SECTION 19. Uniform Allowances

What is it

An operating unit head or other delegated authority may pay a uniform allowance not to exceed $400 annually (exclusive of the cost of protective clothing under 5 U.S.C. 7903) to an employee who is required by statute, regulation, or the written procedure of a bureau or Office to wear a uniform. In lieu of an allowance, the agency may provide the elements of the uniform provided the total expenditure does not exceed $400 annually.

Higher maximum allowance

A higher maximum allowance may be paid; however, regulations require that the intent to pay such allowance and the nature of the requirement for such payment be published for notice and comment in the Federal Register prior to payments being made.

Federal Register documentation should detail the

• circumstances requiring a higher maximum payment;
• an estimate of the number of employee affected;
• the basic uniform items and the average cost;
• the effective date of the higher maximum;
• the amount the employee will be paid in the first year the higher maximum allowance becomes effective;
• the intent of the agency to divide the cost of the minimum basic uniform and continue to make higher maximum allowances in the year following the year the employee first becomes subject to the uniform requirement.