DepEd Announces Release of Medical and Clothing Allowances for FY 2026

The Department of Education (DepEd) has issued separate memorandums authorizing the release of the Medical Allowance and the Clothing and Uniform Allowance for Fiscal Year 2026, providing financial support to eligible teaching and non-teaching personnel nationwide.

In DepEd Memorandum DM-OUHROD-2026-0160, dated 26 January 2026, the Office of the Undersecretary for Human Resource and Organizational Development and Infrastructure directed all Regional Directors, Schools Division Superintendents, and other concerned offices to immediately process the release of the medical allowance for FY 2026.

The memorandum states that under the implementation of DepEd Order No. 16, s. 2025, titled Guidelines on the Grant of Medical Allowance to DepEd Education Personnel, all field offices and the Central Office are authorized to process the release through payroll disbursement, particularly using the two individual availment options provided to personnel. This measure is intended to ensure the expeditious release before the end of Quarter I of FY 2026, subject to fund availability. To support timely implementation, Regional Offices and Schools Division Offices may also frontload available Personnel Services funds when necessary.

The same memorandum clarifies eligibility requirements for the medical allowance. Personnel already in the service and expected to render at least six months of service within FY 2026 are qualified to receive the benefit. Meanwhile, newly hired personnel may only qualify after rendering six months of service. All eligible personnel are required to submit Annex A or the Medical Allowance Registration Form, indicating their chosen individual mode of availment, which will serve as the basis for payroll processing.

Meanwhile, in DepEd Memorandum DM-OUHRODI-2026-0693, dated 10 March 2026, DepEd reiterated the strict wearing of the prescribed DepEd National Uniform for School Year 2026–2027 and announced the immediate release of the FY 2026 Clothing Allowance.

The memorandum emphasized that the transition period for the new DepEd national uniform ended in School Year 2025–2026. Beginning June 2026, all classroom and office-based personnel are required to wear the prescribed new sets of uniforms in accordance with DepEd Memorandum No. 028, s. 2025. It also stressed the prohibition of sublimation-printed uniforms, citing compliance with Republic Act No. 9242 or the Philippine Tropical Fabrics Law, which promotes breathable and sustainable materials.

To help personnel acquire the mandatory uniforms, DepEd confirmed that the annual Clothing and Uniform Allowance for FY 2026, amounting to Seven Thousand Pesos (₱7,000.00), will be released not earlier than the first working day of April 2026, subject to existing accounting and auditing rules and the release of the Notice of Cash Allocation from the Department of Budget and Management.

These issuances reflect DepEd’s commitment to both the welfare and professional support of its personnel. The release of the medical allowance aims to strengthen access to health-related benefits, while the clothing allowance supports employees in complying with the department’s uniform policy for the coming school year.

With these measures, DepEd continues to ensure that its personnel receive timely financial assistance while promoting readiness, uniformity, and well-being across the education sector.