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. Hello, It also list other benefits. National Parks passes are sold at most national parks. They told me that Mt Rushmore was not a national park. uh, I got my paperwork from the VA here and the VA website said that if I brought it.. Attn: Access Pass See https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/pickup-pass-locations.htm for sites that issue the Access Pass. Some days you cant tie your shoe laces, for example, or walk to the parking lot with a grocery bag, or pick up your grand baby because of your disability, while on other days you do ok. She then handed me a permanent marker and scoffed at me when I couldnt get the cap off to sign with it. So call first. The access Pass is fantastic. Maybe they would really feel the love then from the VA. And somebody needs to put it in front of Congress if thats what it takes. Why isnt Mt Rushmore a national park? If someone in your family qualifies, there are a couple of ways you can obtain this. We have visited many of the National Parks. I was able to download with Firefox (67.0) and Chrome (74.9.3729.169). JJ I also suspect you should have been rated 100% under the Schedular ratings. So why did they stop. 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. Bozkurt. The contract come with clauses indicating benefits. I know because I have the disable veteran pass and my brother has the senior pass. Please see my Sensory Friendly Travel Section for all of our National Park and other travel reviews. Please note that Interagency Passes will not be available for immediate download or printing. In fact they said they used to a few years ago. Information for visitors to better plan your trip to our parks. 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. So if you are looking for travel tips, chances are theres a review on this blog, or feel free to contact me. Submit all completed applications to: MAIL: Washington State Parks P.O. Thanks, It must be an issue with your internet browser. fedrecpass@usgs.gov 1-888-ASK-USGS (1-888-275-8747) Canada has a national parks system too. The correct cost of this pass is $80. For complete information on the pass, please follow the following links: Access Pass Frequently Asked Questions: https://store.usgs.gov/faq#Access-Pass I got it when they first came out. Mt. I have been trying for several days to download the PDF application and keep getting the same response, have hearing loss, VA plans, budget, finances, and performance, VA disability award letter, VA summary of benefits, or proof of SSDI income. If you own an open-topped vehicle (jeep, motorcycle, etc.) If you read the instructions, you have to pay for parking at some monuments because the are NOT run by the National Park Service, they are private contractors. Natl Parks Please. they are active military & become veterans after they leave military service. 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. 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. FedEx Ground - typically 3-5 business days 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. Any discounts or anything? The pass can be bought at any state park and is valid for a year from the day you purchase it. It is a pass for ANY disabled citizen or permanent resident of the US. Thanks to the VA, the Parks Service and our citizens. In the above paragraph that reads: 10/30 Rule means Blood transfusion under 10.0 Hematocrit and 30% Hemoglobin, Now if we are talking the VA, yea they will make 30% = only 10%. So, Im rated at 20%. So they tell me to mail in an application, which I really dont want to do, adding in more IDs, plus a $10 fee. Again like most government bureaucracies you must jump through hoops. The SMP tier has additional assistant benefits besides the increase in monthly dollars too. 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. Attn: Access Pass Discovery Pass: access to multiple locations Save time at the gate. SpaceA. Finally after complaining to my Senator, you can now just hit the number 7 to be transferred to the crisis hot line. But at 100% Im suppose to Park Hopping? With access to over 2,000 locations nationwide, this pass grants individuals with disabilities a lifetime of adventures you don't want to miss. My younger brother was with me and we decided to drive up to the Grand Canyon. In 2013, Veterans to Farmers was launched to allow Veterans to re-utilize those skills while taking on the challenge of continuing to feed our growing nation and securing our food sovereignty. I was told in Cedar Hill, TX that it had to be 60%. The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass is a lifetime pass offered to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are permanently disabled, including children. However, expect a minimum of 12 weeks for pass to arrive. 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. Im at 40% (30% above the quoted 10%). 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. 2023 A Day In Our Shoes with Lisa Lightner, How to Get Your Free Lifetime National Parks Pass for Disabilities, National Park Access Pass-Disabled Person, How to Apply for a FREE National Parks Pass, How to a National Parks Pass for Disabled People, Activities at National Parks-Printable List, England has its own National Parks System. Last month they got three stamps. 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). No disrespect and I wish you peace within. His was free lifetime pass for over 62! 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. An official website of theU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Looking for U.S. government information and services? 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. Good call! I was told at the visitor center that I had to be 100% disabled to qualify for the pass. Well see if a 10% disability qualifies. America The Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Lands Pass. Download a paper application from https://store.usgs.gov/access-pass. To obtain an Access pass through the mail, you must complete an application, provide a photocopy of proof of citizenship or residency, documentation of disability and pay the processing fee. 2) Annual Senior Pass. I have all the necessary paperwork and I am eager to visit these parks. FedEx 2nd day - typically 2 business days I would gladly give up my benefits to get the last 5 years of my life back where as a 30 year old I cant drive or bathe myself. No, less than 1% of the current population are active veterans, a little over 7% of the current population are veterans. Very quick and easy in person. The USGS Store accepts all Credit and Debit cards but gift cards of any kind are not accepted. Its a great way to catalog family vacations, and the free pass makes it budget-friendly. I got mine today at Johnsons Beach National Seashore, Perdido Key, FL Showed my VA card and that was it. If hearing loss and tinnitus is not a disability, I do not know what is. P.O. Thanks Dave Martin. If you fall into any of the following groups, here's what you pay for an annual pass: Veterans: free. Seniors will receive a discount for day-use entry if they show their driver's license. Disabled everyone can get the pass at any National Park. 6 years in the Marine Corps and nothing to show but a expired ID. Cmon were all vets here and can follow instructions right? The senior pass now costs $80 and does not provide the financial discounts. Ill bet illegals get anything they want **FREE** including this benefit or all else democraps will have another sissy convulsion, duh!!! Does the pass only include the disabled veteran or is there a spouse encluded? 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. It is: Find a location to pick up this pass at a federal recreation site. Normally this would be $80 per year or as much as $25-$50 per visit. 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. Gee sorry you arent disabled and living with daily pain so that you can get a free trip to the park. The Access Pass admits the Pass . I think something is going wrong. So, you have to be in pain in order to be disabled. Is there a way to sign up online to get the pass? A document issued by a state agency such as a vocational rehabilitation agency. Many of Im going to stop in at the vsc before my appointment tomorrow and figure out why not. Dont like my comment so you remove it.. ? 1-888-ASK-USGS The pass is for soldiers injured in combat and their spouses and immediate family members. Thank you for writing the article, I had no clue federal parks were free. Denver, CO 80225, Download the PDF application form. Why should you receive the same benefits as those who served to retirement or have received a disability? Your desire not to apply for this pass is commendable in your own right, but for many others it may be a blessing. 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. It will either have to be a note from a physician or notice that you are receiving SSDI income. Thank you for your service and sacrifice . BOISE CITY, OK-CO-TX-KS HISTORICAL MAP GEOPDF 30X60 GRID 100000-SCALE 1982, BOSWELL, OK HISTORICAL MAP GEOPDF 7.5X7.5 GRID 24000-SCALE 1969, BRAMAN, OK-KS HISTORICAL MAP GEOPDF 7.5X7.5 GRID 24000-SCALE 1967, BUSHYHEAD, OK HISTORICAL MAP GEOPDF 7.5X7.5 GRID 24000-SCALE 1970, https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/pickup-pass-locations.htm. Ive had mine for over 20 years, so this is NOT a new program. Will I qualify for the free pass? Share your knowledge and experience by joining this community as a contributor. Every campsite in Daniel Boon national PK is not honoring the Access passes 50% off!! Those of us that served and didnt retire and didnt get hurt are treated like outcasts. They may not even have heard of it. Proof of residency 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 like ???? 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. 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! Drove up to the gates to the Grand Canyon and the park lady says, thats not accurate. Park pass a 10% disability? I just found out about this today. You have good days and you have bad days. Please be aware that passes are not available at all national park sites. Heaven knows the govt used, and often abused, some of the best years of our lives. 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). 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). You will need to upload documentation, so prepare PDFs or pictures of your documents. You can also obtain an Access Passin person, with proper documentation,from a participating Federal recreation site or office. The application cleared describes this and the applicant signs stating this are permanently disabled. An official website of the United States government. Receipts and electronic scanned images of your pass are NOT valid for use. I am a widow of a disabled veteran (100%). Click bait I hear that is called. View a detailed list of required documents pertaining to the Disitnguished Veteran Pass Application. Kevin, READ THE FORM! Anyone 16 years or older may purchase the pass; children under 16 are always admitted free. The only problem is that not all national parks have this update. They cover the use of facilities and services at many day-use sites on US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands. Try this: We stick our necks out for them and they wont give us our benefit?? If damaged, it can be replaced as long as a portion of the pass is identifiable and you show proper identification. Can this pass be picked up at our local Veterans Advocate office? Since, Channel Islands National Park is a non-fee charging park they do not issue the pass. As I recall the free pass was going to start having a fee. 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. If this keeps happening, try contacting the websites owner. This pass is not exclusive to veterans. 1966 1970 Vietnam Era 100%. Not $80 for seniors I went with my Dad. ACCEPTEDAward Letter (VA) 3. This is a great benefit for BLIND and PERMANENTLY DISABLED Veterans. I live near Manassas too. I am rated 100% disabled by the Veterans Administration. Try working around jet engines for years and then tell me what you think about being nearly deaf. Please verify this before applying otherwise you may be fraudulently receiving a benefit intended for those who truly need it. 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