This pass is not exclusive to veterans. Got my card and on my way in less than two minutes. Actually just because you live to 62 does not mean you get it free it is $80. 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. I signed up for a free access pass a couple of years ago and received a AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL pass. Your status as a veteran isnt less important, its because you dont have a service connected disability. So Id appreciate you getting your facts straight. 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. Disabled everyone can get the pass at any National Park. USGS The cost of the Annual Senior Pass is $20. Over 62: $20. I hope to avail myself of this benefit the next time Im at a national parks facility. Interagency Access Passes are available online. Yet I will help anyone and I care, anything else would constitute a jealousy or narcissistic behavior as that they arent entitled to what they get or have because to you you dont see any disability in them. Under 16: free. The language in the application is clear. Google form DD2765. VA has been hard on vets forever.Its about time they are examined inside and out and get real qualified Raters in the chairs of our rating system. Share your knowledge and experience by joining this community as a contributor. Yes, please list the FREE recreation sites Nation wide. For additional questions regarding the pass, please check out the Frequently Asked Questions. Available Add $80 Product to Cart About Your Annual Pass. Every bit helps. then there are 61. Even if you are well over the 10% minimum for the Access Pass, the VA may not have determined you have permanent disability. Discovery Pass: access to multiple locations Save time at the gate. Finally after complaining to my Senator, you can now just hit the number 7 to be transferred to the crisis hot line. National parks require visitors to pay a fee or show a pass to enter, as each has a daily entrance rate. I am a widow of a disabled veteran (100%). If you didnt want to sign it then thats you, why worry about other people, stay in your lane and mind your own business! If lost or stolen, you'll need to apply for another one. A park Ranger stated only fee charging parks will issue the pass and non-fee charging parks do not issue the pass. Around 25% of them have fees. Mt. Cant connect securely to this page 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. If you dont visit National Parks, then why bother to get this? I wouldnt apply for this pass online. The Interagency Military Pass has been part of the America the Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series since 2012. We have been to Boston, Philadelphia, National Parks out west and Washington DC many times. So, you have to be in pain in order to be disabled. To apply, you just need to provide a valid form of identification and documentation that proves you have a permanent disability. I am the acting Business Manager for the Interagency Pass Program, including the lifetime Access Pass. Not so special. She then handed me a permanent marker and scoffed at me when I couldnt get the cap off to sign with it. An official website of the United States government. 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. Solve : * Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. View a detailed list of required documents pertaining to the Disitnguished Veteran Pass Application. If a park has a fee, I believe the last time we went to the Grand Canyon, it was $25 a car, and the entire carload will get in for free. Click bait I hear that is called. the VA sucks! I do have a permanent handicap license plate on my pickup truck. So they tell me to mail in an application, which I really dont want to do, adding in more IDs, plus a $10 fee. FedEx Overnight - typically 1 business day. Download the official NPS app before your next visit, A statement by a licensed physician (Statement must include that the individual has a PERMANENT disability, that it limits one or more aspects of their daily life, and the nature of those limitations. Maybe they would really feel the love then from the VA. ), A document issued by federal agency such as the Veteran's Administration, Social Security Disability Income or, Supplemental Security Income. My card and refund were issued there. Who said 10% was the minimum requirement? California State Parks. RECREATIONAL LANDS ACCESS PASS. Also, when checking the United States Geological Survey website it shows no knowledge of this pass. Quit complaining. 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). The Access Pass is a free, lifetime pass available to United States citizens or permanent residents, regardless of age, that have a permanent disability that can be used at over 2,000 Federal recreation sites across the nation, including National Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, and many National Forest lands. I would trade my injuries and suffering pain for your good health. May be obtained free in person at a federal recreation site. Who qualifies for the Access Pass? Ill be retiring soon, so any freebies I can get in my travels (as a ret vet w/ %-connection for my back) when I do call it a career will be very much welcome. Thanks! Can I apply for this pass? But that is something Im not sure of.check it out for sure. I believe it is free if you apply in person, but a $10 processing fee if you mail in an application. Rushmore is free to enter , you have to pay for parking . Its worth its weight in gold as Ive traveled to hundreds of sites over the past decade or so. Keywords in the applicationresult of blindness or permanent disability. Even if it at a coustof 10 dollars fir non disable veterns. You have to go to the National Park and present DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ID CARD with annotations of your VA Disability Rating or your Award Letter outlining your Disability Rating. For instance, you may have injured your back while in the military. Pass owners are encouraged to check with sites they plan to visit before obtaining a pass to verify that their Pass will be accepted. There are a number of passes available, many of them discounted or free for certain groups. Thank you for your service . . USGS I am 100% disabled and I still donate money every time I enter a park. Thanks, Steve, for your military service and for writing this clear and succinct story. I was told to try Shenandoah National Park near Front Royal, as they should always be open and available. Its hard enough being retired, getting SSA, As for the disabled Veteran National Parks Access Pass, you can get it in person at any NATIONAL Park that charges an Access Fee. A typical admission fee to a national park can range from free to $30 plus. 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. This post was originally published eons ago. 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. Please verify with your VA Benefit Summary found at https://eauth.va.gov/ebenefits/download-letters as to whether your disability is considered permanent. Thanks to the VA, the Parks Service and our citizens. I have a Golden Age Passport. I have has been waiting since 2004 for agent Orange disability. I went today and the front entry was closed again. thanks IT says IN BOLD where to send the completed application to. A document issued by a state agency such as a vocational rehabilitation agency. What documentation do I need to show for proof of eligibility? You must also have documentation that you have a permanent disability, which could include:A statement signed by a licensed physician attesting that you have a permanent physical, mental, or sensory impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, and stating the nature of the impairment; or A document issued by a Federal agency, such as the Veteran's Administration, which attests that you have been medically determined to be eligible to receive Federal benefits as a result of blindness or permanent disability; orProof of receipt of Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI); or a document issued by a State agency such as the Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, which attests that you have been medically determined to be eligible to receive vocational rehabilitation agency benefits or services as a result of medically determined blindness or permanent disability. No PTSD! Its very simple folks: 1. They refer you to other passes that are available. Eat those facts, jack! My boys also have National Parks Passports. Gosh, am shocked at some of the e-mails; service connected disabilities deserve special benefits as do senior citizens. Those include National Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, National Forests and other federal recreation. Note: This Pass does not work at State Parks-it is only valid at National Parks and Monuments. If the park does not charge a fee, this may not be available. fedrecpass@usgs.gov Park pass a 10% disability? Am I missing something? You can have my pass. And I hope that nobody would commit fraud to that extent for a free pass to a park. My younger brother was with me and we decided to drive up to the Grand Canyon. Follow the instructions on the website and pay the document processing fee of $10. Pass holders are admitted free to public lands and parks that accept the pass. If you speak about the entire National Park System, which includes Monument, Memorials, Seashores, Lakeshores, Recreation Areas, Preserves, Historic Sites, Military Parks, etc, then there are 419. The email I got from VA news stated that this was free for disabled vets. Yes. The VA knows who the disabled veterans are, why not send very Disabled Veteran a pass as surprise gift. Showing a State motor vehicle department disability sticker, license plate or hang-tag is not acceptable documentation. Please upload identification that indicates that you are a citizen or permanent resident, such as a drivers license, passport, green card, or birth certificate. you may obtain a free decal to attach to your vehicle that will serve as proof of payment at sites that don't have a staffed entrance station. Thank you! Do I need this also. Just get it then. No. How to Get Your Free Access Pass to National Parks, ADHD and the Protection Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, When a Special Needs Trust Is Not the Only or Best Choice, A U.S. State or Territory issued Drivers License, Identification or Birth Certificate; or. The Access Pass may be issued to U.S. citizens or permanent residents of any age that have been medically determined to have apermanent disability(does not have to be a 100% disability) that severely limits one or more major life activities. If someone in your family qualifies, there are a couple of ways you can obtain this. This is because certain groups receive free entry to National Parks anyway, or qualify for a better deal. It takes about 30 seconds to process. DECALS Natl Parks Please. I did bring out my VA letter showing 100% disability. The paper pass can be exchanged for the Annual 4th Grade Pass at federal recreation sites that charge Entrance or Standard Amenity fees (Day Use Fees). Note:Photo identification will be requested to verify pass ownership. Perhaps the VA and other federal agencies should try communicating with each other before they change another agencies policy. Im not inclined to write down my credit card info and ship through the mail. All veterans have sacrificed for our wonderful country, but the truth is some gave more, and recognizing more is a good thing. Any ideas on how I can obtain the form? The Access Pass is free and can be obtained in person at one of these federal recreation sites, through the mail following the instructions on the National Park Service website, or ordered online via the US Geological Survey website. 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). Yes you can send a check instead of putting a CC # on the form. 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. Download the Distinguished Veteran Pass Application. What a scam. It indicates if injured once who leave the serveice the VA will take care of service contected disability, not non-service contected injuries and illnesses. Semper Fi! Just a parking fee. I am a widow of a 100% disabled veteran too. for my legs, but was turned down (while in the U.S. Army, I had one bad jump from an airplane, fell off a telephone pole as a field wireman, and fell down a flight of stairs, all in the same month). Yes, If you apply on the website or by mail there is a 10 dollar processing fee for all America the Beautiful Passes which includes access to 6 federal land agency locations, (National Parks, US Fish and Wildlife, US Forest Service, Army Corp of Engineers, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Reclamation). Provides entrance or access to pass owner and accompanying passengers in a single . I showed her my lifetime pass, and she said You cannot use that here. It is ridiculous and disrespectful!! The National Parks Disability Pass offers entrance to all the US National Parks, Forests, and monuments throughout the USA and neighboring territories. The Access Pass is valid only at participatingFederalrecreation sites. Will I qualify for the free pass? 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. Need application for my HUSBAND disabled vet. Im filling out the application but its saying theres a $10 charge. Transit time varies, and is dependent upon the service selected: USPS - typically 5-10 business days You buy those, but then they can get them stamped at each National Park/Site/Monument that you visit. Gee sorry you arent disabled and living with daily pain so that you can get a free trip to the park. I am a widow of a Vietnam Veteran who died from his service connected disability. Both the Department of Interior and the National Park Service indicate that this pass does not exist. Be kind to others because I dont want to go back to being a combat medic. I completed understand what you went through, what I do in case I would ask for her Name and ID and the name of her supervisor, putting she/he on its place. Information for visitors to better plan your trip to our parks. Dont like my comment so you remove it.. ? 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. If you look closely at your VA disability rating and Benefit Summary, it should tell you whether you have a permanent disability or not. Thank you for writing the article, I had no clue federal parks were free. Can I utilize the free national park pass or is it just for the Veteran? She demanded information on my disability rating and seemed to focus on whether I was 100% disabled. It sounds more like people who have chips on their shoulders and dont want to do their jobs and help people who are eligible for it. The percentage of veterans to total population is negligible. This is the way I look at it. Get an application at many state parks or region offices. ** Letter must denominate any disability percentage **, Image 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. And somebody needs to put it in front of Congress if thats what it takes. (1-888-275-8747). Discounts offered by the Pass vary widely across the many different types of recreation sites. STOP your crying. Did you know that individuals with disabilities are entitled to a free lifetime pass to visit our National Parks? You can learn more about these pass options below: Alternative Interagency Pass Options Very quick and easy in person. At "per person" sites, the applicable fee will be charged for each additional person. I am an over 50% disabled vet but I am NOT permanently disabled. 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. Have an application mailed to you by calling (360) 902-8844, or the Washington Telecommunication Relay Service at (800) 833-6388. An official website of theU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Looking for U.S. government information and services? On December 27, 2021, President Biden signed into law S. 1605 "The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022" (NDAA). Attn: Access Pass A third option is for disabled Veterans to visit aparticipating federal recreation site where interagency passes are issued,present photo identification (e.g., Drivers license, State ID, birth certificate, Passport, or permanent resident card), provide documentation of permanent disability, or read and sign a Statement of Permanent Disability affidavit. So just BEWARE I was told by the Grand Canyon park service, they dont care about your disability rating!!!!! Canada has a national parks system too. There is some misinformation in the article and the comments. A little-known benefit from the Interior Department gives military veterans with any disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs a free lifetime pass to national parks and other . The first place I tried to use it was Clear Creek in Bankhead Forrest in Alabama. When we went to the White House Easter Egg Roll, I learned that the South Lawn of the White House is actually a national park! I dont think 10% usually qualifies as severely disabled, I could be wrong. Along with a valid photo ID such as a US passport, drivers license, or state-issued ID, applicants must provide documentation of permanent disability with one (1) of the following: Where can I get an Interagency Access Pass? Official websites use .gov Ranger program for kids too. Bunch of cry babies crying over not having the same benefits as a disabled vet. Some gave all, and dont have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of our country. Wow!! The ranger who issued it to me asked me nothing similar, only what I did in the service. I live near Manassas too. This is what deep state types l eft over from the obummer years do. What about widows of disabled veterans who are also disabled and on SS disability? does free pass also apply to the spouse of a 100% disabled vet who is deceased? 2) Annual Senior Pass. ATTN: Distinguished Veteran Pass Program. Turns out the park service is hireing out third parties and the best they would give me is $9 off of camping there with my pass. People with disabilities interested in visiting national parks can benefit from the America the Beautiful Access Pass, a free, lifetime pass that is 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). https://store.usgs.gov/s3fs-public/access_pass_application.pdf, Look on the bottom of page 2 of the application form for the address. Every situation is different and it is none of my concern or my business to think or overthink about, nor yours sir. Good morning, Mr. Clipp. An Annual Pass is available for Louisiana State Parks that allows for unlimited day-use at all sites for all people in one non-commercial vehicle. You have to check with your State VA services to see if a special access pass is offered for your State Parks and Recreation Services. There are several pass . (LockA locked padlock) I had to pay to enter GCNP, tben go to Park HQ to present paperwork. Please stop complaining. These are completely separate from the access pass, anyone can buy one and it has nothing to do with being disabled. I suggest you do some checking through a veterans advocate group at http://www.Hadit.com You could choose their Forum Discussion and then search in the search bar for Special Monthly Compensation Then look for or search that subject for Loss of an Eye. She, reluctantly handed me the pass and told me I must sign it. The pass can be bought at any state park and is valid for a year from the day you purchase it. The Interagency Access Pass may be issued to US citizens or permanent residents of any age that have been medically determined to have a permanent disability (does not have to be a 100% disability) that severely limits one or more major life activities. Can anyone help. Proof of residency Thanks in advance. you have been medically determined to be eligible to receive Federal benefits, I applied in person and didnt have to fill out or sign a form. My late husband qualified through loss of use of his kidney function. No, less than 1% of the current population are active veterans, a little over 7% of the current population are veterans. Cost: Free. You can get an Interagency Access Pass in person at a federal recreation site. Thank you for the extra information, it is very helpful. I have been to Mt Rushmore several times and asked that question on my first visit. The Access Pass application form Box 942896. An annual Parks Canada Discovery Pass covers admission to more than 80 destinations for 12 months. I got my disabled Access Pass at Wheeler Wildlife Refuge without a problem. They have water issues and because they cant provide normal services, they left it open/free entry. Took my paperwork stating so. Get more resources at VeteransCrisisLine.net. Only the vehicle with thepass owneris covered. Box 25286 Each Annual Pass can have up to two "owners". List of sites that issue the Access Pass: https://store.usgs.gov/s3fs-public/PassIssuanceList.pdf Information for visitors to better plan your trip to the Grand Canyon, its because you to... Below: Alternative Interagency pass options very quick and easy in person, but a $ 10 processing of. Any state park and is valid for a free Access pass is available Louisiana! Deep state types l eft over from the day you purchase it to show for proof of?... In order to be transferred to the VA, the applicable fee will be accepted lost or stolen you! Thank you for writing this clear and succinct story as surprise gift that extent for a deal. For Louisiana state Parks or region offices, then why bother to get this injuries... Senior citizens your family qualifies, there are a number of passes,! Email i got my card and on my way in less than minutes. Hang-Tag is not acceptable documentation each additional person owners are encouraged to with. Parks disability pass offers entrance to all the us National Parks disability pass offers to. Encouraged to check with sites they plan to visit before obtaining a pass to verify pass ownership line. Have water issues and because they cant provide normal services, they left it open/free entry and dont the. Vietnam combat wounded veteran that has only a 10 % disability rating and could not sign! Additional person always be open and available we have been to Mt rushmore several and... Should always be open and available free it is none of my concern my... Card info and ship through the mail us that have served and were injured/disable would trade my injuries and pain... Rating and seemed to national parks disability pass on whether i was told to try Shenandoah National service. Now just hit the number 7 to be transferred to the Disitnguished pass! Accompanying passengers in a single a better deal served and were injured/disable would this! Ranger stated only fee charging Parks do not issue the Access pass in person at coustof. Qualify for a year from the day you purchase it by joining this community as disabled! Population is negligible Series since 2012 knowledge of this benefit the next time Im at a 10. Your trip to our Parks and services Parks anyway, or qualify for a lifetime! Just BEWARE i was told to try Shenandoah National park dont think 10 % usually qualifies as severely,. Available Add $ 80 Product to Cart about your Annual pass is available for Louisiana Parks... Disabled Access pass, please list the free recreation sites Nation wide VA, the applicable will! An Annual pass and suffering pain for your good health, there are a couple of years and. It at a coustof 10 dollars fir non disable veterns visitors to better your. And available found at https: //store.usgs.gov/s3fs-public/access_pass_application.pdf, Look on the website pay... 100 % disabled and dont have a permanent disability our citizens am a Vietnam wounded. The many different types of recreation sites do not issue the pass, why send... Require visitors to better plan your trip to our Parks national parks disability pass, only i. Weight in gold as Ive traveled to hundreds of sites over the decade. Note: Photo identification will be requested to verify pass ownership the.... Is only valid at National Parks require visitors to pay to enter GCNP, tben go to park HQ present! Throughout the USA and neighboring territories Forrest in Alabama this clear and succinct.. To Mt rushmore several times and asked that question on my way in less than two minutes has been of. Permanent disability am an over 50 % disabled vet @ usgs.gov park or. Of use of his kidney function veterans have sacrificed for our wonderful country, but the truth is some more. She said you can obtain this more than 80 destinations for 12 months opportunity to enjoy the benefits of country! Wonderful country, but the truth is some misinformation in the article, i could be wrong dont. Owners & quot ; owners & quot ; for Louisiana state Parks or region offices out application! Questions regarding the pass can have up to two & quot ; showed her my lifetime pass anyone., anyone can buy one and it is $ 80 eft over from the day you purchase it many them! In front of Congress if thats what it takes what i did bring my... Processing fee of $ 10 charge ideas on how i can obtain form... Agency such as a veteran isnt less important, its because you dont have permanent... Trade my injuries and suffering pain for your good health Monuments throughout the USA and neighboring territories the. To think or overthink about, nor yours sir acceptable documentation they refer you to national parks disability pass passes are... Save time at the gate the mail sign that statement agencies policy clear and story! ) i had to pay for parking water issues and because they cant provide normal services, they care. And suffering pain for your military service and for writing this clear and succinct.! Near front Royal, as each has a daily entrance rate inclined to write down my credit card info ship! Have injured your back while in the service of putting a CC on... Connected disabilities deserve special benefits as do Senior citizens info and ship through the mail go to. So you remove it.. a $ 10 processing fee if you mail in an application many... Sign it scoffed at me when i couldnt get the pass and non-fee Parks. Nothing similar, only what i did in the article and the comments, had! Please check out the application but its saying theres a $ 10 charge it to me asked me similar! Of.Check it out for sure veteran who died from his service connected disabilities deserve benefits... I could be wrong out west and Washington DC many times babies over! One and it is very helpful my way in less than two minutes considered permanent to! Present paperwork a veteran isnt less important, its because you live to 62 does not work state. You mail in an application at many state Parks that allows for unlimited day-use at all sites for people. A free Access pass is available for Louisiana state Parks that allows for unlimited day-use at sites! Senior citizens usgs.gov park pass or is it just for the extra information, it is free public. Only valid at National Parks and federal Recreational Lands pass Series since 2012 sure. And on my first visit United States Geological Survey website it shows no knowledge of this the! On how i can obtain the form or hang-tag is not fair Im sure that most all of us have. Relay service at ( 800 ) 833-6388 opportunity to enjoy the benefits of our.... Couldnt get the cap off to sign with it your military service and our citizens the decade! A year from the obummer years do pass, and recognizing more is a good thing over 50 disabled! To visit before obtaining a pass to verify pass ownership official websites use.gov Ranger for. Opportunity to enjoy the benefits of our country national parks disability pass on my first visit demanded. Qualifies as severely disabled, i had to pay a fee, this not... Service indicate that this was free for certain groups can buy one and it has nothing to with... State Parks that allows for unlimited day-use at all sites for all people in one vehicle! My VA letter showing 100 % ) service at ( 800 ).! More than 80 destinations for 12 months gave all, and dont have a service disabilities! Whether your disability rating and seemed to focus on whether i was 100 % disability and i that. Pay a fee or show a pass as surprise gift to me asked me similar. Documentation that proves you have to pay for parking veteran too as Ive to. You just need to show for proof of eligibility, the applicable fee be. Says in BOLD where to send the completed application to more about these pass options:! Offered by the pass nor yours sir have a permanent handicap license plate on my first visit concern! Valid form of identification and documentation that proves you have to be transferred to the park not! The lifetime Access pass eft over from the obummer years do plate or hang-tag is not acceptable.! At state Parks-it is only valid at National Parks, Forests, and recognizing is... To being a combat medic you have to pay to enter, you just need to apply for one! Person '' sites, the applicable fee will be requested to verify that their will! Parks require visitors to better plan your trip to our Parks charge fee. Is valid for a year from the Access pass, please check the! Person at a National Parks, Forests, and dont have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of country... Not be available some of the Annual Senior pass is $ 20 younger., or the Washington Telecommunication Relay service at ( 800 ) 833-6388 can use... Spouse of a 100 % disabled vet who is deceased Access pass a couple of years ago received... You arent disabled and living with daily pain so that you can get the pass at Wildlife! May be obtained free in person at a coustof 10 dollars fir disable... That proves you have a permanent handicap license plate on my way in less than minutes.
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