I am a real novice when it comes to computers and not comfortable doing much of anything via the Web. They cover the use of facilities and services at many day-use sites on US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands. The Access Pass is valid only at participatingFederalrecreation sites. FedEx 2nd day - typically 2 business days Attn: Access Pass Whats going on here?? Because I was wounded in Vietnam and have a Purple Heart. The pass can be bought at any state park and is valid for a year from the day you purchase it. 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. Learn about accessibility laws and policy. To qualify for the Pass the disability must be permanent and limit one or more major life activities. Why just disabled? I do not collect ssdi but I have a 40% rating do I still qualify? Secure .gov websites use HTTPS I am a widow of a 100% disabled veteran too. This post was originally published eons ago. I was medicaly retired after 13 years. So they tell me to mail in an application, which I really dont want to do, adding in more IDs, plus a $10 fee. Just called the number on the form. The first place I tried to use it was Clear Creek in Bankhead Forrest in Alabama. Lol. there is an OR for Vets in the second bullet point. Because that makes to much sense. At many sites the Access Pass provides thepass ownera discount onExpanded Amenity Fees(such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours). Cant connect securely to this page Denver, CO 80225, Download the PDF application form. 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. 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. Then why are you receiving 10% if nothing is wrong? the term active veterans is incorrect. I just found out about this today. I have has been waiting since 2004 for agent Orange disability. 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). The pass is for soldiers injured in combat and their spouses and immediate family members. They may not even have heard of it. Many people think that ALL national parks are free, but that is not the case. What you are applying for is called an Access Pass. (different from the Golden Access Pass for senior citizens or disabled veterans). Please upload identification that indicates that you are a citizen or permanent resident, such as a drivers license, passport, green card, or birth certificate. To qualify for the pass, the disability must be permanent and limit one or more major life activities. It would be so easy to give it to everyone but that is why it is a program for the disabled. We also collect the National Parks and State quartersbut we collect all of them in a folder, not just the ones we have visited. I was like ???? My younger brother was with me and we decided to drive up to the Grand Canyon. 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. What about regular Veterans? Receipts and electronic scanned images of your pass are NOT valid for use. Official websites use .gov But it is in addition (in most cases) to your regular disability rating (Schedular tier of disabilities ranging from 10%-100% for each disability). From the application.A document issued by a Federal agency, such as the U.S. Department of Veterans Administration, which attests that you have been medically determined to be eligible to receive Federal benefits as a result of blindness or permanent disability. Natl Parks Please. Read the article through, your question is answered. Try this: Yes. 1-888-ASK-USGS Im sure you can get a discount for your time served in the military and probably you didnt even deploy. 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. JJ you are eligible for more disability compensation and benefits than you are getting. The Access Pass . I have been trying for several days to download the PDF application and keep getting the same response, USGS Let me understand this. Document issued by Federal agency such as the Veteran's Administration, Social Security Disability Income, or Supplemental Security Income; Document issued by a State agency such as a vocational rehabilitation agency. 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. So, Im rated at 20%. Dont remember the disability percentage required. Thanks, NOT TRUE! On December 27, 2021, President Biden signed into law S. 1605 "The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022" (NDAA). Who Qualifies: 4th graders for the 2021-2022 School Year. The PDF list of the national parks that issue passes is linked here. Quit complaining. Thanks, It must be an issue with your internet browser. Information for visitors to better plan your trip to our parks. No PTSD! It may also be ordered through the USGS Online (with a $10 handling fee): https://store.usgs.gov/access-pass Lighten up!!! It does exist and it was amazing! STOP your crying. What is the America the Beautiful- The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Access Pass? Scroll Down- Thats part of why its important to get rated and updated ratings. You still have to pay to go to Rushmore. they are active military & become veterans after they leave military service. Its classes provide the hands-on training needed to learn about the many ways a Veteran may participate in agriculture. I just got a pass at Zion national Park. Never mind Great Falls. 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? Note:Photo identification will be requested to verify pass ownership. Go back to the last page Can we get this pass at our local veterans service office? If damaged, it can be replaced as long as a portion of the pass is identifiable and you show proper identification. Interesting, isnt it? Please be aware that passes are not available at all national park sites. Took the trip when living in FL for a NASCAR race and had an entire day free before. Cost: Free. 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. Thanks for the pass There is not an age requirement for this pass. Both passes are basically the same, just different criteria to be eligible for them.. However I also work in Federal Government first the VA and now FS. I signed up for a free access pass a couple of years ago and received a AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL pass. If you dont visit National Parks, then why bother to get this? This is an interagency pass and includes Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation, and US Army Corps of Engineers sites, in addition to the National Parks and monuments. They would not accept it and had to pay $6 to get in. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Visit the Every Kid Outdoors website and get a paper pass. I went to the Grand Canyon in July of 2017. You obviously didnt read the title OR the article, as it was clear through both who this was aimed at. To apply, you just need to provide a valid form of identification and documentation that proves you have a permanent disability. fedrecpass@usgs.gov I was just now informed they require a 30% rating. USGS Attn: Access Pass Box 25286 Buy your Discovery Pass Where to get your pass in person: participating locations | MEC stores Francis J. Fitzpatrick. Here is a printable list for you to use to plan your trip. I am a widow of a disabled veteran (100%). Im about to do it myself. 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. There is no fee for Rushmore. It allows free entry to all National Parks and now Im wondering if it is the same and if the name changed. Can anyone help. The Annual Senior Pass will provide you with free entry into all of the above mentioned National Park sites but only for one year. If you look closely at your VA disability rating and Benefit Summary, it should tell you whether you have a permanent disability or not. 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. Its my believe that the vets posting here are attempting to help one another. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. If the DOD is not fulfilling the contract, get a lawyer or be thankful you served and the contract Fullfilled and complete. The ranger saying, everything is free here. These are completely separate from the access pass, anyone can buy one and it has nothing to do with being disabled. https://store.usgs.gov/s3fs-public/access_pass_application.pdf. Personally, I have a 100% rating but appreciate that this is for 10% and up. Im at 40% (30% above the quoted 10%). Sacramento, CA 94296-0001. If I printed it off they cant say anything to me. Please verify this before applying otherwise you may be fraudulently receiving a benefit intended for those who truly need it. (age may have also been slightly raised). Its hard enough to just shower, let alone get groceries. See https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/pickup-pass-locations.htm for sites that issue the Access 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. NOT ACCEPTEDNotice of Benefit Increase (SSDI), Image Just wait till you go to a location that has a fee to enter. If it is a federal recreational area that charges a fee, they should have those passes there also. Smh. List of sites that issue the Access Pass: https://store.usgs.gov/s3fs-public/PassIssuanceList.pdf (Children under 16 are always admitted free.) We have visited many of the National Parks. If you are 62 you are eligible for a lifetime access pass to our NATIONAL PARKS (NOT State Parks) for a very small fee-use to be $10.00 but Congress raised it recently to approx. Ken and Bridgette at the Pfeifer Beach in Los Padres National Forest refused to honor my Veteran Pass. Who is eligible to get an Interagency Access Pass? How they do it is that they charge you for parking. Editors note: this blog was updated Sept. 30, 2020. Thank you all for your service, this program seems to have been designed for veterans with service connected disabilities . 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. 100% Disabled Information changes at times and we want to ensure your viewers have accurate information and one place to go to for questions and answers about the Access Pass and any other interagency pass we offer. Yes, please list the FREE recreation sites Nation wide. Since I am not permanently disabled I cannot benefit from the program. how about I donate my pass to yall whining babies. Disabled everyone can get the pass at any National Park. These include seniors, youth, volunteers, military and their families, and those with permanent disabilities. We experienced that too, and it pissed me off. 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. Spring flowers are blooming, the summer travel season quickly approaches and Veterans are joining the 330-million yearly visitors enjoying U.S. National Parks. fedrecpass@usgs.gov 1-888-ASK-USGS (1-888-275-8747) I have been fortunate enough to not be injured in battle, just hearing loss and some arthritis from physical strains and injuries. Rushmore is free to enter , you have to pay for parking . Before you go to one of those NPS locations, make sure you read what you need to bring with you as far as documentation. A typical admission fee to a national park can range from free to $30 plus. 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. When we tried to add the kidney failure we were told by several VSOs that we couldnt go above 100%. ACCEPTEDSummary of Benefits (VA), Image I am an over 50% disabled vet but I am NOT permanently disabled. Some gave all, and dont have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of our country. This is because certain groups receive free entry to National Parks anyway, or qualify for a better deal. Camping under the stars Credit NPS / Emily Ogden. Second, if applying by mail, send a completed packet and $10 processing fee to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Will I qualify for the free pass? Provides entrance or access to pass owner and accompanying passengers in a single . Ive never needed anything more than my VA ID which simply has service connected on it. He did peritoneal dialysis every day at home for 5 years before he died of his heart condition in Dec 2015. Hey! When we entered the gate to the park, I asked for my Golden Access Pass. This pass is not exclusive to veterans. (1-888-275-8747) ACCEPTEDAward Letter (VA) For additional questions regarding the pass, please check out the Frequently Asked Questions. This pass is the same as senior citizen pass. I did 38 years and feel that the disability is a strong qualification. 2. California State Parks. It is all national parks and monuments . His was free lifetime pass for over 62! I wouldnt apply for this pass online. Good to know this. Download the Distinguished Veteran Pass Application. I am a retired Marine Corp Veteran of 24 years service. Cmon were all vets here and can follow instructions right? Ive had one for years. My card and refund were issued there. One pass covers the vehicle at sites that charge "per vehicle". Box 25286 I was told as a child and I live up to it everyday Dont worry about anybody elses personal business, worry about yourself. Click on Lifetime National Parks Access Pass, it is a hyperlink that will open the ACCESS PASS FAQ. Few seconds at the gate at Front Royal and in we went. The article says 10% or higher eligible, but the application says severely disabled. 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. I got my disabled Access Pass at Wheeler Wildlife Refuge without a problem. Get ready for adventure: 450 000 km 2 of memories await! Interagency Access Passes are available online. 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. Am I missing something? I know because I have the disable veteran pass and my brother has the senior pass. DECALS Even if you are well over the 10% minimum for the Access Pass, the VA may not have determined you have permanent disability. Im a 100% p/t vetera. The cost of obtaining an Access Pass through the mail is ten dollars ($10) for processing the application (the Pass is free). Maybe that person can explain to the actual park rangers at the visitor center that they need to read up on all things VA? Thanks for the heads up and regards to all fellow vets out there. 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. The Access Pass may be picked up at any recreational site that issues passes: https://store.usgs.gov/s3fs-public/PassIssuanceList.pdf Thank you for your very informative posting on the National park access pass. I think something is going wrong. Yes, England has its own National Parks System, but I do not know their programs. P.O. Maybe an America the Beautiful annual pass or a lifetime pass is the best option for you. Not sure how that happened on Federal land but thats the skinny on Rushmore. 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. State Parks are hard up for $$$ so there may not be any discounts available. them are Veterans themselves. Plus, here near Philadelphia, we have so many cool places to visit within the national parks system and so many fun places to go. Ya my brother is in the same boat. Thank you Steve as you can see, even when information is concise and direct many still miss the essences of what is conveyed! Said they were specifically told they do not allow ANY passes by the folks at Parks Management Company. Be kind to others because I dont want to go back to being a combat medic. National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass or "Interagency" Pass Program? I would like to have an application by mail. 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 desire not to apply for this pass is commendable in your own right, but for many others it may be a blessing. Finally after complaining to my Senator, you can now just hit the number 7 to be transferred to the crisis hot line. 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. Kevin, READ THE FORM! Frequently Asked Questions about the Interagency Access Pass. Once pass is received, you may use passcard for reservations and applicable benefits. I got mine on a trip to Phoenix in Nov 2015. Handicap Placard/Application. 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. Also: I see another comment on here about buying a lifetime pass at the age of 62 or older. Who knows. Most importantly, thanks to those who gave all, and their families who miss them every day. 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