When Is the Clothing Allowance Paid?
Gain insight into the clothing allowance: its purpose, eligibility, annual payment timing, and the process for receiving your benefit.
A clothing allowance provides financial assistance for individuals whose clothing is regularly damaged due to specific medical conditions or the use of certain medical devices. This compensation helps cover the cost of replacing garments that experience unusual wear and tear.
Eligibility for the Allowance
Eligibility for a clothing allowance is primarily determined by specific medical needs that lead to clothing damage. For instance, veterans with a service-connected disability may qualify for this allowance. The disability must necessitate the use of a prosthetic or orthopedic device, such as a wheelchair, crutches, or a brace, which causes damage to their clothing. Alternatively, eligibility extends to veterans who use skin medication for a service-connected skin condition that results in irreparable damage to their outer garments. It is necessary that the medical device or medication be prescribed by a healthcare provider within the Veterans Affairs (VA) system.
To be considered for the annual payment, an individual’s eligibility must be established by August 1st of the year for which the allowance is being claimed. In some situations, a person might qualify for multiple clothing allowances if they use several devices or medications that each damage different types of clothing.
Annual Payment Schedule
The clothing allowance is distributed on an annual basis. Applications for the allowance are accepted throughout the year, but they are held and processed after an annual closing date of August 1st. If an individual’s application is approved and they meet the eligibility criteria by this August 1st deadline, they can expect to receive their payment between September 1st and October 31st.
The Cleland-Dole Veterans Benefits and Healthcare Improvement Act of 2022, effective December 29, 2022, streamlined the payment process. Once a veteran has been approved for the allowance, they do not need to reapply each year, provided their medical conditions and prescribed medications remain unchanged. Payments will continue automatically until there is a change in eligibility or the recipient chooses to stop receiving the allowance. However, if a veteran seeks an additional allowance or an increase in their current benefit, a new application will be required to reflect these changes. Should an application be submitted after the August 1st deadline, the payment will be deferred and processed for the following year, disbursed in September or October.
Process for Receiving Payment
To initiate the process for receiving the clothing allowance, eligible individuals must complete a specific application form. This document is known as VA Form 10-8678, titled “Application for Annual Clothing Allowance.” This form is available for download from the official Veterans Affairs website, or it can be obtained in person at a VA regional office or medical center.
Once the application form is filled out, it needs to be submitted to the Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service (PSAS) at the applicant’s local VA medical center. Multiple submission options are available, including mailing the form, faxing it, delivering it in person, or submitting it online through secure messaging portals like My HealtheVet or AccessVA QuickSubmit. A prior claim for service-connected disability compensation must already be on file before applying for the clothing allowance. After the application is submitted, the VA reviews the information provided, and if approved, the payment is disbursed via direct deposit or check.