Normally this would be $80 per year or as much as $25-$50 per visit. 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. Just get it then. Please provide a mailing address for the US Geological Survey to obtain this free pass. We also collect the National Parks and State quartersbut we collect all of them in a folder, not just the ones we have visited. An Access Pass permits entrance for one motorcycle. 3. Nobody but that person can say what their body feels like or what trauma fosters in their mind. Download the 1- and 5-Year Disability Pass Application ( PDF or Word Document ). What is the address you mail an application to? I am receiving a non-service connected pension from the V.A., and have a 10% rating (which pays less than the non-service connected pension). 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. Its worth its weight in gold as Ive traveled to hundreds of sites over the past decade or so. they are active military & become veterans after they leave military service. Every campsite in Daniel Boon national PK is not honoring the Access passes 50% off!! Provides entrance or access to pass owner and accompanying passengers in a . Interesting, isnt it? I am an over 50% disabled vet but I am NOT permanently disabled. 1-888-ASK-USGS When we entered the gate to the park, I asked for my Golden Access Pass. A physical pass will be shipped to you. Can I apply for this pass? The White House should see to it that all parks, that have a staff on site, at a welcome desk, issue these. Box 25286 Less than 1% of the US population are military veterans. I am rated 100% disabled by the Veterans Administration. Who qualifies for the Annual Pass? Let me understand this. Discounts offered by the Pass vary widely across the many different types of recreation sites. Box 25286 My card and refund were issued there. What is the deal there? Thanks Dave Martin. Just a parking fee. Overview of the Annual Pass. Is there some where I can go to find a list of recreation sites that are on the list for free access? Did you know that individuals with disabilities are entitled to a free lifetime pass to visit our National Parks? 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. Thank you for your service . One pass covers the vehicle at sites that charge "per vehicle". Up to 100% of the Pass program's proceeds are used to improve and enhance visitor recreation services. 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. Your posting was clear and concise please keep up the good work. Every bit helps. She demanded information on my disability rating and seemed to focus on whether I was 100% disabled. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Transit time varies, and is dependent upon the service selected: USPS - typically 5-10 business days Box 42650 1966 1970 Vietnam Era 100%. Why is it so hard for some of you to do that? Since I am not permanently disabled I cannot benefit from the program. Second, if applying by mail, send a completed packet and $10 processing fee to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Steve, They told me that Mt Rushmore was not a national park. Your type of messaging does not belong in this forum.my thought. After all, your disability is for 10%, not 100%. Cost: Free. 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. (LockA locked padlock) Am I missing something? In fact they said they used to a few years ago. Thank you for your service and sacrifice . Then they charge a separate $11 for electricity. To qualify for the Pass the disability must be permanent and limit one or more major life activities. The Access Pass may also offer a discount on some expanded amenity fees, such as camping. STOP your crying. This application is for permanently disabled vets. The email I got from VA news stated that this was free for disabled vets. STILL WAITING FOR MY 100% DISABILITY FOR AGENT ORANGE EXPOSURE for SHIP STATIONED IN THE GULF. If hearing loss and tinnitus is not a disability, I do not know what is. I think something is going wrong. 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. -kevin. At Federal recreation sites that don't have entrance stations you need to display your pass or show proof of pass ownership to compliance officers via one of the two following methods: HANGTAGS Kevin, READ THE FORM! I have been fortunate enough to not be injured in battle, just hearing loss and some arthritis from physical strains and injuries. US citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities: free. If you fall into any of the following groups, here's what you pay for an annual pass: Veterans: free. The application cleared describes this and the applicant signs stating this are permanently disabled. Step 1: Get a paper voucher by visiting the Every Kid Outdoors website and following the instructions. Good morning, Mr. Clipp. 1967 to 1971 THANK YOU. I wish you all well! Therefore, the discount program for the Access Pass is not handled in the same way on all Federal recreation lands. 40% rating here. To make it easier on veterans why not just issue the pass when the disability papers are sent to the veteran. Hah! Also, when checking the United States Geological Survey website it shows no knowledge of this pass. Give the pass to every honorably discharged veteran!!!! The Senior Pass includes all the same discounts as the access pass, which is free access to all sites that charge an entrance fee and 50% discount on some expanded amenity fees (camping, boat launching, etc). I went to Channel Islands National Park in Ventura, CA and they do not issue the free pass. Apermanent disabilityis a permanent physical, mental, or sensory impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working. I know because I have the disable veteran pass and my brother has the senior pass. Send your completed Application to: Questions: Or just being totally ignorant. Good for entry into 400+ National Parks and over 2,000 recreation sites across the country, the Lifetime Access Pass is another way a grateful nation says thank you for the service and sacrifices of Veterans with disabilities. Thanks, It must be an issue with your internet browser. Get it here: I was medicaly retired after 13 years. How to Get the Free National Parks 4 Grade Annual Pass. Just went to MR last weekmilitary did not have to pay for parking. Editors note: this blog was updated Sept. 30, 2020. Thats part of why its important to get rated and updated ratings. The USGS Store accepts all Credit and Debit cards but gift cards of any kind are not accepted. I am 100% disabled and I still donate money every time I enter a park. Come to find out that one of the largest National parks in the Washington DC doesnt issue the passes. The SMP tier has additional assistant benefits besides the increase in monthly dollars too. Try this: For complete information on the pass, please follow the following links: Access Pass Frequently Asked Questions: https://store.usgs.gov/faq#Access-Pass I do not collect ssdi but I have a 40% rating do I still qualify? I had a couple of rangers there telling me they couldnt help. uh, I got my paperwork from the VA here and the VA website said that if I brought it.. Thank you for your very informative posting on the National park access pass. Passes ordered online or through the mail will be delivered 3 to 4 weeks after receipt of documentation and processing payment. 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. Denver, CO 80225. National passes cover recreation fees found at federal recreation areas such as national forests and grasslands. 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. There are several pass . I would trade my injuries and suffering pain for your good health. Buy your Discovery Pass Where to get your pass in person: participating locations | MEC stores ACCEPTEDAward Letter (VA) Thanks. USGS Even if it at a coustof 10 dollars fir non disable veterns. OEF. She, reluctantly handed me the pass and told me I must sign it. No. Thought it was a good idea at the time. 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. 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 got my free Senior park pass about 2 years ago at the US Forestry office in Fresno, CA. The contract come with clauses indicating benefits. 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. List of sites that issue the Access Pass: https://store.usgs.gov/s3fs-public/PassIssuanceList.pdf The park us free to enter, however you have to pay to park which is privately owned. Took the trip when living in FL for a NASCAR race and had an entire day free before. Let me understand this. The pass is for soldiers injured in combat and their spouses and immediate family members. IT says IN BOLD where to send the completed application to. I know that Maine Parks and Rec do the same. Denver, CO 80225. The 10% disability rating mentioned in your email as qualifying for the free parks pass is not accurate per the personnel at the Baldwin Michigan District Forest Service office. Please contact a site directly if you have a question about pass acceptance and fees. Each Annual Pass can have up to two "owners". Ended up going to Shenandoah National Park to get the pass. 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. Cmon were all vets here and can follow instructions right? I got my disabled Access Pass at Wheeler Wildlife Refuge without a problem. 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. Please note that Interagency Passes will not be available for immediate download or printing. 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. Did anyone else notice that there are only 58 national parks in the USA? Right! Im about to do it myself. thanks The application states Blindness or Permanent Disability. Send your completed Application to: A document issued by a Federal agency, such as the U.S. Department of Veterans Administration, which attests that Also: I see another comment on here about buying a lifetime pass at the age of 62 or older. Yes, please list the FREE recreation sites Nation wide. If lost or stolen, you'll need to apply for another one. If Veterans feel they were incorrectly denied a pass, they may request to speak to the fee program supervisor on duty or submit an application for the pass athttps://store.usgs.gov/access-pass. You can get an Interagency Access Pass in person at a federal recreation site. echo $arrContactInfo['con_position']; ?>, Have a Disability? Link to where you can order the Access Pass online: https://store.usgs.gov/access-pass. A Federal Recreational Lands Pass covers entrance fees to more then 2,000 sitesincluding national forests and grasslands. Waaaaa!Waaaaa! Go to a Forrest Service Office its free, fast, and easy. Any ideas on how I can obtain the form? You do not have to show proof of disability but you may be asked to sign an document stating you have a disability (honor system). Disabled everyone can get the pass at any National Park. Why is there Algebra? I just purchase a year pass, is there any way to get the fee refunded and get this instead? Mt. Gee sorry you arent disabled and living with daily pain so that you can get a free trip to the park. I called a few places and we ended up going to a park rangers office in Indiana to get ours. Bring your disability letter from VA benefits office to prove your disability rating and your drivers license. active military not active veterans. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS It is all national parks and monuments . The Interagency Access Pass is part of the America the Beautiful The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass series and is available free for US citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. have hearing loss, VA plans, budget, finances, and performance, VA disability award letter, VA summary of benefits, or proof of SSDI income. An official website of theU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Looking for U.S. government information and services? The Interagency Military Pass has been part of the America the Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series since 2012. Ya my brother is in the same boat. Ive never needed anything more than my VA ID which simply has service connected on it. Therefore, according to the Park Ranger only go to fee charging National Parks to get the free pass. Once the application package is received by USGS, the documentation will be verified and a pass imprinted with the pass owners name will be mailed to the applicant. I went today and the front entry was closed again. Misleading title on the email announcing free national park access, not mentioning it is for the disabled vets only, until we read the article. 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. [email protected] But at 100% Im suppose to Park Hopping? Proof of residency 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. Also in large print. 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). If someone in your family qualifies, there are a couple of ways you can obtain this. HEADS UP!!!! 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. Box 25286 State Parks are hard up for $$$ so there may not be any discounts available. The site says ( does not have to be 100% ). You also can mail in the form with proper supporting documents. Semper Fi! The pass can be bought at any state park and is valid for a year from the day you purchase it. Yes. the term active veterans is incorrect. Ranger program for kids too. Box 25286 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. $25.00. Thank you for writing the article, I had no clue federal parks were free. Denver, CO 80225, Questions: Even if you are well over the 10% minimum for the Access Pass, the VA may not have determined you have permanent disability. Denver, CO 80225, Download the PDF application form. 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. Plus, here near Philadelphia, we have so many cool places to visit within the national parks system and so many fun places to go. So they tell me to mail in an application, which I really dont want to do, adding in more IDs, plus a $10 fee. Under 16: free. An annual Parks Canada Discovery Pass covers admission to more than 80 destinations for 12 months. It states this clearly on the VA Benefits Summary. Some gave all, and dont have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of our country. Some examples of acceptable documentation include: Image It may also be ordered through the USGS Online (with a $10 handling fee): https://store.usgs.gov/access-pass I did 38 years and feel that the disability is a strong qualification. I am the acting Business Manager for the Interagency Pass Program, including the lifetime Access Pass. Download the Distinguished Veteran Pass Application. My younger brother was with me and we decided to drive up to the Grand Canyon. The article says 10% or higher eligible, but the application says severely disabled. Those of us that served and didnt retire and didnt get hurt are treated like outcasts. You can learn more about these pass options below: Alternative Interagency Pass Options 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). Another example of where you have to be disabled to account for anything. What is the America the Beautiful- The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Access Pass? Eat those facts, jack! Thanks! :). Pretty permanent and not an outwardly visible disability. If years later, the VA and Park Service agree that were eligible for and want to give us a free pass to see the most beautiful parts of the country that we served to protect, then why turn it down? I would venture to say that many of us who have a rating above 10%, have not been determined to be permanently disabled by the VA. I just got a pass at Zion national Park. Please verify this before applying otherwise you may be fraudulently receiving a benefit intended for those who truly need it. Lighten up!!! Thanks, Steve, for your military service and for writing this clear and succinct story. For additional questions regarding the pass, please check out the Frequently Asked Questions. 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. If you dont visit National Parks, then why bother to get this? There is a system in place for this, and we cannot just drive up to a park entrance expecting free admission. In order to obtain a replacement, will I need to reapply? As I recall the free pass was going to start having a fee. This is a great benefit for BLIND and PERMANENTLY DISABLED Veterans. A typical admission fee to a national park can range from free to $30 plus. ACCEPTEDSummary of Benefits (VA), Image (1-888-275-8747). You have good days and you have bad days. And fees for $ $ so there may not be injured in battle, just hearing loss and tinnitus not. The National Parks, then why bother to get your pass in person participating. 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