1 April 2025
How to claim your NHS uniform allowance
Your step-by-step guide to making the most of your NHS workwear entitlement
If you're an NHS employee, chances are you're entitled to claim a uniform tax allowance to help cover the cost of cleaning, maintaining, or even replacing your workwear. However, many healthcare professionals don’t realise they’re eligible – or they simply aren’t sure how to go about claiming it.
At alsico, we know how important it is for frontline workers to be supported in every way possible. That’s why we’ve put together this clear, professional guide to help you understand what you’re entitled to and how to claim it quickly and easily.
what is the NHS uniform allowance?
The NHS uniform allowance is a type of uniform tax rebate offered by HMRC. It’s designed to help cover the costs of maintaining and washing your uniform – particularly if you wash it at home, which many NHS workers do.
It’s not a separate payment from the NHS – it’s a tax relief that reduces the amount of income tax you pay, meaning more money in your pocket.
who can claim it?
You can claim the allowance if you:
- Wear a recognisable uniform as part of your job (for example, scrubs, tunics, lab coats, etc.)
- Are responsible for cleaning or maintaining it yourself (i.e. it’s not laundered by your employer)
- Have paid income tax in the UK during the year(s) you’re claiming for
Whether you’re a nurse, midwife, porter, paramedic, healthcare assistant, or in another frontline role, you could be eligible.
how much can you claim?
The standard uniform allowance is currently £125 per year. If you're a basic-rate taxpayer, this means a refund of £25 per year (20% of £125).
It may not sound like a lot, but here’s the good news: you can backdate your claim for up to 4 tax years, potentially giving you a total rebate of £100 or more.
Some specific roles with more expensive uniform upkeep may be eligible for a higher allowance, so it's worth checking the details on the HMRC website or with your union.
can you claim for footwear or replacements?
The uniform allowance only covers cleaning, maintenance, and minor repairs – it doesn't cover buying new uniforms or replacing worn-out items. Likewise, footwear and tights/stockings are not included unless they are an integral part of your uniform and you are required to purchase and maintain them yourself.
That said, many NHS workers invest in comfortable, professional-grade uniforms and footwear themselves, and it’s worth exploring whether your employer or union offers any additional benefits or reimbursements beyond this allowance.
Step-by-step: How to claim your NHS uniform allowance
Claiming your uniform allowance is straightforward. Here’s a simple breakdown of the process:
1. Check if you’ve claimed before
If you’ve never claimed your uniform tax rebate before, you can backdate it for up to four previous tax years – as well as the current one. If you’ve already claimed in the past, you can usually only claim for the current tax year unless your circumstances have changed.
2. Gather your details
You’ll need the following information:
- Your employer’s name and address
- Your job title and role
- How long you’ve been in the role
- Confirmation that you wash your uniform yourself
3. Apply online via HMRC
If you’ve never claimed before, head to the official HMRC online portal. The form is called P87, and it can be filled in online or sent via post.
If you’re already registered with HMRC for personal tax services, log in to your account and follow the links to claim tax relief.
4. Wait for confirmation
Once submitted, you should hear back within 6–12 weeks, depending on demand. If approved, HMRC will issue a rebate via cheque or adjust your tax code, which means you’ll pay less tax going forward.
Caroline Deane
Workforce lead | Scottish Care
After finishing a master's in Textiles, Alex started his career as an R&D manager in a spinning mill. First for carpet yarns and later also for technical yarns. His interest in PPE was raised at that time and after 7 years he continued his expertise by doing R&D for a weaving, dyeing, and finishing mill active in the PPE sector before going to the next stage in the process: manufacturing work and protective wear.
He uses his 30 years of experience throughout the value chain to develop and certify personal protection with an emphasis on comfort and functionality as he believes that making PPE garments more comfortable for the wearer will result in correct wearing and protecting the individual. He tries to develop what users want and bring added value to them.
Making the choice for alsico was easy as they have the DNA for sustainable developments and social responsibilities, values he shares with the company. Being an expert means also supporting the sector to share knowledge where he’s an active member on the board of the Belgian Federation Febelsafe responsible for education and chairman of the working group Care4Safe.
Alyson McKechnie
Abbotsford Care
Veerle embarked on her dynamic career journey spanning 17 years in the industrial laundry sector. Her role evolved from providing exemplary customer service to leading the procurement of professional workwear. This is where her deep-rooted passion for textiles and sustainability was born.
Driven by a desire to further expand her knowledge within the textile industry, Veerle transitioned to The Witte Lietaer, where she deepened her expertise in textile technologies and fabrics.
Inspired by alsico's unwavering commitment to its mission and dedication to sustainability, Veerle made the strategic decision to join the team. With her extensive background and passion for making a positive impact, Veerle is poised to leverage her expertise to drive sustainable practices and make a meaningful difference.
As a firm believer in the power of collaboration and innovation, Veerle is eager to contribute her unique insights and expertise to support alsico's sustainability goals and help shape a more sustainable future for the textile industry.
Rachel Payne
Sustainability & Education Manager
Jo grew up in the former family knitwear factories in Sint-Niklaas, sparking at a very young age his fascination for everything involving designing, manufacturing, and repairing quality products.
Unfortunately during the last decades, the global industry evolved from sustainable "quality products buying" to unsustainable "product price buying", triggering his passion to help make the industry sustainable again.
So throughout his career path, he purposely went through all possible industry steps to better understand all the crucial roles/jobs we all have when we procure, design, manufacture, inspect, market, repair, and recycle quality products.
With those new insights, he started focusing on sustainability and how to create impact. “Sustainability is no longer about doing less harm. It’s about doing more good.”
Hence this path has led to alsico where we rethink our products, the materials that we use, the manufacturing techniques, the energy we use, the way we use products during their lifetime, the impact we have on our employees' daily lives, and many more aspects that will ensure there is a tomorrow for all of us.
Pauline Ritchie
Sustainability & Education Coordinator
Pauline graduated as a fashion technologist in Gent. That’s where her interest in product quality in the workwear and PPE industry ignited. She started her career at the Belgian federation of companies active in fashion, clothing and manufacturing. There she gave industry-related advice on quality, safety and sustainability topics.
She mainly worked on public procurements for governance instances. She was writing the technical file and setting requirements, evaluating the entries and production.
Pauline believes that with quality comes sustainability. It’s not a checkbox for a company but needs to be intertwined within every process. Alsico has that mindset. And with alsico striving to be the voice of the industry it was only logical to want to be part of this team and make a change.
Simon Iredale
Group Marketing Director
Simon began his journey in design and marketing back in the late 80’s when he set up his first design company in the UK. After moving to London in the 90’s he began working on some of the UK’s largest brands on their first digital exposure. Brands such as easyJet, TESCO, Sainsbury’s, Worldpay, the V&A and Virgin Music. After a short spell as digital marketing manager for Sony Music Europe, he returned to the North to set up one of the leading digital and creative agencies in the area, running it for over 17 years. Simon is passionate about brand and message, ensuring all company efforts are aligned and consistent. He believes success for companies of all sizes stems from simplicity of message, consistent brand and an enviable reputation. His role at alsico is to oversee all design and marketing actives globally.
A few helpful tips
- Keep records of your application in case you need to follow up.
- If you’re in a union (like Unison or RCN), they often offer guidance and pre-filled forms to make the process even easier.
- You don’t need to use a third-party service that takes a cut of your rebate – doing it yourself is completely free.
why it matters
You work hard every day to care for others. The uniform you wear is more than clothing – it’s a symbol of your professionalism, skill, and dedication. It’s only fair that you're supported in maintaining it.
At alsico, we believe in delivering high-quality, functional, and comfortable workwear that works as hard as you do. But we also believe in empowering you with information – because sometimes, small wins like a uniform allowance can make a real difference.
Claiming your NHS uniform allowance is simple, worthwhile, and your right as a hardworking healthcare professional.
Need new NHS workwear? Explore our full range healthcare uniforms at alsico. Designed for comfort. Built to last. Made for you.
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