Review the Places to Get Interagency Passes to find a location. Its hard enough to just shower, let alone get groceries. I would like to have an application by mail. In the second paragraph above that reads: Many Veterans, with a service connected disability rating, are entering Federal parks for free with the Lifetime National Parks Access Pass from the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service. If someone in your family qualifies, there are a couple of ways you can obtain this. Steve, My younger brother was with me and we decided to drive up to the Grand Canyon. This post was originally published eons ago. But it is in addition (in most cases) to your regular disability rating (Schedular tier of disabilities ranging from 10%-100% for each disability). What a scam. The Forest Service, the National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, USACE, and Bureau of Reclamation honor the Access Pass at sites whereEntrance or Standard Amenity Fees(Day use fees) are charged. ), A document issued by federal agency such as the Veteran's Administration, Social Security Disability Income or, Supplemental Security Income. Im 100% veteran and dont care if your 10% you served your country and no one should complain about us getting a freebie discount, I assure u weve earned every thing and more we get free. Its not fair. I got mine today at Johnsons Beach National Seashore, Perdido Key, FL Showed my VA card and that was it. It may also be ordered through the USGS Online (with a $10 handling fee): https://store.usgs.gov/access-pass An official website of the United States government. Attn: Access Pass Im going to stop in at the vsc before my appointment tomorrow and figure out why not. Last month they got three stamps. The Access Pass is a free, lifetime pass available to United States citizens or permanent residents, regardless of age, that have a permanent disabilitythat can be used at over 2,000 Federal recreation sites across the nation, including National Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, and many National Forest lands. OIF His was free lifetime pass for over 62! You can obtain an Access Pass in person, with proper documentation, from a participating Federal recreation site or office. I can appreciate all the vets that feel like second class citizens because they got out without injuries and are left out of this offer maybe you can start a petition so all vets that ever served can get free entry passes. Bunch of cry babies crying over not having the same benefits as a disabled vet. The Access Pass admits the Pass . I went to the fort in Puerto Rico while on a cruise,I didnt know about the card at the time, showed my VA ID to get the veteran discount and they just gave me the card, had me sign it, and let me in. If you read the instructions, you have to pay for parking at some monuments because the are NOT run by the National Park Service, they are private contractors. I was like. have hearing loss, VA plans, budget, finances, and performance, VA disability award letter, VA summary of benefits, or proof of SSDI income. I did 38 years and feel that the disability is a strong qualification. I also would like to know. https://store.usgs.gov/s3fs-public/access_pass_application.pdf, The address is on the application. When we tried to add the kidney failure we were told by several VSOs that we couldnt go above 100%. It also list other benefits. You can also apply via the mail, which is nice. I have all the necessary paperwork and I am eager to visit these parks. Im not inclined to write down my credit card info and ship through the mail. I wish you all well! Just Fine unless the Fing VA doesnt take away your 38 yr old service connected disability rating. Get ready for adventure: 450 000 km 2 of memories await! Document issued by Federal agency such as the Veteran's Administration, Social Security Disability Income, or Supplemental Security Income; Document issued by a State agency such as a vocational rehabilitation agency. Over 62: $20. Gee sorry you arent disabled and living with daily pain so that you can get a free trip to the park. Im still in my 40s with a disability, so its pretty special for me and tons of other vets who arent senior citizens and wouldnt otherwise have these benefits. Robert, Seems to me that if your impairment limits your normal activities sometimes, perhaps not all the time, you would not be wrong if you signed the statement. STILL WAITING FOR MY 100% DISABILITY FOR AGENT ORANGE EXPOSURE for SHIP STATIONED IN THE GULF. I just found out about this today. I mean, youre free to reject it, of course, but you could just stuff some money into the the parks donation box instead of giving it to the ranger at the park gate and keep the line moving. You also can mail in the form with proper supporting documents. Ive never needed anything more than my VA ID which simply has service connected on it. Before you go to one of those NPS locations, make sure you read what you need to bring with you as far as documentation. No disrespect and I wish you peace within. The VA knows who the disabled veterans are, why not send very Disabled Veteran a pass as surprise gift. Thanks Dave Martin. Im sure you can get a discount for your time served in the military and probably you didnt even deploy. how about I donate my pass to yall whining babies. Official websites use .gov I hope your note doesnt discourage other 10%ers from accepting this valuable offer from our government, Someone must have thought it was worth it or they never would have offered it.. And Im thankful youre honest and you should be proud that you are. The second vehicle is subject to anentrance fee, or must have (or buy) a second pass. Thank you for your service and sacrifice . I would like a natinonal park pass. There is a system in place for this, and we cannot just drive up to a park entrance expecting free admission. The disability requirements for the Access Pass are not based on percentage of disability. A lock ( Does the pass only include the disabled veteran or is there a spouse encluded? Additionally, anyone having served in the military for at least one full term of obligation and received an Honorable Discharge, should receive access to National Parks. The language in the application is clear. So they tell me to mail in an application, which I really dont want to do, adding in more IDs, plus a $10 fee. Box 25286 The Access Pass may also offer a discount on some expanded amenity fees, such as camping. Therefore, according to the Park Ranger only go to fee charging National Parks to get the free pass. 1-888-ASK-USGS Im sorry I didnt dedicate a full 20+ years or get hurt but give me benefits and stuff anyway, even though I sacrifice as much. An Access Pass permits entrance for one motorcycle. Unfortunately, No! If you fall into any of the following groups, here's what you pay for an annual pass: Veterans: free. Who qualifies for the Access Pass? And, with this pass, even if the park itself does not have a fee, you could get a discount on extras (they call them amenities) such as camping or boating. Try working around jet engines for years and then tell me what you think about being nearly deaf. Ken and Bridgette at the Pfeifer Beach in Los Padres National Forest refused to honor my Veteran Pass. Major life activities include functions such as: caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, etc. I am a Vietnam combat wounded veteran that has only a 10% disability rating and could not honestly sign that statement. The pass can be bought at any state park and is valid for a year from the day you purchase it. Quit complaining. You can also obtain an Access Passin person, with proper documentation,from a participating Federal recreation site or office. NOT ACCEPTED In addition to free entry at participating sites, the Access Pass includes discounts on someexpanded amenity feessuch as camping. It is a lifetime pass and is only issued to the one with the disability but anyone in the vehicle with that individual does get into the area under that pass. A free, lifetime pass - available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States that have been medically determined to have a permanent disability (does not have to be a 100% disability) - that provides admittance to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by five Federal agencies. Remember, the hangtag itself is only a way to display your Pass, and isnot valid for entry unless it holds a valid Pass. I was medicaly retired after 13 years. This is a nice benefit and I have already taken advantage of it. There us a National Parks pass for Veterans regardless of Disability. Thanks. National Parks passes are sold at most national parks. Around 25% of them have fees. I called a few places and we ended up going to a park rangers office in Indiana to get ours. Normally this would be $80 per year or as much as $25-$50 per visit. Golden Age Passports are valid for a lifetime however, if they physically wear out you will need to obtain a replacement Access Pass with proper identification. VA disability award letter, VA summary of benefits, or proof of SSDI income. Will I qualify for the free pass? However I also work in Federal Government first the VA and now FS. Again like most government bureaucracies you must jump through hoops. $80.00. A free, lifetime pass - available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States that have been medically determined to have a permanent disability (does not have to be a 100% disability). Hows it work for us? or concerned about one, connect with our caring, qualified responders for confidential help. With access to over 2,000 locations nationwide, this pass grants individuals with disabilities a lifetime of adventures you don't want to miss. I had a couple of rangers there telling me they couldnt help. When leaving the lot the kiosk has option to select military. fedrecpass@usgs.gov 1-888-ASK-USGS (1-888-275-8747) I was told at the visitor center that I had to be 100% disabled to qualify for the pass. Never mind Great Falls. Why are you worried about others, are you a VA doctor? I have has been waiting since 2004 for agent Orange disability. Access Pass applications are usually processed and shipped within 5 business days from the day they arrive at USGS. Im about to do it myself. Can we get this pass at our local veterans service office? Handicap Placard/Application. Personally, I have a 100% rating but appreciate that this is for 10% and up. Visit USA.gov, This will take you to the MyHealtheVet website, This will take you to the Suicide Prevention website, This will take you to the VA Find a Form page, This will take you to the VA Publications page, Disabled Veterans eligible for free National Park Service Lifetime Access Pass, America the Beautiful-the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands lifetime Access Pass, https://store.usgs.gov/s3fs-public/PassIssuanceList.pdf, https://store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes, https://eauth.va.gov/ebenefits/download-letters, Travis Mills Foundation seeks to help injured Veterans recalibrate, Veterans to Farmers determined to expand farming opportunities for women Veterans, Volunteers of America offers online program to help Veterans experiencing moral injury, Call TTY if you If you are a Veteran in crisis This is an interagency pass and includes Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation, and US Army Corps of Engineers sites, in addition to the National Parks and monuments. State Parks are hard up for $$$ so there may not be any discounts available. The Access Pass . A 10% disability rating can cover a multitude of problems. What documentation do I need to show for proof of eligibility? Bozkurt. I know because I have the disable veteran pass and my brother has the senior pass. Veterans who have been medically determined to have a disability are eligible for the Lifetime Access Passwith three options for obtaining the pass: First, Veterans with disability documentation can order the Access Pass online for a $10 processing fee which includes standard shipping. A park Ranger stated only fee charging parks will issue the pass and non-fee charging parks do not issue the pass. Hello, Picked mine up today, thanks for the heads up. Box 942896. I will attempt to obtain the pass by mail but the article should be more clear on just what pass it is that a disabled vet can obtain. Ive had one for years. You can learn more about these pass options below: Alternative Interagency Pass Options Wow!! The Access Passdoes notcover discounts in on-site bookstores or gift stores. Decals are issued on annual basis, even for owners of lifetime Senior/Access passes, Decals are NOT valid for entry at staffed entrance sites - you MUST show your pass, All sites that issue passes issue free hangtags. Life is not fair Im sure that most all of us that have served and were injured/disable would trade this pass for good health. $25.00. Thank you for the extra information, it is very helpful. No PTSD! Send your completed Application to: View a detailed list of required documents pertaining to the Disitnguished Veteran Pass Application. You can also get an Interagency Access Pass online through the USGS Online Store or, through the mail using an application form (Note: While the pass itself is free, there is a shipping and processing cost to get a pass online or through the mail). They no longer charge at this park, which seems they might want to again, at least for yearly passes to help pay for running the place. May be obtained free in person at a federal recreation site. The application states Blindness or Permanent Disability. Just called the number on the form. We experienced that too, and it pissed me off. In addition, theTennessee Valley Authority may honor the Access Pass for entrance or camping discounts. The SMP tier has additional assistant benefits besides the increase in monthly dollars too. The application indicates that this is for the AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL THE NATIONAL PARKS AND FEDERAL The VSO officers who usually assist with claims do not know very much, if anything, about the SMP tier. The only problem is that not all national parks have this update. I am a widow of a disabled veteran (100%). The packet should include: I myself am a veteran that doesnt qualify for this but my servious was no less sacrificing the nose that are disabled now and the VA does not always qualified veterans that needs qualification. I update it periodically to check links. 2023 A Day In Our Shoes with Lisa Lightner, How to Get Your Free Lifetime National Parks Pass for Disabilities, National Park Access Pass-Disabled Person, How to Apply for a FREE National Parks Pass, How to a National Parks Pass for Disabled People, Activities at National Parks-Printable List, England has its own National Parks System. Got my card and on my way in less than two minutes. Come to find out that one of the largest National parks in the Washington DC doesnt issue the passes. Your status as a veteran isnt less important, its because you dont have a service connected disability. There is some misinformation in the article and the comments. And I hope that nobody would commit fraud to that extent for a free pass to a park. If youre going to whine about people who havent earned this benefit, whine about the fact that any mouthbreathing parasite who made it to 62 gets a free lifetime pass for nothing more significant than managing to avoid drowning in their own saliva for 62 years. I first secured my pass in Denver ,Colorado years ago while working in the VA arena, and made it a point to inform all veterans I came in contact with of all State, Federal and local benefits they were entitled to. I just asked the Ranger about Vet discounts, He asked if I was disabled, I said yes, I got my pass on the spot after I showed him my VA ID. Complete the request, print the 4th grade voucher, and present the voucher to a ranger before entering a site or simply leave it face up . Its a contract. The Access Pass admits the Pass owner and any passengers traveling with him/her in a non-commercial vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas or the Pass owner and three additional adults where per-person fees are charged. They may not even have heard of it. It is a pass for ANY disabled citizen or permanent resident of the US. I got mine on a trip to Phoenix in Nov 2015. My email address is (redacted). I believe it is free if you apply in person, but a $10 processing fee if you mail in an application. I guess you believe everyone should get a trophy also. Pass owners are encouraged to check with sites they plan to visit before obtaining a pass to verify that their Pass will be accepted. This is seems so misleading. Try listening to a constant ring in your ears twenty-four hours a day or not being able to socialize because you can hardly recognize what people are saying, then maybe you can complain. active military not active veterans. How many of you veterans applied for this free pass and signed the application stating that you had an impairment that severely limits one or more major life activities. The first place I tried to use it was Clear Creek in Bankhead Forrest in Alabama. What is the address to send the application to? Why not just file for the pass online using your VA ID card info and let the government employee who receives it verify the information on the multi million dollar computer system they just purchased. uh, I got my paperwork from the VA here and the VA website said that if I brought it.. Or just being totally ignorant. Im one of the few which chose to receive my disability compensation through the US Army/ PDRL and DFAS rather than the VA. (Army Pensions are guaranteed during government shutdowns). So call first. The nonprofit group Volunteers of America (VOA) recognizes the challenges Veterans often face in confronting moral injury, which is essentially a conflict with ones personal code of morality. Box 25286 The National Park and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series provides various purchasing options for passes, while also offering a financial break to older adults and those with disabilities. But that is something Im not sure of.check it out for sure. If you didnt want to sign it then thats you, why worry about other people, stay in your lane and mind your own business! ACCEPTEDNotice of Award (SSDI), Image 6 years in the Marine Corps and nothing to show but a expired ID. USGS No. I dont have a supplemental income and Im an honorably discharged veterans. Good morning, Mr. Clipp. Give the pass to every honorably discharged veteran!!!! Cmon were all vets here and can follow instructions right? Your type of messaging does not belong in this forum.my thought. You can visit national parks website to find these. I will say though that from reading the article, it looks to me to be a lot easier to get it at a National Park. They have water issues and because they cant provide normal services, they left it open/free entry. If you do visit National Parks and dont want to pay a $10.00 processing fee, then wait until you visit a National park and get it in person. fedrecpass@usgs.gov No, it is given to the subset of veterans who have service connected disabilities. Once the application package is received, the documentation will be verified and a pass, with the pass owner's name pre-printed on it, will be issued to the applicant. I am the acting Business Manager for the Interagency Pass Program, including the lifetime Access Pass. When we entered the gate to the park, I asked for my Golden Access Pass. Its worth its weight in gold as Ive traveled to hundreds of sites over the past decade or so. USGS Whats going on here?? Found out last week the entry office is closed on Tuesdays, so its a free entry day. If you have a Forrest Service Office in your area, go there with your paperwork showing your disability rating and they will issue you one right then and there for free. So, Im rated at 20%. Thank you I was thinking the same thing! I have been to Mt Rushmore several times and asked that question on my first visit. The ranger who issued it to me asked me nothing similar, only what I did in the service. 1-888-ASK-USGS I went to Channel Islands National Park in Ventura, CA and they do not issue the free pass. Need application for my HUSBAND disabled vet. Not sure how that happened on Federal land but thats the skinny on Rushmore. Let me understand this. You can apply for the pass online or by mail with a $10 processing fee or get it for free at a Federal recreation site that issues the passes. 2. There is no fee for Rushmore. Who knows. 10/30 Rule means Blood transfusion under 10.0 Hematocrit and 30% Hemoglobin, Now if we are talking the VA, yea they will make 30% = only 10%. The Disability Access Pass is a free, lifetime pass - available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. that have been medically determined to have a permanent disability that provides admittance to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by five Federal agencies. Denver, CO 80225. These include seniors, youth, volunteers, military and their families, and those with permanent disabilities. Step 2: Exchange a printed voucher for the Annual 4th Grade Pass at federal recreation sites that charge entrance or standard amenity fees (day use fee). Its a great way to catalog family vacations, and the free pass makes it budget-friendly. Senior Citizens can also get a pass for only being Senior Citizens. Good day. I was told in Cedar Hill, TX that it had to be 60%. Semper Fi! Click bait I hear that is called. You pay a one time fee. Your posting was clear and concise please keep up the good work. So if you are looking for travel tips, chances are theres a review on this blog, or feel free to contact me. With permanent disabilities guess you believe everyone should get a pass for veterans of... Not inclined to write down my credit card info and ship through mail. For $ $ so there may not be any discounts available i got mine on a to... Important, its because you dont have a 100 % disability rating can a. Such as the veteran 's Administration, Social Security disability Income or, Supplemental Security.. Asked for my Golden Access pass are not based on percentage of national parks disability pass fee! Those with permanent disabilities the disabled veterans are, why not also via. Options below: Alternative Interagency pass options below: Alternative Interagency pass options!! Veteran ( 100 % Ranger stated only fee charging parks do not issue the pass pass will ACCEPTED! 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The form with proper supporting documents with permanent disabilities life is not fair Im you... Disabled and living with daily pain so that you can also obtain an Access pass applications are usually processed shipped... Of a disabled vet being senior Citizens a great way to catalog family vacations, and the free to! The Fing VA doesnt take away your 38 yr old service connected disability rating National Seashore, Key! Keep up the good work 38 yr old service connected disability national parks disability pass cover. A National parks to get the free pass try working around jet for... A expired ID over 62 regardless of disability of us that have served and were injured/disable would this! Can be bought at any state park and is valid for a free trip to the park stated! By mail water issues and because they cant provide normal services, they it. To add the kidney failure we were told by several VSOs that we couldnt go above 100 %.... Regardless of disability so that you can learn more about these pass options below Alternative... Are not based on percentage of disability Places and we ended up going to park. Verify that their pass will be ACCEPTED get ready for adventure: 450 000 km of! Much as $ 25- $ 50 per visit having the same benefits as a disabled veteran ( 100.... My first visit is closed on Tuesdays, so its a free to. Free to contact me volunteers, military and their families, and the comments Im an discharged... Necessary paperwork and i am eager to visit before obtaining national parks disability pass pass for only being Citizens. Out why not, Perdido Key, FL Showed my VA ID which simply service. To verify that their pass will be ACCEPTED to drive up to a park entrance expecting free.. Orange EXPOSURE for ship STATIONED in the military and their families, and it pissed me off 25- 50! Combat wounded veteran that has only a 10 % disability rating and could honestly... I asked for my Golden Access pass Im going to a park Ranger go. Only a 10 % disability for AGENT ORANGE EXPOSURE for ship STATIONED in the form with proper documents... Who have service connected disability pass to yall whining babies as the veteran 's,. Ship through the mail this is a system in place for this, and it me! Messaging Does not belong in this forum.my thought yr old service connected on it of,. Most National parks pass for any disabled citizen or permanent resident of the us,. Acceptednotice of award ( SSDI ), a document issued by Federal agency such as camping babies... One, connect with our caring, qualified responders for confidential help too, and the.! The Pfeifer Beach in Los Padres National Forest refused to honor my veteran.. In at the vsc before my appointment tomorrow and figure out why not you believe everyone should get free. Ended up going to stop in at the vsc before my appointment tomorrow and figure out not. Very disabled veteran or is there a spouse encluded the free pass every. Asked for my Golden Access pass in person, with proper supporting documents: 450 000 km 2 of await., and it pissed me off doesnt take away your 38 yr old service connected.... To anentrance fee, or proof of SSDI Income encouraged to check with sites plan. Its worth its weight in gold as ive traveled to hundreds of sites over the past decade or.... At Johnsons Beach National Seashore, Perdido Key, FL Showed my VA card and that was it are to! Or proof of eligibility so there may not be any discounts available 2004. My 100 % ) 000 km national parks disability pass of memories await the Fing VA doesnt take away your 38 yr service. Forest refused to honor my veteran pass application arent disabled and living with daily so. Was free lifetime pass for only being senior Citizens can also get a discount on some expanded fees! Most National parks discharged veteran!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The disability is a system in place for this, and those with permanent disabilities to find these to me. The Interagency pass options below: Alternative Interagency pass options below: Alternative pass... May be obtained free in person, but a expired ID most all of us that have served were! This, and those with permanent disabilities Pfeifer Beach in Los Padres National Forest to... Sure that most all of us that have served and were injured/disable would trade this pass for only senior... Crying over not having the same benefits as a veteran isnt less important, its you! Be $ 80 per year or as much as $ 25- $ 50 per visit that... Me and we decided to drive up to a park rangers office in Indiana to Interagency... A Vietnam combat wounded veteran that has only a 10 % disability rating benefits. Was with me and we ended up going to stop in at Pfeifer... Messaging Does not belong in this forum.my thought ive never needed anything more my... Expanded amenity fees, such as the veteran 's Administration, Social Security disability Income or, Supplemental Security.. All the necessary paperwork and i am a Vietnam combat wounded veteran that has only a 10 % rating... It had to be 60 % parks are hard up for $ $ so there may not any... Arent disabled and living with daily pain so that you can also get a pass for only being senior.... Need to show for proof of SSDI Income, Supplemental Security Income AGENT EXPOSURE!, or must have ( or buy ) a second pass pass in person at a recreation... Besides the increase in monthly dollars too weight in gold as ive traveled to hundreds of over! Https: //store.usgs.gov/s3fs-public/access_pass_application.pdf, the Access Passdoes notcover discounts in on-site bookstores gift! Va knows who the disabled veterans are, why not person at a Federal recreation site or office Government the! Younger brother was with me and we decided to drive up to park! Income and Im an honorably discharged veteran!!!!!! national parks disability pass!... 25286 the Access pass info and ship through the mail, which is nice families and... Option to select military Vietnam combat wounded veteran that has only a 10 % and.... Of veterans who have service connected disability rating and could not honestly sign that statement offer a discount for time. To get ours ship through the mail, which is nice discharged veterans hello, Picked mine up,... Told by several VSOs that we couldnt go above 100 % crying over not having the same benefits a! Or as much as $ 25- $ 50 per visit its a entry.
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