Annual Clothing Allowance
Annual lump-sum payment if a prosthetic, orthopedic device, or prescribed skin medication damages clothing.
Federal BenefitMonthly Compensation
Verified September 30, 2026 against va.gov
At a glance
- Benefit type
- Monthly Compensation — Federal
- Who it's for
- Veterans
- VA rating needed
- No rating requirement
- Estimated value
- $1,053.19/year
- Where it applies
- United States
- Last verified
- September 30, 2026
What is Annual Clothing Allowance?
Annual Clothing Allowance is a federal monthly compensation benefit for veterans. Annual lump-sum payment if a prosthetic, orthopedic device, or prescribed skin medication damages clothing. The listed value is $1,053.19/year.
Who qualifies
- Veterans
- Available to any veteran
What Annual Clothing Allowance covers
Overview
Eligibility (38 U.S.C. § 1162): NOT based on a disability rating threshold. You qualify if you use a prosthetic or orthopedic appliance (including a wheelchair) for a service-connected disability AND VA determines it tends to wear out or tear your clothing; OR you use medication prescribed by a physician for a service-connected skin condition that VA determines causes irreparable damage to your outer garments.
Amount
$1,053.19 paid annually as a single lump sum (2026 rate, effective December 1, 2025). Multiple allowances are possible if you have more than one qualifying prosthetic/orthopedic appliance or more than one qualifying skin medication. Annual lump-sum payments are issued between September 1 and October 31 each year.
Important to know
Your VA clinician or prosthetics department must verify that your device or medication damages clothing. Covered "clothing" includes shirts, pants, jackets, and similar outer garments — shoes, hats, underwear, socks, and accessories are not covered.
How to apply for Annual Clothing Allowance
How to apply
File VA Form 10-8678 (Application for Annual Clothing Allowance) at the Prosthetics Department of your local VA Medical Center. Must qualify by August 1 of the year claimed. Veterans approved for a recurring annual allowance generally do not need to reapply each year.
Verified information & sources
- Last verified
- September 30, 2026
- Official source
- va.gov
Compiled and fact-checked against the official source linked above. Benefit rules and dollar amounts change over time — always confirm current details at the official source before applying. A county Veterans Service Officer (VSO) is a free, accredited advocate who can review your eligibility and help you file at no cost.
How VetUnlock verifies benefitsFrequently asked questions about Annual Clothing Allowance
Who qualifies for Annual Clothing Allowance?
Annual Clothing Allowance is for Veterans; available to any veteran. See the eligibility details on this page and confirm with the official source before applying.
How much is Annual Clothing Allowance worth?
The listed value is $1,053.19/year. Amounts can change — confirm the current figure at the official source linked on this page.
How do I apply for Annual Clothing Allowance?
Apply through the official source linked on this page. A county Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can review your eligibility and help you file at no cost.
Where can I verify Annual Clothing Allowance?
Benefit rules and dollar amounts change, so always confirm current details at the official source linked on this page. A free, accredited county or state Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can also verify your eligibility and help you apply.
Other Federal Monthly Compensation
- VA Disability Compensation (10%)$180.42/monthTax-free monthly disability compensation payment.
- VA Disability Compensation (20%)$356.66/monthTax-free monthly disability compensation payment.
- VA Disability Compensation (30%)$552.47/monthTax-free monthly disability compensation payment.
- Dependent AllowanceAdditional monthly payment to the veteran for qualifying dependents.