It might be the same, but many of our brothers and sitars not seniors yet. The ID needs to be in the name of the person obtaining the pass, not a parent in the case of a child. I tried to use my Access pass last year at Mt Rushmore but they declined it. Again like most government bureaucracies you must jump through hoops. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Many of List of sites that issue the Access Pass: https://store.usgs.gov/s3fs-public/PassIssuanceList.pdf Thank you for the extra information, it is very helpful. Several years ago I obtained my disabled veteran permanent pass, however after a recent vehicle crash I lost my pass. Try this: ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. thanks Bring your disability letter from VA benefits office to prove your disability rating and your drivers license. Do I need this also. May be obtained free in person at a federal recreation site. Why isnt Mt Rushmore a national park? I did bring out my VA letter showing 100% disability. I went today and the front entry was closed again. Get ready for adventure: 450 000 km 2 of memories await! Every campsite in Daniel Boon national PK is not honoring the Access passes 50% off!! For instance, you may have injured your back while in the military. Got my card and on my way in less than two minutes. When onejoined the military a contract is sign. Because that makes to much sense. It may also be ordered through the USGS Online (with a $10 handling fee): https://store.usgs.gov/access-pass or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS This is because certain groups receive free entry to National Parks anyway, or qualify for a better deal. Most importantly, thanks to those who gave all, and their families who miss them every day. Senior Citizens can also get a pass for only being Senior Citizens. 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. View a detailed list of required documents pertaining to the Disitnguished Veteran Pass Application. Has the percentage changed recently or is this typo? I know that Maine Parks and Rec do the same. Box 25286 Also, when checking the United States Geological Survey website it shows no knowledge of this pass. The Park Ranger on duty was condescending and extremely rude. 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. You should be able to find a pdf version. Right! uh, I got my paperwork from the VA here and the VA website said that if I brought it.. Thank you. Some gave all, and dont have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of our country. Let me understand this. Can we get this pass at our local veterans service office? Heaven knows the govt used, and often abused, some of the best years of our lives. Its a great way to catalog family vacations, and the free pass makes it budget-friendly. Thats part of why its important to get rated and updated ratings. Overview of the Annual 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). You will be required to pay the applicableEntrance or Standard Amenity Fee(s). USGS 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 knows. Seems like they have the personnel to do this. 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. Mail I mail the application packet with a check payment rather than filling out the credit card information? Send your completed Application to: The Disability Access Pass is a free, lifetime pass - available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. that have been medically determined to have a permanent disability that provides admittance to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by five Federal agencies. Just Fine unless the Fing VA doesnt take away your 38 yr old service connected disability rating. 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. OIF is this the same as the Golden Age Passport. Price would have been quite a bit, but saw the post on the guard shack about this pass and got mine right there. IT says IN BOLD where to send the completed application to. Anyone who doesnt want to pay the $10 processing fee, just go to a National Park or the Forrest Service Office near you its FREE there. the VA sucks! I would like to know where are some of the places in Kansas that I can use this because I live in Kansas. Download the 1- and 5-Year Disability Pass Application ( PDF or Word Document ). So they tell me to mail in an application, which I really dont want to do, adding in more IDs, plus a $10 fee. I have been fortunate enough to not be injured in battle, just hearing loss and some arthritis from physical strains and injuries. 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) - that provides admittance to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by five Federal agencies. 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). To qualify for the pass, the disability must be permanent and limit one or more major life activities. 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? The disability requirements for the Access Pass are not based on percentage of disability. It is all national parks and monuments . Picked mine up today, thanks for the heads up. fedrecpass@usgs.gov 1-888-ASK-USGS (1-888-275-8747) The Access Pass admits the Pass owner and any passengers traveling with him/her in a non-commercial vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas or the Pass owner and three additional adults where per-person fees are charged. Provides entrance or access to pass owner and accompanying passengers in a single . Its a contract. A Federal Recreational Lands Pass covers entrance fees to more then 2,000 sitesincluding national forests and grasslands. Less than 1% of the US population are military veterans. It is free to enter. The article contained a link to a list of all the national parks by state. The process took less than an hour. Lock 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). Cost: Free. An official website of theU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Looking for U.S. government information and services? Remember, the hangtag itself is only a way to display your Pass, and isnot valid for entry unless it holds a valid Pass. Its very simple folks: 1. Ranger program for kids too. Ill give it to you, but thats wrong. Passes ordered online or through the mail will be delivered 3 to 4 weeks after receipt of documentation and processing payment. Access Passes may be obtained via mail order from USGS. 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. Ill be retiring soon, so any freebies I can get in my travels (as a ret vet w/ %-connection for my back) when I do call it a career will be very much welcome. Submit all completed applications to: MAIL: Washington State Parks P.O. Found out last week the entry office is closed on Tuesdays, so its a free entry day. 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). Showing a State motor vehicle department disability sticker, license plate or hang-tag is not acceptable documentation. Normally this would be $80 per year or as much as $25-$50 per visit. You can obtain an Access Pass in person, with proper documentation, from a participating Federal recreation site or office. I was medicaly retired after 13 years. Try going to Great Falls near McLean, just north of Tysons area. Desert Storm USGS Attn: Access Pass Box 25286 However, expect a minimum of 12 weeks for pass to arrive. I was like. 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. Available Add $80 Product to Cart About Your Annual Pass. How many of you veterans applied for this free pass and signed the application stating that you had an impairment that severely limits one or more major life activities. National parks require visitors to pay a fee or show a pass to enter, as each has a daily entrance rate. This application is for permanently disabled vets. 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. I was told as a child and I live up to it everyday Dont worry about anybody elses personal business, worry about yourself. 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. If the park does not charge a fee, this may not be available. The cost of obtaining an Access Pass through the mail is ten dollars ($10) for processing the application (the Pass is free). Golden Pass for over 62? Perhaps the VA and other federal agencies should try communicating with each other before they change another agencies policy. Every situation is different and it is none of my concern or my business to think or overthink about, nor yours sir. Keywords in the applicationresult of blindness or permanent disability. On the flip side I always wondered why they had free Active Duty passes and not something for Veterans. 20/20 means 20/20 in vision. Took my paperwork stating so. Buy your Discovery Pass Where to get your pass in person: participating locations | MEC stores Actually just because you live to 62 does not mean you get it free it is $80. 30 10 =, How do you solve it? Gosh, am shocked at some of the e-mails; service connected disabilities deserve special benefits as do senior citizens. The senior pass now costs $80 and does not provide the financial discounts. As for the disabled Veteran National Parks Access Pass, you can get it in person at any NATIONAL Park that charges an Access Fee. Kevin, READ THE FORM! I will attempt to obtain the pass by mail but the article should be more clear on just what pass it is that a disabled vet can obtain. I have a Golden Age Passport. Took the trip when living in FL for a NASCAR race and had an entire day free before. 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. 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. 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. 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. I was told at the visitor center that I had to be 100% disabled to qualify for the pass. Be thankful you have a free pass, its not something that everyone can get. We have visited many of the National Parks. The passes provide entrance or access to more than 2,000 Federal recreation sites. Good for entry into 400+ National Parks and over 2,000 recreation sites across the country, the Lifetime Access Pass is one more way a grateful nation says thank you for the service and sacrifices of Veterans with disabilities. Great idea but would make it way to easy!! We have been to Boston, Philadelphia, National Parks out west and Washington DC many times. Good morning, Mr. Clipp. Im sure you can get a discount for your time served in the military and probably you didnt even deploy. 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. them are Veterans themselves. Why are you worried about others, are you a VA doctor? There are no more participation trophies in a #MAGA America. Can this pass be picked up at our local Veterans Advocate office? Please verify this before applying otherwise you may be fraudulently receiving a benefit intended for those who truly need it. 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. Im filling out the application but its saying theres a $10 charge. What documentation do I need to show for proof of eligibility? Before you go to one of those NPS locations, make sure you read what you need to bring with you as far as documentation. Or just being totally ignorant. NOT TRUE! 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 remember complaining to crisis hot line that while contemplating suicide and dialed the VA hospital number in Vermont and received a message telling me to hang up and dial a 10 digit number. Spring flowers are blooming, the summer travel season quickly approaches and Veterans are joining the 330-million yearly visitors enjoying U.S. National Parks. 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). No PTSD! I got my free Senior park pass about 2 years ago at the US Forestry office in Fresno, CA. 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! They would not accept it and had to pay $6 to get in. I think it is shameful that they denied you this access. Maybe that person can explain to the actual park rangers at the visitor center that they need to read up on all things VA? Discounts offered by the Pass vary widely across the many different types of recreation sites. Cant connect securely to this page Do they really know how a vet with PTSD really feels? ATTN: Distinguished Veteran Pass Program. Good to know this. Rushmore is free to enter , you have to pay for parking . Getting Into the National Parks If you are disabled, you may be qualified to receive a free national parks entry pass. 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. That was what motivated me to find the office and get my age related pass. Ive had one for years. Transit time varies, and is dependent upon the service selected: USPS - typically 5-10 business days Box 42650 40% rating here. Why is it so hard for some of you to do that? So Id appreciate you getting your facts straight. The pass can be used at more than 2000 Federal recreation sites across the nation. After all, your disability is for 10%, not 100%. A locked padlock 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). Smh. Review the Places to Get Interagency Passes to find a location. Dan , this is shameful that they would disregard their own rules . Thanks, It must be an issue with your internet browser. 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 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. Yes. When we went to the White House Easter Egg Roll, I learned that the South Lawn of the White House is actually a national park! 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