VA Clothing Allowance

Annual Tax-Free Payment for Damaged Clothing

👕 If your service-connected disability requires prosthetics, orthopedic devices, or skin medications that wear out or damage clothing, you may qualify for an annual tax-free payment of ~$950.
Section 1

📋 What Is the Clothing Allowance?

The VA Clothing Allowance is an annual, tax-free payment to compensate veterans whose service-connected conditions cause unusual wear and tear or damage to clothing.

💰 ~$950/year (2026 rate)
🔄 Paid annually — August 1st each year
💵 Tax-free — not counted as income
Section 2

✅ Who Qualifies?

You must have a service-connected disability that requires one of the following:

🦿 Prosthetic device — artificial limb, leg brace, back brace
🦴 Orthopedic device — knee brace, ankle brace, wrist splint
💊 Skin medication — topical creams, ointments that stain/damage clothing
🩹 Wheelchair — causes unusual wear on clothing
🩺 TENS unit or other electronic device worn on the body
👟 Orthopedic shoes — custom footwear that causes wear
Section 3

💰 Multiple Allowances

You can receive more than one clothing allowance if you have multiple qualifying conditions or devices.

Example: Multiple Allowances

  • Knee brace for SC knee condition = 1 allowance
  • Skin cream for SC eczema = 1 allowance
  • Back brace for SC spine condition = 1 allowance
  • Total: 3 allowances = ~$2,850/year

Requirements

  • Each device/medication must be for a different SC condition
  • Each must actually damage or cause wear to clothing
  • Must be prescribed by a VA or authorized provider
Section 4

📝 How to Apply

1
Complete VA Form 10-8678 — Application for Annual Clothing Allowance.
2
Submit to your local VA Prosthetics department — they verify your devices/medications.
3
Deadline: August 1st each year. Applications should be submitted by August 1st for that year's payment.
4
Once approved, it renews automatically each year as long as you still use the qualifying device/medication.
Simple Process: This is one of the easiest VA benefits to apply for. Many veterans don't know it exists. If you wear a brace, use a topical medication, or have a prosthetic for a SC condition, you likely qualify.
Section 5

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

A: No. You don't need to bring in damaged clothing. The VA determines eligibility based on the type of device or medication you use, not physical proof of damage.

A: Generally no, since a CPAP is used during sleep and doesn't typically damage clothing. However, if the straps or device causes unusual wear during use, it may be worth applying.

A: No. The clothing allowance is a cash payment deposited directly into your bank account. It's not a voucher or clothing donation program.

A: Generally no. The clothing allowance is for the current year. However, if you can show you were eligible in previous years and didn't know about the benefit, you may be able to file for retroactive payments. Consult your VSO.