# 2026-12976: Federal Workers Get $1,500 Uniform Allowance Boost

2026-12976, Uniform Allowances, is a Federal Register rule from Personnel Management Office published 2026-06-26, effective 2026-07-13; deemed significant under Executive Order 12866; PRIA reads it as touching household money (as of 2026-07-03).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-12976
- As of: 2026-07-03
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Document number: 2026-12976
- Title: Uniform Allowances
- Type: Rule
- Agencies: Personnel Management Office
- Citation: 91 FR 38493
- Published: 2026-06-26
- Effective: 2026-07-13
- Comments close: not stated
- Significant: yes (FR_METADATA)
- Touches household money: yes
- Regulation identifier numbers: 3206-AO73
- Last updated: 2026-07-03

## In one line

Federal Workers Get $1,500 Uniform Allowance Boost

## Summary

Starting July 13, 2026, federal employees who get uniform allowances will see the maximum yearly amount jump to $1,500. This change makes sure the allowance keeps up with costs and clears up some confusing details. No one objected to this update, so it’s all set to roll out smoothly and help employees cover their uniform expenses better.

## Abstract

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is confirming the effective date of its direct final rule amending 5 CFR part 591, subpart A, to increase the governmentwide maximum annual uniform allowance rate to $1,500 and make related technical and clarifying changes. OPM received no significant adverse comments during the comment period and therefore confirms the rule will become effective as scheduled.

## Effects PRIA read

- Federal uniform allowance raised to $1,500: benefit, high. If you are a Federal employee who receives a uniform allowance, the governmentwide maximum annual uniform allowance is increased to $1,500. This change becomes effective July 13, 2026 and replaces the prior $800 maximum that was often exceeded by uniform costs.
- Clarifies uniforms versus personal protective gear: benefit, medium. The rule clarifies the distinction between uniforms and personal protective equipment and strengthens guidance on appropriate and inappropriate uses of uniform allowance funds. These clarifications, effective July 13, 2026, are intended to improve transparency, accountability, and consistent implem…
- Agencies may set higher initial rates above $1,500: benefit, medium. Under 5 CFR 591.104, an agency head may establish higher initial maximum uniform allowance rates for uniform costs greater than the new $1,500 governmentwide maximum to address agency-specific needs. This authority remains available when the rule becomes effective on July 13, 2026.

## Related documents

- [2026-19222](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-19222): Employment in the Excepted Service, 2026-09-18
- [2026-18828](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-18828): Shared Certificates and Pooled Hiring Actions, 2026-09-15
- [2026-18800](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-18800): Reduction in Force; Correction, 2026-09-15
- [2026-16687](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-16687): Differential Pay for Prescribed Wildland Fire Activities, 2026-08-14
- [2026-15650](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-15650): Suitability Action Appeals, 2026-08-03
- [2026-15666](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-15666): Reduction in Force Appeals, 2026-08-03

## Sources
- [2026-12976 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/26/2026-12976/uniform-allowances)
- [2026-12976 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-06-26/pdf/2026-12976.pdf)

## Related
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- [All Federal Register documents](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register)

Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-12976 (as of 2026-07-03).