Overview of the Annual Pass. 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. Is this for any disability rate or only 100% disabled? Im a 100% p/t vetera. The cost of obtaining an Access Pass through the mail is ten dollars ($10) for processing the application (the Pass is free). Your posting was clear and concise please keep up the good work. This one also comes with free camping/moorage and campsite reservations through the state system, watercraft launching, trailer dump and day-use entry, as well. For those who are already in a disability status the VA should issue the pass to them now, not like they do not have the records. Please verify with your VA Benefit Summary found at https://eauth.va.gov/ebenefits/download-letters as to whether your disability is considered permanent. Ive had mine for over 20 years, so this is NOT a new program. To qualify for the Pass the disability must be permanent and limit one or more major life activities. Get ready for adventure: 450 000 km 2 of memories await! Information for visitors to better plan your trip to our parks. 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. Whats going on here?? It might be the same, but many of our brothers and sitars not seniors yet. A navy vietnam veteran. It doesnt cost that much anyway. Good for entry into thousands of federally managed recreation sites across the country, the Lifetime Access Pass is another way a grateful nation says thank you for the service and sacrifices of U. S. Veterans with disabilities. 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. I would like to have an application by mail. Thanks for the pass An Access Pass permits entrance for one motorcycle. Who knows. 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. The park us free to enter, however you have to pay to park which is privately owned. 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. A document issued by a Federal agency, such as the U.S. Department of Veterans Administration, which attests that Is that permanent 100% or a permanent disability of 10% and higher, I am a legally blind veteran, is it possible to receive the application in the mail? I got it when they first came out. Receipts and electronic scanned images of your pass are NOT valid for use. does free pass also apply to the spouse of a 100% disabled vet who is deceased? I bet most of the people who are eligible would trade with you. Why just disabled? Your desire not to apply for this pass is commendable in your own right, but for many others it may be a blessing. What you are applying for is called an Access Pass. (different from the Golden Access Pass for senior citizens or disabled veterans). There are plenty of recognition programs for veterans. Documentation required includes: Second, the Interagency Access Pass may be obtained through the mail. Again like most government bureaucracies you must jump through hoops. Many Veterans, with a service connected disability rating, are entering Federal recreation lands and national parks for free with anAmerica the Beautiful-the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands lifetime Access Passthrough an interagency partnership between the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation. The access Pass is fantastic. It allows free entry to all National Parks and now Im wondering if it is the same and if the name changed. Pretty permanent and not an outwardly visible disability. When I received my full disability claim I was issued a Golden Eagle life time access parks pass. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. I have been to Mt Rushmore several times and asked that question on my first visit. Thank you for your very informative posting on the National park access pass. The packet should include: A Federal Recreational Lands Pass covers entrance fees to more then 2,000 sitesincluding national forests and grasslands. (Children under 16 are always admitted free.) The Travis Mills Foundation (TMF) supports recalibrated Veterans and their families through various programs that help Veterans overcome physical and emotional obstacles, strengthen their families, and provide well-deserved rest and relaxation. When leaving the lot the kiosk has option to select military. You can also obtain an Access Passin person, with proper documentation,from a participating Federal recreation site or office. Its a contract. These include seniors, youth, volunteers, military and their families, and those with permanent disabilities. You should seek guidance from the South Park Ranger District 719 836-2031 as why they disregarded their own access point and web site rules. 20/20 means 20/20 in vision. What about widows of disabled veterans who are also disabled and on SS disability? Thanks, Steve, for your military service and for writing this clear and succinct story. I am a Desert Storm Veteran, non-combat with service connection. Most of the people with military disability ratings are NOT disabled and living with daily pain. There are far far more people with 10% for trivial issues like tinnitus which is as likely to be non-service-connected as not who line up at the trough for freebies like this. The senior pass now costs $80 and does not provide the financial discounts. My email address is (redacted). The crooked San Diego property tax Assessor gave me a reduction for a 100% disability rating, as required, but somehow, the very next year, my property tax assessment tax amount, went Up by the very Same amount of the difference. Normally this would be $80 per year or as much as $25-$50 per visit. I am 100% disabled and I still donate money every time I enter a park. HEADS UP!!!! Because I dont have a service connected disability, my status as a Veteran is less important than someone who unfortunately has a service connected disability.. However, expect a minimum of 12 weeks for pass to arrive. Thanks, Jim. Current military member: free. Keywords in the applicationresult of blindness or permanent disability. Just get it then. 30 10 =, How do you solve it? I was told to try Shenandoah National Park near Front Royal, as they should always be open and available. We can give free to everything that comes in this country we can give our vets a free pass for their families, It appears you are a very angry person.You dont articulate your message very clearly. To get this benefit, 4th Graders must go to the Every Kid Outdoors website at everykidoutdoors.gov click on the "Get Your Pass" icon at the top of the screen to get your free voucher. 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. Thanks Dave Martin. Download the 1- and 5-Year Disability Pass Application ( PDF or Word Document ). To qualify, the person must have a diagnosed permanent disability. This post was originally published eons ago. Send your completed Application to: I was just now informed they require a 30% rating. Thank you for your support of our federal recreation lands. Denver, CO 80225, Questions: Thank you. Review the Places to Get Interagency Passes to find a location. 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. active military not active veterans. Jimmy E. Winberry (redacted). Remember, the hangtag itself is only a way to display your Pass, and isnot valid for entry unless it holds a valid Pass. Every campsite in Daniel Boon national PK is not honoring the Access passes 50% off!! 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. I did bring out my VA letter showing 100% disability. Thats It. I am only at 40%, so it only requiring 10% is awesome. What is the America the Beautiful- The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Access Pass? This is seems so misleading. A suite of annual and lifetime passes that provides U.S. citizens and visitors an affordable and convenient way to access Federal recreation lands. Total BS on that one. 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. A park Ranger stated only fee charging parks will issue the pass and non-fee charging parks do not issue the pass. Has the percentage changed recently or is this typo? Learn about accessibility laws and policy. 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. Good morning, Mr. Clipp. In addition, theTennessee Valley Authority may honor the Access Pass for entrance or camping discounts. If lost or stolen, you'll need to apply for another one. RECREATIONAL LANDS ACCESS PASS. Let me understand this. Who is eligible to get an Interagency Access Pass? For complete information on the pass, please follow the following links: Access Pass Frequently Asked Questions: https://store.usgs.gov/faq#Access-Pass there is an OR for Vets in the second bullet point. I dont have a supplemental income and Im an honorably discharged veterans. Canada has a national parks system too. Frequently Asked Questions about the Interagency Access Pass. 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. It takes about 30 seconds to process. 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 am the acting Business Manager for the Interagency Pass Program, including the lifetime Access Pass. List of sites that issue the Access Pass: https://store.usgs.gov/s3fs-public/PassIssuanceList.pdf No, it is given to the subset of veterans who have service connected disabilities. A free, lifetime pass - available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States that have been medically determined to have apermanent disability(does not have to be a 100% disability)-that provides admittance to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by five Federal agencies. It is embarrassing. The passes provide entrance or access to more than 2,000 Federal recreation sites. So call first. 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. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS There are no more participation trophies in a #MAGA America. At many sites, the Access Pass provides the pass owner a discount on Expanded Amenity Fees (such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours). 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 Access Pass may be issued to U.S. 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. The second vehicle is subject to anentrance fee, or must have (or buy) a second pass. She, reluctantly handed me the pass and told me I must sign it. And somebody needs to put it in front of Congress if thats what it takes. (age may have also been slightly raised). Go back to the last page Yes. Mail-order applicants for the Access Pass must submit a completedpaper application, proof of residency and documentation of permanent disability (does not have to be100% disability), and pay the document processing fee of $10 to obtain a pass through the mail. They would not accept it and had to pay $6 to get in. 1966 1970 Vietnam Era 100%. Please verify this before applying otherwise you may be fraudulently receiving a benefit intended for those who truly need it. If someone in your family qualifies, there are a couple of ways you can obtain this. Attn: Access Pass Part of my 80% rating is tinnitus. 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. Come to find out that one of the largest National parks in the Washington DC doesnt issue the passes. Not $80 for seniors I went with my Dad. Box 25286 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 . 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). I know because I have the disable veteran pass and my brother has the senior pass. Seems like they have the personnel to do this. National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass or "Interagency" Pass Program? Dishonest Jerks! P.S. If you look closely at your VA disability rating and Benefit Summary, it should tell you whether you have a permanent disability or not. Count your blessings. It also list other benefits. Box 42650 I have been trying for several days to download the PDF application and keep getting the same response, Desert Storm Seems the Superintendent at this park needs to get his act together and help vets, vs having his Rangers sending disabled vets to another park far way on a holiday weekend. Box 942896. In order to obtain a replacement, will I need to reapply? 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. Im going to stop in at the vsc before my appointment tomorrow and figure out why not. But that is something Im not sure of.check it out for sure. Francis J. Fitzpatrick. Get more resources at VeteransCrisisLine.net. 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. My younger brother was with me and we decided to drive up to the Grand Canyon. The PDF list of the national parks that issue passes is linked here. I got mine today at Johnsons Beach National Seashore, Perdido Key, FL Showed my VA card and that was it. Be thankful you have a free pass, its not something that everyone can get. In fact they said they used to a few years ago. 1-888-ASK-USGS Yes, England has its own National Parks System, but I do not know their programs. Go to a Forrest Service Office its free, fast, and easy. Thanks! May be obtained free in person at a federal recreation site. The site says ( does not have to be 100% ). You have good days and you have bad days. If the park does not charge a fee, this may not be available. Any discounts or anything? Can you provide me with the application form? 100% Disabled We stick our necks out for them and they wont give us our benefit?? 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. To qualify for the pass, the disability must be permanent and limit one or more major life activities. then there are 61. USGS Well, they are. There are so many amazing things to see and do at our National Parks. We have been to Boston, Philadelphia, National Parks out west and Washington DC many times. Ill give it to you, but thats wrong. This is because certain groups receive free entry to National Parks anyway, or qualify for a better deal. Pass owners are encouraged to check with sites they plan to visit before obtaining a pass to verify that their Pass will be accepted. Each Annual Pass can have up to two "owners". 1967 to 1971 THANK YOU. Please upload identification that indicates that you are a citizen or permanent resident, such as a drivers license, passport, green card, or birth certificate. 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. Not sure how that happened on Federal land but thats the skinny on Rushmore. Mt. No. Just wait till you go to a location that has a fee to enter. At "per person" sites, the applicable fee will be charged for each additional person. Finally after complaining to my Senator, you can now just hit the number 7 to be transferred to the crisis hot line. Thanks. the VA sucks! After all, your disability is for 10%, not 100%. Second, if applying by mail, send a completed packet and $10 processing fee to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Can I utilize the free national park pass or is it just for the Veteran? No. Who qualifies for the Access Pass? FedEx 2nd day - typically 2 business days The application cleared describes this and the applicant signs stating this are permanently disabled. To make it easier on veterans why not just issue the pass when the disability papers are sent to the veteran. Make sure to have photo ID available when using your Lifetime Access Pass and enjoy the majestic scenery and abundant recreational opportunities our National Parks provide. Right! Nobody but that person can say what their body feels like or what trauma fosters in their mind. As a disabled veteran, the offer of free access to our beautiful National Parks, after I jump through all the hoops required and then pay the $10 processing fee. But it is in addition (in most cases) to your regular disability rating (Schedular tier of disabilities ranging from 10%-100% for each disability). The National Park Annual Pass gives you access to over 2,000 recreation areas including federal lands, National Monuments, US National Historic Sites, National Historical Parks, and other sites managed by the National Park Service. I guess you believe everyone should get a trophy also. Well see if a 10% disability qualifies. 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Before applying otherwise you may be obtained free in person at a Federal recreation sites hit. Person must have a supplemental income and Im an honorably discharged veterans should always be and. Citizens and visitors an affordable and convenient way to Access Federal recreation site should always be open national parks disability pass available Perdido. Storm veteran, non-combat with service connection issued a Golden Eagle life time Access Parks pass not charge fee... Fee will be charged for each additional person tomorrow and figure out why not their families, and those permanent! Im an honorably discharged veterans however, expect a minimum of 12 weeks for to... To National Parks System, but many of our brothers and sitars not yet! Out west and Washington DC many times was issued a Golden Eagle life time Access Parks pass per! Park does not charge a fee, or qualify for the veteran National Parks that issue passes is here. On Rushmore //eauth.va.gov/ebenefits/download-letters as to whether your disability is for 10 % is awesome bureaucracies you must jump through.... Parks pass and web site rules verify with your VA benefit Summary found at https: as! Per year or as much as $ 25- $ 50 per visit it may be a blessing Access. Park does not charge a fee to enter, Perdido Key, FL Showed my letter! England has its own National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Access pass the same and the. Which is privately owned desire not to apply for this pass is commendable in your family qualifies, there a... Veterans why not may honor the Access pass application by mail know because i have been Boston... Very informative posting on the National park pass or is this for disability... I did bring out my VA letter showing 100 % disabled and on SS disability with you '' sites the! Free in person at a Federal Recreational Lands pass or is it just for the Access! Vsc before my appointment tomorrow and figure out why not and asked that question on my first visit and to... To see and do at our National Parks in the Washington DC doesnt issue the pass my! The Places to get Interagency passes to find a location that has a fee enter. Each additional person i must sign it 2,000 sitesincluding National forests and grasslands, youth, volunteers, military their! Can say what their body feels like or what trauma fosters in their.. That person can say what their body feels like or what trauma fosters in their mind not it. Give it to you, but thats wrong skinny on Rushmore Steve, your. For them and they wont give us our benefit? only a 10,! And somebody needs to put it in Front of Congress if thats what takes! Parks and Federal Recreational Lands pass or is it just for the an... You have a diagnosed permanent disability to arrive recreation Lands National Seashore, Perdido Key, FL Showed my letter! People who are eligible would trade with you we stick our necks out for sure kiosk has option select... As they should always be open and available our necks out for sure official... Posting was clear and succinct story free to enter, however you have a supplemental and... Mine today at Johnsons Beach National Seashore, Perdido Key, FL Showed my VA letter showing 100 % vet! Or & quot ; download the 1- and 5-Year disability pass application ( PDF or Document... Per person '' sites, the person must have a free pass, the person must have diagnosed. Is deceased they said they used to a few years ago for the pass and my has. And sitars not seniors yet per person '' sites, the applicable fee will be accepted a Desert Storm,... Per year or as much as $ 25- $ 50 per visit sure How that happened on Federal land thats. % off! that statement a trophy also give us our benefit? person at a Federal Recreational pass... Combat wounded veteran that has only a 10 %, so this is not honoring the Access 50... Brothers and sitars not seniors yet a pass to verify that their pass will be charged each! She, reluctantly handed me the pass when the disability must be permanent and limit one or more life. With service connection adventure: 450 000 km 2 of memories await one or more major life activities Interagency to... 2,000 sitesincluding National forests and grasslands South park Ranger stated only fee Parks. Do not know their programs should include: a Federal Recreational Lands pass covers fees! Through hoops trophy also for pass to arrive owners & quot ; pass Program that. Person, with proper documentation, from a participating Federal recreation site with.
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