BLUF: If you have a service-connected disability that damages your clothing, you’re entitled to an annual clothing allowance from the VA. The deadline is approaching, and many veterans don’t even know this benefit exists.
Listen up, veterans! Sarge here with a benefit that flies under the radar but puts real money back in your pocket – the VA Clothing Allowance. I’m talking about cold, hard cash to replace clothes that get damaged because of your service-connected disabilities.
Who Qualifies?
- Veterans with prosthetic devices that wear out clothing
- Skin conditions requiring specialized clothing (yes, eczema counts!)
- Conditions requiring medication that stains or damages clothing
- Any disability that causes unusual wear and tear on your clothes
The Numbers:
We’re talking about real money here – over $900 annually for qualifying veterans. That’s not pocket change, that’s a car payment or groceries for a month.
Sarge’s Real Talk:
I just completed my own clothing allowance form last month after discovering my eczema qualified. Twenty-three years of dealing with the VA, and I’m still learning about benefits I earned but never claimed. Don’t be like me – don’t leave money on the table.
The Deadline Reality:
Most veterans think this is automatic. WRONG. You have to apply, and there are deadlines. Miss it, and you’re waiting another year for money that’s rightfully yours.
Action Steps:
- Check your service-connected disabilities against the clothing allowance criteria
- Gather your medical documentation
- Complete VA Form 10-8678 (Application for Annual Clothing Allowance)
- Submit before the deadline
Bottom Line:
You served. You earned it. Your disabilities shouldn’t cost you extra money for clothes. The VA owes you this allowance – but only if you file for it.Don’t let bureaucracy keep money out of your pocket. If you need help determining if you qualify or navigating the paperwork, that’s exactly what we do at Boots 2 Benefits.
🎖️~Sarge
Julie Muster Bryson
Founder, Boots 2 Benefits, LLC
U.S. Army Veteran | Marine Mom
sarge@boots2benefits.com
443-924-6809
www.Boots2Benefits.com
“You served. You earned it. Now file with confidence.”
⚠️ Even Sarge isn’t infallible—I’ve been known to mix up my left from my right during formation 🤷‍♀️, so always double-check everything I tell you because while my heart’s in the right place, my brain occasionally goes AWOL. The last thing we need is a friendly fire incident! 🚫🔥