Benefits.gov - Clothing Allowance

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Clothing Allowance

Managing Agency Veterans Health Administration (VHA) http://www.va.gov/health

Program Description

The clothing allowance reimburses you if, because of a service-connected condition, your clothing gets permanently damaged by a prosthetic or orthopedic appliance you wear or a prescribed medication you use on your skin.

General Program Requirements

You are encouraged to enroll in the Veteran Affairs (VA) health care system (or qualify based on one of the exceptions in the law). Go to Basic Medical Benefits Package for Veterans to view the program requirements.

You must use the appliance or medication that has damaged your clothing because of a service-connected disability.

Generally, in order to receive VA benefits and services, your character of discharge or service must be under conditions other than dishonorable (e.g. honorable, under honorable conditions, general). However, individuals receiving undesirable, bad conduct, and other types of dishonorable discharges may qualify for VA benefits depending on a determination made by VA.

Your Next Steps

The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.

Application Process

To complete an application, use VA Form 10-8678, "Application for Annual Clothing Allowance."

Applicants should send their applications to the Prosthetics Service at the nearest VA medical center. You can visit our Facility Locator to locate your nearest VA health care facility.

If you have a non-static clothing allowance, you must apply each year before August 1st. If you have a static allowance, you do not have to apply each year.

Program Contact Information

For more information, ask a question on-line or search our Frequently Asked Questions at: http://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book.asp

You may also call us at: 1-877-222-8387