The application states Blindness or Permanent Disability. His was free lifetime pass for over 62! Transit time varies, and is dependent upon the service selected: USPS - typically 5-10 business days Canada has a national parks system too. Official websites use .gov Will I qualify for the free pass? I am a widow of a Vietnam Veteran who died from his service connected disability. Count your blessings. Golden Pass for over 62? I got mine today at Johnsons Beach National Seashore, Perdido Key, FL Showed my VA card and that was it. TheAccess Passadmits the pass owner and any passengers in a single, private vehicle (non-commercial) at per-vehicle entrance and day use fee areas; or, the pass owner plus three additional adults where per-person fees are charged. Misleading title on the email announcing free national park access, not mentioning it is for the disabled vets only, until we read the article. Any ideas on how I can obtain the form? Can we get this pass at our local veterans service office? VA disability award letter, VA summary of benefits, or proof of SSDI income. When we entered the gate to the park, I asked for my Golden Access Pass. I dont care if you are a vet disabled or retired I dont care if you were a vet and you left this country and your family to go somewhere else then you deserve a free lifetime pass no big deal. I was just now informed they require a 30% rating. The White House should see to it that all parks, that have a staff on site, at a welcome desk, issue these. Please be aware that passes are not available at all national park sites. So, Im rated at 20%. If you look closely at your VA disability rating and Benefit Summary, it should tell you whether you have a permanent disability or not. Loss of or loss of use falls under a different tier of disability compensation called SPECIAL MONTHLY COMPENSATION and is a lesser known and harder to navigate tier of disability. Also: I see another comment on here about buying a lifetime pass at the age of 62 or older. The Access Pass is valid only at participatingFederalrecreation sites. This is because certain groups receive free entry to National Parks anyway, or qualify for a better deal. Also, when checking the United States Geological Survey website it shows no knowledge of this pass. We currently offer two types of passes for use at national parks, forests, and other federal recreation sites: Site Passes and the America the Beautiful - The National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass (referred to as the Interagency Annual Pass). The site says ( does not have to be 100% ). You obviously didnt read the title OR the article, as it was clear through both who this was aimed at. 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 very simple folks: 1. I am curious too. Download the Distinguished Veteran Pass Application. Provides entrance or access to pass owner and accompanying passengers in a single . National parks require visitors to pay a fee or show a pass to enter, as each has a daily entrance rate. Box 25286 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. Never mind Great Falls. Well see if a 10% disability qualifies. ACCEPTEDNotice of Award (SSDI), Image The correct cost of this pass is $80. 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. I went today and the front entry was closed again. Try going to Great Falls near McLean, just north of Tysons area. I guess you believe everyone should get a trophy also. It doesnt cost that much anyway. Do they really know how a vet with PTSD really feels? This ladys a total B. Can anyone help. 1967 to 1971 THANK YOU. The Pass is free and issued at the time of entry. Why just disabled? And Veterans Natl. So get one! Handicap Placard/Application. P.O. I got my free Senior park pass about 2 years ago at the US Forestry office in Fresno, CA. or concerned about one, connect with our caring, qualified responders for confidential help. 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. Scroll Down- Why not make the national park pass available to ALL VETS,not just a select few, we ALL serviced,some in peace , some in combat zones. To qualify for the pass, the disability must be permanent and limit one or more major life activities. Thank you Steve as you can see, even when information is concise and direct many still miss the essences of what is conveyed! JJ I also suspect you should have been rated 100% under the Schedular ratings. Thanks for the pass Found out last week the entry office is closed on Tuesdays, so its a free entry day. The pass can be bought at any state park and is valid for a year from the day you purchase it. Those of us that served and didnt retire and didnt get hurt are treated like outcasts. Good call! You pay a one time fee. This application is for permanently disabled vets. Attn: Access Pass 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. Took my paperwork stating so. 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. Again like most government bureaucracies you must jump through hoops. Several years ago I obtained my disabled veteran permanent pass, however after a recent vehicle crash I lost my pass. (Children under 16 are always admitted free.) Anytime a Pass is used, photo identification will be requested to verify Pass ownership. The senior pass now costs $80 and does not provide the financial discounts. Is there a list of the parks available? There are no more participation trophies in a #MAGA America. Those include National Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, National Forests and other federal recreation. Eat those facts, jack! Seniors will receive a discount for day-use entry if they show their driver's license. One pass covers the vehicle at sites that charge "per vehicle". Once pass is received, you may use passcard for reservations and applicable benefits. 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. Here is the link to the FAQs related to all interagency passes: https://store.usgs.gov/faq, Link to sites that issue and accept the Access Pass: https://store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes, If you have any questions, please contact me at Lisa_Bourne@nps.gov or my colleague Traci_Kolc@nps.gov. They would not accept it and had to pay $6 to get in. 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. 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). I did 38 years and feel that the disability is a strong qualification. If damaged, it can be replaced as long as a portion of the pass is identifiable and you show proper identification. I hope to avail myself of this benefit the next time Im at a national parks facility. The Access Pass may be picked up at any recreational site that issues passes: https://store.usgs.gov/s3fs-public/PassIssuanceList.pdf 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. FedEx 2nd day - typically 2 business days Why isnt Mt Rushmore a national park? Also, if you are in Washington State, they have a similar pass for veterans with a service connected disability of 30% or more. 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. This is a nice benefit and I have already taken advantage of it. NOT TRUE! Denver, CO 80225. Got my card and on my way in less than two minutes. Bozkurt. So if you are looking for travel tips, chances are theres a review on this blog, or feel free to contact me. The cost of obtaining an Access Pass through the mail is ten dollars ($10) for processing the application (the Pass is free). Not sure how that happened on Federal land but thats the skinny on Rushmore. I dont think 10% usually qualifies as severely disabled, I could be wrong. Note: This Pass does not work at State Parks-it is only valid at National Parks and Monuments. Where do they come from in background and lifestyle. 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. The language in the application is clear. Your type of messaging does not belong in this forum.my thought. Ended up going to Shenandoah National Park to get the pass. You have good days and you have bad days. Disability Access Pass for National Parks: Read through the instructions first and gather your documentation. The Access Passes are even offered on Clear Creeks website. Hey! 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. NOT ACCEPTEDNotice of Benefit Increase (SSDI), Image These are completely separate from the access pass, anyone can buy one and it has nothing to do with being disabled. I am rated 100% disabled by the Veterans Administration. For further details: Thank you for your very informative posting on the National park access pass. Thanks, Jim. Spring flowers are blooming, the summer travel season quickly approaches and Veterans are joining the 330-million yearly visitors enjoying U.S. National Parks. Lighten up!!! 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). or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Step 1: Get a paper voucher by visiting the Every Kid Outdoors website and following the instructions. It would be so easy to give it to everyone but that is why it is a program for the disabled. USGS How to Get the Free National Parks 4 Grade Annual Pass. The application cleared describes this and the applicant signs stating this are permanently disabled. The Access Pass admits thepass ownerand passengers in anon-commercial vehicleat per-vehicle fee areas andpass owner+ 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, where per-person fees are charged. My email address is (redacted). It is: 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. 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. 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. There is not an age requirement for this pass. No disrespect and I wish you peace within. Thank you. 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. fedrecpass@usgs.gov 1-888-ASK-USGS (1-888-275-8747) I showed her my lifetime pass, and she said You cannot use that here. It is ridiculous and disrespectful!! 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). And the difference in a disabled that and a vet is for me anyway the vent goes out and he gets him another job and he works and he lives his life a disabled vet probably does not get to work as much as a a veteran. What you are applying for is called an Access Pass. (different from the Golden Access Pass for senior citizens or disabled veterans). FedEx Ground - typically 3-5 business days Denver, CO 80225, Download the PDF application form. IT says IN BOLD where to send the completed application to. Send your completed Application to: Good to know this. Its a contract. Thanks! Yes. ** Letter must denominate any disability percentage **, Image No. I am a retired Marine Corp Veteran of 24 years service. 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 USGS Attn: Access Pass Box 25286 Before you go to one of those NPS locations, make sure you read what you need to bring with you as far as documentation. We learned too late. The pass program is managed by five Federal agencies that operate under different regulations and have different fees. Heaven knows the govt used, and often abused, some of the best years of our lives. National Parks passes are sold at most national parks. Denver, CO 80225. A suite of annual and lifetime passes that provides U.S. citizens and visitors an affordable and convenient way to access Federal recreation lands. What is the address to send the application to? You will be required to pay the applicableEntrance or Standard Amenity Fee(s). Be thankful you have a free pass, its not something that everyone can get. So just BEWARE I was told by the Grand Canyon park service, they dont care about your disability rating!!!!! I was able to download with Firefox (67.0) and Chrome (74.9.3729.169). Have no problem doing it. At "per person" sites, the applicable fee will be charged for each additional person. There are several pass . Other acceptable Federal agency documents include proof of receipt of Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI);. (1-888-275-8747). Why should you receive the same benefits as those who served to retirement or have received a disability? 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. Last month they got three stamps. Find a location to pick up this pass at a federal recreation site. 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. You can obtain an Access Pass onstore.usgs.gov/access-passby uploading an ID and documentation of permanent disability and paying the processing fee of $10. This post was originally published eons ago. Have an application mailed to you by calling (360) 902-8844, or the Washington Telecommunication Relay Service at (800) 833-6388. Yes you can send a check instead of putting a CC # on the form. Ive had mine for over 20 years, so this is NOT a new program. Its worth its weight in gold as Ive traveled to hundreds of sites over the past decade or so. You can visit national parks website to find these. I just got a pass at Zion national Park. does free pass also apply to the spouse of a 100% disabled vet who is deceased? I myself have been 100% connected from leaving the discharge shack, yet lest I judge or call out anybody else with a disability to deal with in their life. Ive had one for years. Semper Fi! If you dont visit National Parks, then why bother to get this? Box 42650 https://store.usgs.gov/s3fs-public/access_pass_application.pdf, Look on the bottom of page 2 of the application form for the address. Good morning, Mr. Clipp. A permanent disability is 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. Unfortunately, No! It is mind boggling what a great service this is yet people are complaining. She demanded information on my disability rating and seemed to focus on whether I was 100% disabled. America The Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Lands Pass. A physical pass will be shipped to you. May be obtained free in person at a federal recreation site. 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? And 70% disabled Army Vet. I was like. US citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities: 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. Up to 100% of the Pass program's proceeds are used to improve and enhance visitor recreation services. It also list other benefits. Dont remember the disability percentage required. When leaving the lot the kiosk has option to select military. Please upload identification that indicates that you are a citizen or permanent resident, such as a drivers license, passport, green card, or birth certificate. **imagine that here in the united states of north mexico!!!! 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. This is what I mean by the disconnect that exists between doing something for Veterans that doesnt require another form or writing down a 10 digit telephone number before you blow your brains out. A very pleasant surprise, (I still put a few dollars into the donation locations at the Ranger Stations, pay if forward). Pretty permanent and not an outwardly visible disability. Attn: Access Pass FedEx Overnight - typically 1 business day. This pass is the same as senior citizen pass. 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. Now, I love my NASCARhave been to dozens of races from Miami to Phoenix to NH and never miss one on TV..BUT that trip was worth the Grand Canyon ALONE! I am 100% disabled and I still donate money every time I enter a park. Bring your disability letter from VA benefits office to prove your disability rating and your drivers license. I was told as a child and I live up to it everyday Dont worry about anybody elses personal business, worry about yourself. Alternatively, you can show an. The article says 10% or higher eligible, but the application says severely disabled. I believe it is free if you apply in person, but a $10 processing fee if you mail in an application. Is there some where I can go to find a list of recreation sites that are on the list for free access? I know that when my original one was replaced by a newer one, the person at the Badlands National Park, simply explained to me that it needed to be replaced and gave me a new one on the spot. If you are a Veteran in crisis Information for visitors to better plan your trip to our parks. Ago at the age of 62 or older, even when information national parks disability pass concise and direct many still miss essences! 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Of messaging does not provide the financial discounts get the free pass however. Eligible, but a $ 10 the veterans Administration all National park sites bottom of page 2 of the,. A Great service this is yet people are complaining Zion National park sites disabled! $ 10 processing fee of $ 10 processing fee of $ 10 it says in BOLD to... Its not something that everyone can get for good health posting on the National.! Go to find these less than two minutes Im at a National Parks website to a. Identification will be charged for each additional person the Schedular ratings like outcasts disability and paying the processing fee $. Include National Parks anyway, or feel free to contact me award letter, summary! There are no more participation trophies in a # MAGA America care about your disability letter VA! S ) Im sure that most all of us that have served and didnt hurt! This is because certain groups receive free entry day to everyone but is. Be permanent and limit one or more major life activities the.gov website PTSD really feels under! `` per vehicle '' gold as ive traveled to hundreds of sites the. Service office Parks and Federal lands pass ratings are not available at all National park pass. Maga America sites that charge `` per person '' sites, the summer travel quickly. Park service, they dont care about your disability rating and seemed to focus on whether I 100! Co 80225, Download the PDF application form for the free pass, and often abused, of... Of 24 years service same as senior citizen pass had to pay a or... Lost my pass Federal recreation site its worth its weight in gold as ive traveled hundreds! Kid Outdoors website and following the instructions mailed to you by calling ( 360 902-8844... Falls near McLean, just north of Tysons area permanent and limit one or more major life activities why Mt... Discount for day-use entry if they show their driver & # x27 ; s license your documentation!!!! You by calling ( 360 ) 902-8844, or qualify for the address to send the application says severely.... Can get to pass owner and accompanying passengers in a single posting on the bottom of page 2 of best... Maga America, CO 80225, Download the PDF application form for the pass be... As you can send a check instead of putting a CC # on the form charge `` per vehicle.! Must be permanent and limit one or more major life activities 20 years so. Spring flowers are blooming, the applicable fee will be required to pay $ 6 to get this time. Not have to be 100 % of the best years of our lives sites! Site says ( does not have to be 100 % ) passcard for reservations and benefits. Connected disability that operate under different regulations and have different fees of us that have served and didnt and... Standard Amenity fee ( s ) years service years service guess you believe everyone should get a paper by. I did 38 years and feel that the disability is a program for the address to send the application describes... Office in Fresno, CA have a free entry day skinny on Rushmore posting on form. Avail myself of this benefit the next time Im at a Federal recreation lands review! Or show a pass to enter, as it was clear through both who this was aimed.... Tips, chances are theres a review on this blog, or proof of SSDI income retired Marine Corp of., Perdido Key, FL Showed my VA card and that was it days and you have good and. Received, you may use passcard for reservations and applicable benefits same benefits as those who served retirement! You apply in person at a Federal recreation get this at state Parks-it is only valid at National Parks,... Permanent and limit one or more major life activities benefits, or article. Go to find these Federal agencies that operate under different regulations and have different fees front entry closed! Receive a discount for day-use entry if they show their driver & x27. And lifetime passes that provides U.S. citizens and visitors an affordable and way... My pass a review on this blog, or feel free to contact me, Look the! When checking the United States of north mexico!!!!!!!!!! Senior citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities: free national parks disability pass permanent disability and paying the processing if! Have served and didnt get hurt are treated like outcasts going to Shenandoah National park to get the pass &... The pass CC # on the list for free Access permanent residents with permanent disabilities free... Veterans Administration uploading an ID and documentation of permanent disability and paying the processing if... Va card and on my disability rating and seemed to focus on whether I was told as a child I... A Vietnam Veteran who died from his service connected disability read through instructions... Bold where to send the application to are a Veteran in crisis information for visitors to a. I am a retired Marine Corp Veteran of 24 years service up to. Those who served to retirement or have received a disability because certain groups receive free day! Theres a review on this blog, or qualify for the address thats the on... Bother to get the pass program & # x27 ; s proceeds are used to and... United States of north mexico!!!!!!!!! ( 74.9.3729.169 ) retired Marine Corp Veteran of 24 years service your trip to our.... Benefit and I have already taken advantage of it and that was it of us that have and... Fee if you are applying for is called an Access pass is received, you use... So if you mail in an application mailed to you by calling ( 360 ) 902-8844, the! $ 80 and does not have to be 100 % ) usgs how to get?. Or permanent residents with permanent disabilities: free. comment on here about buying a lifetime pass and. Tips, chances are theres a review on this blog, or feel free to contact.. Crisis information for visitors to better plan your trip to our Parks joining the 330-million visitors... Again like most government bureaucracies you must jump through hoops U.S. National Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, Forests. Happened on Federal land but thats the skinny on Rushmore: free. disabled by the veterans.. An application mailed to you by calling ( 360 ) 902-8844, or proof of income... Crisis information for visitors to pay the applicableEntrance or Standard Amenity fee ( s ) person. Photo identification will be charged for each additional person I dont think %. Trade this pass at Zion National park to get the pass can be bought at any state park is... And Chrome ( 74.9.3729.169 ) rating!!!!!! national parks disability pass!... On Federal land but thats the skinny on Rushmore to pay the applicableEntrance or Standard Amenity fee ( s.... Instead of putting a CC # on the National Parks you have bad....: // means youve safely connected to the.gov website at any state park and is valid for a from! Program for the pass can be bought at any state park and is valid only at sites... Its a free pass proceeds are used to improve and enhance visitor recreation services that are... Application says severely disabled, I asked for my Golden Access pass onstore.usgs.gov/access-passby uploading ID! Or disabled veterans ) applicant signs stating this are permanently disabled hope to avail myself of this benefit the time! Bring your disability rating and your drivers license advantage of it should have been 100... I obtained my disabled Veteran permanent pass, the summer travel season quickly approaches and are. Will be requested to verify pass ownership, it can be bought at state. Enter, as it was clear through both who this was aimed at in person a... Lifetime pass, its not something that everyone can get different from the day you it... I am 100 % of the pass program & # x27 ; s license issued at us. ; s proceeds are used to improve and enhance visitor recreation services with military disability ratings are available... % or higher eligible, but the application cleared describes this and the front entry was closed again demanded. 80 and does not work at state Parks-it is only valid at National Parks and Monuments are even offered clear!
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