatility. Leverage results in additional risks and can magnify the effect of any losses. Although the fund seeks income that is federally tax-free, a portion of the fund's distributions may be subject to federal, state and local taxes, including the alternative minimum tax.

Closed-end funds, unlike open-end funds, are not continuously offered. There is a one-time public offering and once issued, shares of closed-end funds are bought and sold in the open market through a stock exchange. Shares of closed-end funds frequently trade at a discount to the net asset value. The price of a fund's shares is determined by a number of factors, several of which are beyond the control of the fund. Therefore, a fund cannot predict whether its shares will trade at, below or above net asset value.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the laws of such state or jurisdiction.

NOT FDIC/ NCUA INSURED ? MAY LOSE VALUE ? NO BANK GUARANTEE

NOT A DEPOSIT ? NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

DWS Investments is part of Deutsche Bank's Asset & Wealth Management division and, within the US, represents the retail asset management activities of Deutsche Bank AG, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc. and DWS Trust Company.

R-30277-1 (1/13)

For additional information:
Deutsche Bank Press Office, 212-250-5536
Shareholder Account Information, 800-294-4366
DWS Closed-End Funds, 800-349-4281