The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has confirmed a government-wide increase in the maximum annual uniform allowance for federal civilian employees, raising the cap from $800 to $1,500 for workers required to wear uniforms on duty.
The final regulations, confirmed in a June 26 compensation policy memorandum, are due to take effect on July 13, 2026. The change marks the first increase to the federal uniform allowance ceiling since 2007 and also updates guidance on what qualifies as a uniform, including clearer distinctions between uniforms and personal protective equipment (PPE).
For federal firefighters, the higher cap could give agencies more flexibility to cover the cost of uniforms used in high-wear, high-risk environments. However, OPM has made clear that the $1,500 figure is a maximum, not an automatic payment. Agencies will continue to decide how much support is provided, based on their own uniform policies and requirements.
OPM said agencies must review the updated regulations and revise internal policies to comply with 5 CFR part 591, subpart A, by the effective date. The revised rules also require agencies to maintain written policies when they provide a uniform allowance, furnish uniforms directly, or use both approaches.
Implementation is expected to require planning at agency level, particularly where existing budgets must be reallocated to support higher uniform costs. Fire service leaders and local unions may seek to work with management to ensure allowance levels reflect the operational realities faced by federal firefighters.
The allowance applies to most federal civilian employees who are required to wear uniforms while performing official duties. OPM’s updated rule follows concerns that the previous $800 cap no longer reflected the cost of supplying and maintaining uniforms, particularly for occupations such as firefighting and law enforcement.
