Federal/Military Section Announcement
Office of Personnel Management (OPM) officially raised the government-wide maximum annual uniform allowance from $800 to $1,500 for employees required to wear a uniform on duty. Confirmed in a June 2026 memorandum, the new rule takes effect on July 13, 2026, marking the first time the allowance ceiling has been adjusted since 2007. The new rules further clarify the differences between uniforms vs. personal protective equipment (PPE).
What This Means for Firefighters
This change doesn’t automatically guarantee every firefighter will receive the full $1,500—agencies still decide how much they provide—but it gives them the room to better cover the true cost of uniforms for firefighting and other high-wear, high-risk jobs. Done right, this should mean fewer out-of-pocket expenses for federal firefighters and more equitable support across duty stations.
Implementation Will Require Planning
Collaborating closely with leadership and local Unions is often an effective way to advocate for an increase in uniform allowances. It's important to remind firefighters that this adjustment doesn't introduce additional funds to their budget. Instead, implementing the higher allowance will require agencies to thoughtfully reallocate existing resources to cover the increased costs of uniforms. This process may involve careful planning and negotiation to ensure that funding is redirected appropriately and the uniform allowance is fully supported.
The Bottom Line
Now it’s on agencies to update their policies and fully implement this authority in a way that reflects the realities on the floor. Federal firefighters deserve uniform allotments that meet the demands of their work—without having to subsidize them from their paycheck.
OMP Uniform Announcement
OMP Factsheet