If you’re a veteran and your prosthetic, orthopedic device, or a skin medication tied to your service-connected disability keeps ruining your clothes, the VA has a benefit built specifically for that. A lot of eligible veterans have never applied simply because they didn’t know it existed.
Who Qualifies?
You may qualify if you have a service-connected disability and at least one of these applies to you:
- A prosthetic or orthopedic device you use damages your clothing; OR
- A skin medication prescribed for your condition causes irreparable damage to your outer garments
If more than one device or medication affects your clothes, or if the damage affects multiple types of clothing, that can support your claim too.
How Much Does It Pay?
As of December 1, 2025, the clothing allowance pays $1,053.19 per year. This is paid once a year to help offset the cost of replacing damaged clothing.
The VA accepts applications year-round, but holds them until an August 1 closing date each year. If you qualify by that date, your payment goes out between September 1 and October 31 of that same year.
If you already received a clothing allowance in recent years, you may not need to reapply every single year, but it’s worth confirming your status directly with the VA rather than assuming.
How Do You Apply?
You have a few ways to apply:
- Online, through the VA’s disability benefits portal.
- By mail, using VA Form 10-8678.
- In person, at your local VA medical center.
- By fax, using VA FOrm 10-8678
Relief Recap
We covered this one because it’s a small but easy-to-miss benefit that specifically rewards veterans for costs they’re already absorbing quietly every year. If you’re looking for other benefits you might be missing as a disabled veteran, our guide to extra benefits for 100% disabled veterans is a good next stop.
