Information for visitors to better plan your trip to our parks. Provides entrance or access to pass owner and accompanying passengers in a single . It is mind boggling what a great service this is yet people are complaining. Whats going on here?? The PDF list of the national parks that issue passes is linked here. Im going to stop in at the vsc before my appointment tomorrow and figure out why not. How to get a National Parks Disability Pass: Why isnt Mt Rushmore a national park? No. Veterans who have been medically determined to have a disability are eligible for the Lifetime Access Passwith three options for obtaining the pass: First, Veterans with disability documentation can order the Access Pass online for a $10 processing fee which includes standard shipping. Price would have been quite a bit, but saw the post on the guard shack about this pass and got mine right there. Gee sorry you arent disabled and living with daily pain so that you can get a free trip to the park. No disrespect and I wish you peace within. That is for the licensed physician statement. Just called the number on the form. California State Parks. 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. 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. 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). Interesting, isnt it? USGS Attn: Access Pass Box 25286 does free pass also apply to the spouse of a 100% disabled vet who is deceased? FedEx 2nd day - typically 2 business days I would like a natinonal park pass. NOT ACCEPTEDNotice of Benefit Increase (SSDI), Image When onejoined the military a contract is sign. Not $80 for seniors I went with my Dad. Let me understand this. I hope your note doesnt discourage other 10%ers from accepting this valuable offer from our government, Someone must have thought it was worth it or they never would have offered it.. And Im thankful youre honest and you should be proud that you are. 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. Its hard enough to just shower, let alone get groceries. I have been fortunate enough to not be injured in battle, just hearing loss and some arthritis from physical strains and injuries. There are several pass . 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). Thank you. Mail I mail the application packet with a check payment rather than filling out the credit card information? Cant connect securely to this page Even if you are well over the 10% minimum for the Access Pass, the VA may not have determined you have permanent disability. The parking fee was their excuse. Gosh, am shocked at some of the e-mails; service connected disabilities deserve special benefits as do senior citizens. In fact they said they used to a few years ago. 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. 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.. Box 25286 Link to where you can order the Access Pass online: https://store.usgs.gov/access-pass. Is there a way to sign up online to get the pass? 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. The percentage of veterans to total population is negligible. Spring flowers are blooming, the summer travel season quickly approaches and Veterans are joining the 330-million yearly visitors enjoying U.S. National Parks. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. They would not accept it and had to pay $6 to get in. 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. For all those whining about this nice benefit, please just be happy that you are not disabled and try to be for your disabled comrades. I think I had already heard something about it but never gave it much thought. OIF Who knows. 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. But that is something Im not sure of.check it out for sure. Perhaps the VA and other federal agencies should try communicating with each other before they change another agencies policy. 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. Box 942896. Bozkurt. I just purchase a year pass, is there any way to get the fee refunded and get this instead? The Interagency Military Pass has been part of the America the Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series since 2012. Sacramento, CA 94296-0001. My email address is (redacted). Step 1: Get a paper voucher by visiting the Every Kid Outdoors website and following the instructions. What a scam. Box 42650 I wish you all well! Please be aware that passes are not available at all national park sites. Again like most government bureaucracies you must jump through hoops. In the above paragraph that reads: A 10% disability rating can cover a multitude of problems. Im a 100% p/t vetera. An official website of the United States government. Did you know that individuals with disabilities are entitled to a free lifetime pass to visit our National Parks? The pass can be used at more than 2000 Federal recreation sites across the nation. Just went to MR last weekmilitary did not have to pay for parking. The access Pass is fantastic. Once pass is received, you may use passcard for reservations and applicable benefits. Follow the instructions on the website and pay the document processing fee of $10. I just dont believe people should be in positions of authority without some kind of background check for sociopathic behavior and a false sense of superiority over the less fortunate. Send your completed Application to: Questions: I went today and the front entry was closed again. I went to one yesterday and they were requiring a 70% to get a free pass. I myself am a veteran that doesnt qualify for this but my servious was no less sacrificing the nose that are disabled now and the VA does not always qualified veterans that needs qualification. I 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. Count your blessings. You should be able to go to any National Park and they should give it to you at the entrance. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Finally after complaining to my Senator, you can now just hit the number 7 to be transferred to the crisis hot line. 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 I am a retired Marine Corp Veteran of 24 years service. 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. 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. Who qualifies for the Access Pass? If you dont live near a National Park that charges access fees, you will have to apply through the mail and pay $10.00 processing fee. They may not even have heard of it. It is a lifetime pass and is only issued to the one with the disability but anyone in the vehicle with that individual does get into the area under that pass. A lock I had to pay to enter GCNP, tben go to Park HQ to present paperwork. :). So if you are looking for travel tips, chances are theres a review on this blog, or feel free to contact me. Why just disabled? 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. 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. DO NOT use this option if you need your pass in 15 days or less. All veterans have sacrificed for our wonderful country, but the truth is some gave more, and recognizing more is a good thing. The SMP tier has additional assistant benefits besides the increase in monthly dollars too. Get an application at many state parks or region offices. Over 62: $20. Keywords in the applicationresult of blindness or permanent disability. Maybe that person can explain to the actual park rangers at the visitor center that they need to read up on all things VA? Box 25286 May be obtained free in person at a federal recreation site. Go back to the last page 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. America The Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Lands Pass. It states this clearly on the VA Benefits Summary. Well, they are. Need application for my HUSBAND disabled vet. If youre going to whine about people who havent earned this benefit, whine about the fact that any mouthbreathing parasite who made it to 62 gets a free lifetime pass for nothing more significant than managing to avoid drowning in their own saliva for 62 years. 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. 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). 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. For passes with qualifying factors (Senior Pass, Access Pass, and Military Pass) the name of the account holder will be printed on the card. The Access Pass application form What is the deal there? But at 100% Im suppose to Park Hopping? Be thankful you have a free pass, its not something that everyone can get. Yes. 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. Wow!! Frequently Asked Questions about the Interagency Access Pass. 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. Many of If my pass keeps people like you from whinnying and comparing your service to my combat injuries. Click on Lifetime National Parks Access Pass, it is a hyperlink that will open the ACCESS PASS FAQ. If you look closely at your VA disability rating and Benefit Summary, it should tell you whether you have a permanent disability or not. Provides entrance or access to pass owner and accompanying passengers in a . Golden Pass for over 62? Im at 40% (30% above the quoted 10%). Misleading title on the email announcing free national park access, not mentioning it is for the disabled vets only, until we read the article. Denver, CO 80225. For instance, you may have injured your back while in the military. 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. Up to 100% of the Pass program's proceeds are used to improve and enhance visitor recreation services. The White House should see to it that all parks, that have a staff on site, at a welcome desk, issue these. Kevin, READ THE FORM! Hah! You have good days and you have bad days. Thank you all for your service, this program seems to have been designed for veterans with service connected disabilities . Where do they come from in background and lifestyle. Just a parking fee. Access Pass applications are usually processed and shipped within 5 business days from the day they arrive at USGS. 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. Be kind to others because I dont want to go back to being a combat medic. Well see if a 10% disability qualifies. This is because certain groups receive free entry to National Parks anyway, or qualify for a better deal. I did bring out my VA letter showing 100% disability. Semper Fi! There is a $10 processing fee. Did anyone else notice that there are only 58 national parks in the USA? They also can be used at national parks, wildlife refuges and other federal lands. Just get it then. The VSO officers who usually assist with claims do not know very much, if anything, about the SMP tier. 1-888-ASK-USGS A free, lifetime pass - available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States that have been medically determined to have a permanent disability (does not have to be a 100% disability). So just BEWARE I was told by the Grand Canyon park service, they dont care about your disability rating!!!!! Its hard enough being retired, getting SSA, USGS Other acceptable Federal agency documents include proof of receipt of Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI);. I wish you luck JJ. I was told to try Shenandoah National Park near Front Royal, as they should always be open and available. 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. Your type of messaging does not belong in this forum.my thought. They told me that Mt Rushmore was not a national park. I am the acting Business Manager for the Interagency Pass Program, including the lifetime Access Pass. FYI Ive been able to go into ANY national park and get a new Access Pass with just my WORDbefore I ever saw this article and before I gained my 100% disability from the VA, I am 100% Disabled, service connected, and I would like to know where I get the DD Form 2765 for flying aboard Will I qualify for the free pass? National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass or "Interagency" Pass Program? This was not always the existing policy with the passes so I could see how several agencies would be caught off guard with the VA just changing the rules without letting them know. they become veterans after they leave military service. I got mine today at Johnsons Beach National Seashore, Perdido Key, FL Showed my VA card and that was it. Each Annual Pass can have up to two "owners". I hope to avail myself of this benefit the next time Im at a national parks facility. 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. 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). I tried to use my Access pass last year at Mt Rushmore but they declined it. Box 25286 To apply, you just need to provide a valid form of identification and documentation that proves you have a permanent disability. You think i will ever get it? I mean, youre free to reject it, of course, but you could just stuff some money into the the parks donation box instead of giving it to the ranger at the park gate and keep the line moving. Solve : * Why is there Algebra? 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. 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. Interagency Access Passes are available online. Please verify with your VA Benefit Summary found at https://eauth.va.gov/ebenefits/download-letters as to whether your disability is considered permanent. The Pass is free and issued at the time of entry. We dont care about your percentage. To qualify, the person must have a diagnosed permanent disability. I was able to download with Firefox (67.0) and Chrome (74.9.3729.169). 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). Mt. Passes ordered online or through the mail will be delivered 3 to 4 weeks after receipt of documentation and processing payment. The first place I tried to use it was Clear Creek in Bankhead Forrest in Alabama. An official website of the United States government. 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. I am a Desert Storm Veteran, non-combat with service connection. Thank you for your service . Good to know this. The disability requirements for the Access Pass are not based on percentage of disability. There is not an age requirement for this pass. The cost of obtaining an Access Pass through the mail is ten dollars ($10) for processing the application (the Pass is free). 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). Thank you for writing the article, I had no clue federal parks were free. Im filling out the application but its saying theres a $10 charge. 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. Ken and Bridgette at the Pfeifer Beach in Los Padres National Forest refused to honor my Veteran Pass. Thanks in advance. Seniors will receive a discount for day-use entry if they show their driver's license. https://parks.state.wa.us/205/Passes. One pass covers the vehicle at sites that charge "per vehicle". I was like ???? It can be ordered through the USGS by Mail (with a $10 handling fee): https://store.usgs.gov/s3fs-public/access_pass_application.pdf, For more information on the Access Pass, or other passes, check these Frequently Asked Questions: https://store.usgs.gov/faq. And somebody needs to put it in front of Congress if thats what it takes. Said they were specifically told they do not allow ANY passes by the folks at Parks Management Company.