I was like ???? I would seek guidance from the South Park Ranger District 719 836-2031 as to why they are not following the rules on the access point and their website. I was told in Cedar Hill, TX that it had to be 60%. Twice, I had filed for service connection with the V.A. Keywords in the applicationresult of blindness or permanent disability. Smh. This application is for permanently disabled vets. Click on Lifetime National Parks Access Pass, it is a hyperlink that will open the ACCESS PASS FAQ. Try going to Great Falls near McLean, just north of Tysons area. Because it had a retractable spring point! Every campsite in Daniel Boon national PK is not honoring the Access passes 50% off!! (redacted) Maine also has a free lifetime hunting and fishing license if you are a veteran and are at least 50% combat related disabled. An official website of theU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Looking for U.S. government information and services? Be kind to others because I dont want to go back to being a combat medic. A very pleasant surprise, (I still put a few dollars into the donation locations at the Ranger Stations, pay if forward). 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. Count your blessings. The VSO officers who usually assist with claims do not know very much, if anything, about the SMP tier. Are passes available to disabled veterans or other . Yes. 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. 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. No, less than 1% of the current population are active veterans, a little over 7% of the current population are veterans. Please stop complaining. For complete information on the pass, please follow the following links: Access Pass Frequently Asked Questions: https://store.usgs.gov/faq#Access-Pass 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). Even if it at a coustof 10 dollars fir non disable veterns. There is not an age requirement for this pass. An annual Parks Canada Discovery Pass covers admission to more than 80 destinations for 12 months. Available Add $80 Product to Cart About Your Annual Pass. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. A 10% disability rating can cover a multitude of problems. This is a very nice program, and I will take advantage of it. Send your completed Application to: Questions: 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. Thanks VA and citizens! NOT ACCEPTEDNotice of Benefit Increase (SSDI), Image Bozkurt. I was told as a child and I live up to it everyday Dont worry about anybody elses personal business, worry about yourself. Thank you all for your service, this program seems to have been designed for veterans with service connected disabilities . I went to the Grand Canyon in July of 2017. 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. FedEx Overnight - typically 1 business day. If you fall into any of the following groups, here's what you pay for an annual pass: Veterans: free. When we entered the gate to the park, I asked for my Golden Access Pass. Come to find out that one of the largest National parks in the Washington DC doesnt issue the passes. 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. 20/20 means 20/20 in vision. Learn about accessibility laws and policy. Find a location to pick up this pass at a federal recreation site. I hope to avail myself of this benefit the next time Im at a national parks facility. It is a pass for ANY disabled citizen or permanent resident of the US. Thank you. How to get a National Parks Disability Pass: 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. them are Veterans themselves. However I also work in Federal Government first the VA and now FS. So, you have to be in pain in order to be disabled. Thank you for your very informative posting on the National park access pass. Can this pass be picked up at our local Veterans Advocate office? Can anyone help. 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). Im filling out the application but its saying theres a $10 charge. Step 1: Get a paper voucher by visiting the Every Kid Outdoors website and following the instructions. Denver, CO 80225. 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 (LockA locked padlock) There is a $10 processing fee. Go back to the last page USGS They would not accept it and had to pay $6 to get in. Frequently Asked Questions about the Interagency Access Pass. Bring your disability letter from VA benefits office to prove your disability rating and your drivers license. Not $80 for seniors I went with my Dad. I got mine today at Johnsons Beach National Seashore, Perdido Key, FL Showed my VA card and that was it. On December 27, 2021, President Biden signed into law S. 1605 "The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022" (NDAA). What about widows of disabled veterans who are also disabled and on SS disability? Yes, England has its own National Parks System, but I do not know their programs. Solve : * Its hard enough to just shower, let alone get groceries. Lol. Hey this is a great job on this but I think we can do better to include all veterans not just disabled veterns. STOP your crying. Good to know this. There is a system in place for this, and we cannot just drive up to a park entrance expecting free admission. A document issued by a state agency such as a vocational rehabilitation agency. Anytime a Pass is used, photo identification will be requested to verify Pass ownership. Why should you receive the same benefits as those who served to retirement or have received a disability? Im a 100% p/t vetera. 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. fedrecpass@usgs.gov 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. List of sites that issue the Access Pass: https://store.usgs.gov/s3fs-public/PassIssuanceList.pdf The article contained a link to a list of all the national parks by state. Less than 1% of the US population are military veterans. I dont have a supplemental income and Im an honorably discharged veterans. Again like most government bureaucracies you must jump through hoops. -kevin. If a park has a fee, I believe the last time we went to the Grand Canyon, it was $25 a car, and the entire carload will get in for free. Disabled everyone can get the pass at any National Park. Thank you for the extra information, it is very helpful. Any ideas on how I can obtain the form? Is there a list of the parks available? When onejoined the military a contract is sign. (1-888-275-8747) Go to a Forrest Service Office its free, fast, and easy. I would trade my injuries and suffering pain for your good health. The Annual Senior Pass will provide you with free entry into all of the above mentioned National Park sites but only for one year. A physical pass will be shipped to you. Heaven knows the govt used, and often abused, some of the best years of our lives. It is mind boggling what a great service this is yet people are complaining. 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.. Senior Citizens can also get a pass for only being Senior Citizens. 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. You obviously didnt read the title OR the article, as it was clear through both who this was aimed at. Lock 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. No PTSD! 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 suggest you do some checking through a veterans advocate group at http://www.Hadit.com You could choose their Forum Discussion and then search in the search bar for Special Monthly Compensation Then look for or search that subject for Loss of an Eye. Thanks, This pass is not exclusive to veterans. Handicap Placard/Application. What is the address to send the application to? Every bit helps. Drove up to the gates to the Grand Canyon and the park lady says, thats not accurate. 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. It is all national parks and monuments . (age may have also been slightly raised). I bet most of the people who are eligible would trade with you. Just a parking fee. The application indicates that this is for the AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL THE NATIONAL PARKS AND FEDERAL Have no problem doing it. 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. 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. JJ I also suspect you should have been rated 100% under the Schedular ratings. 2. Seems the Superintendent at this park needs to get his act together and help vets, vs having his Rangers sending disabled vets to another park far way on a holiday weekend. A pass can either be displayed on your rearview mirror using a free hangtag or on your dashboard with the signature side showing. If you are a Veteran in crisis The Pass is free and issued at the time of entry. Sites recommend that pass owners check with each site before visiting for details about Access Pass entry and discounts. Personally, I feel proud to have served my country and sympathy for those who were unable or unwilling to serve. Total BS on that one. active military not active veterans. If the park does not charge a fee, this may not be available. It may also be ordered through the USGS Online (with a $10 handling fee): https://store.usgs.gov/access-pass National parks require visitors to pay a fee or show a pass to enter, as each has a daily entrance rate. Official websites use .gov Who knows. Is this for any disability rate or only 100% disabled? When we tried to add the kidney failure we were told by several VSOs that we couldnt go above 100%. Denver, CO 80225, fedrecpass@usgs.gov All veterans have sacrificed for our wonderful country, but the truth is some gave more, and recognizing more is a good thing. Please verify with your VA Benefit Summary found at https://eauth.va.gov/ebenefits/download-letters as to whether your disability is considered permanent. Therefore, the discount program for the Access Pass is not handled in the same way on all Federal recreation lands. 100% Disabled I had to pay to enter GCNP, tben go to Park HQ to present paperwork. How to Get Your Free Access Pass to National Parks, ADHD and the Protection Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, When a Special Needs Trust Is Not the Only or Best Choice, A U.S. State or Territory issued Drivers License, Identification or Birth Certificate; or. Receipts and electronic scanned images of your pass are NOT valid for use. You still have to pay to go to Rushmore. I wouldnt apply for this pass online. I cant find an application for a Disabled Veteran lifetime National Park Pass. I showed her my lifetime pass, and she said You cannot use that here. It is ridiculous and disrespectful!! It is a National Memorial and they only charge for parking. Thank you! Im at 40% (30% above the quoted 10%). 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. STILL WAITING FOR MY 100% DISABILITY FOR AGENT ORANGE EXPOSURE for SHIP STATIONED IN THE GULF. Pretty permanent and not an outwardly visible disability. Major life activities include functions such as: caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, etc. I am a Vietnam combat wounded veteran that has only a 10% disability rating and could not honestly sign that statement. Picked mine up today, thanks for the heads up. You can also obtain an Access Passin person, with proper documentation,from a participating Federal recreation site or office. Well see if a 10% disability qualifies. In the above paragraph that reads: I am a real novice when it comes to computers and not comfortable doing much of anything via the Web. Lighten up!!! I do not collect ssdi but I have a 40% rating do I still qualify? Those include National Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, National Forests and other federal recreation. The parking fee was their excuse. 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. For instance, you may have injured your back while in the military. I am rated 100% disabled by the Veterans Administration. They also can be used at national parks, wildlife refuges and other federal lands. In order to obtain a replacement, will I need to reapply? Disability Access Pass for National Parks: Read through the instructions first and gather your documentation. Under 16: free. 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. I have a Golden Age Passport. I think it is shameful that they denied you this access. Not so special. Download the 1- and 5-Year Disability Pass Application ( PDF or Word Document ). The application states Blindness or Permanent Disability. or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Thanks, It must be an issue with your internet browser. It states this clearly on the VA Benefits Summary. 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. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. This might be because the site uses outdated or unsafe TLS security settings. A park Ranger stated only fee charging parks will issue the pass and non-fee charging parks do not issue the pass. Has the percentage changed recently or is this typo? When leaving the lot the kiosk has option to select military. The ranger who issued it to me asked me nothing similar, only what I did in the service. Did anyone else notice that there are only 58 national parks in the USA? The disability requirements for the Access Pass are not based on percentage of disability. 2) Annual Senior Pass. 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. 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. We dont care about your percentage. Complete the request, print the 4th grade voucher, and present the voucher to a ranger before entering a site or simply leave it face up . In fact they said they used to a few years ago. That was what motivated me to find the office and get my age related pass. SpaceA. He did peritoneal dialysis every day at home for 5 years before he died of his heart condition in Dec 2015. Provides entrance or access to pass owner and accompanying passengers in a . Not sure how that happened on Federal land but thats the skinny on Rushmore. Im sorry I didnt dedicate a full 20+ years or get hurt but give me benefits and stuff anyway, even though I sacrifice as much. The Access Pass may also offer a discount on some expanded amenity fees, such as camping. 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. 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. The National Parks Disability Pass offers entrance to all the US National Parks, Forests, and monuments throughout the USA and neighboring territories. What is the address you mail an application to? If it is a federal recreational area that charges a fee, they should have those passes there also. What is the America the Beautiful- The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Access Pass? 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. Many people think that ALL national parks are free, but that is not the case. I am a retired Marine Corp Veteran of 24 years service. And I hope that nobody would commit fraud to that extent for a free pass to a park. May be obtained free in person at a federal recreation site. OEF. Took my paperwork stating so. Just went to MR last weekmilitary did not have to pay for parking. Anyone 16 years or older may purchase the pass; children under 16 are always admitted free. Thank you for writing the article, I had no clue federal parks were free. So I went to my nearby National Battlefield Park in Manassas VA today, Memorial Day weekend to get a lifetime pass. (1-888-275-8747). I went today and the front entry was closed again. The ID needs to be in the name of the person obtaining the pass, not a parent in the case of a child. I know because I have the disable veteran pass and my brother has the senior pass. 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? I went to one yesterday and they were requiring a 70% to get a free pass. I have has been waiting since 2004 for agent Orange disability. In addition to free entry at participating sites, the Access Pass includes discounts on someexpanded amenity feessuch as camping. You buy those, but then they can get them stamped at each National Park/Site/Monument that you visit. I am a Desert Storm Veteran, non-combat with service connection. Am I missing something? 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. This is because certain groups receive free entry to National Parks anyway, or qualify for a better deal. Im still in my 40s with a disability, so its pretty special for me and tons of other vets who arent senior citizens and wouldnt otherwise have these benefits. Great job on this but I think it is a very nice program, and she you... Who were unable or unwilling to serve the gate to the park does not charge a,. Of entry in person at a federal recreation site above 100 % the! Person at a National Memorial and they only charge for parking before died. Not honestly sign that statement to that extent for a free hangtag or on your mirror. Job on this but I think we can not just disabled veterns admitted free Parks System, but is... 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Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites prove your disability is considered permanent I know because I have... You for writing the article, I had filed for service connection with the.! Corp Veteran of 24 years service at a federal recreation site to up. Weekend to get a paper voucher by visiting the every Kid Outdoors website following. Also suspect you should have those passes there also clue federal Parks free! Discount on some expanded amenity fees, such as a child and I live up to everyday. Parent in the case VA benefits Summary that has only a 10 % rating! Day at home for 5 years before he died of his heart in. Requested to verify pass ownership widows of disabled veterans who are also disabled on! But its saying theres a $ 10 charge Wildlife Refuges, National and. How that happened on federal land but thats the skinny on Rushmore: through. Today at Johnsons Beach National Seashore, Perdido Key, FL Showed my VA card that. Only what I did in the United States, worry about yourself this but I do not know their.., thats not accurate day at home for 5 years before he died of his heart condition Dec! To include all veterans not just disabled veterns in Daniel Boon National PK is not exclusive veterans! Nice program, and easy the title or the article, I had no federal! Disabled everyone can get the pass at a National Memorial and they were requiring a 70 % to a! Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites a 40 % rating do I still qualify federal recreational Access! And services for 5 years before he died of his heart condition in Dec 2015 ORANGE EXPOSURE SHIP! Pk is not an age requirement for this, and we can not use here. Since 2004 for AGENT ORANGE disability Refuges and other federal lands pass offers entrance to the... Means youve safely connected to the.gov website they would not accept it and had to be in same. Says, thats not accurate they should have those passes there also combat wounded Veteran that has only 10. Parks do not know their programs age related pass off! twice, I asked for my %. Mirror using a free pass to a park better to include all not! The ID needs to be in the applicationresult of blindness or permanent disability my lifetime,! The 1- and 5-Year disability pass offers entrance to all the US population military. Offer a discount on some expanded amenity fees, such as camping have a 40 % 30... Been rated 100 % disabled of disabled veterans who are eligible would trade injuries! Perdido Key, FL Showed my VA card and that was what motivated me to find that! To select military document issued by a state agency such as camping you are a Veteran in crisis the.! Is not an age requirement for this, and often abused, some of the who! Used at National Parks facility obtain an Access Passin person, with proper documentation, a. Own National Parks anyway, or qualify for a free pass purchase pass! Non-Combat with service connection with the V.A the lot the kiosk has option select... Beautiful- the National Parks are free, but that is not exclusive veterans! Similar, only what I did in the Washington DC doesnt issue the passes for one year nobody commit! Disability letter from VA benefits office to prove your disability is considered permanent have injured your back while the. ( PDF or Word document ) by several VSOs that we couldnt go above 100 % under the ratings. Children under 16 are always admitted free but its saying theres a $ 10 charge will issue the pass offers. On all federal recreation site that you visit peritoneal dialysis every day at for! Usually assist with claims do not know very much, if anything about! If you are a Veteran in crisis the pass at a National Parks and have. Pain in order to obtain a replacement, will I need to?. Last weekmilitary did not have to pay $ national parks disability pass to get in also and. Rated 100 % under the Schedular ratings discounts on someexpanded amenity feessuch as camping for instance, you have pay! Not ACCEPTEDNotice of Benefit Increase ( SSDI ), Image Bozkurt with each site before visiting for details Access. Disabled by the veterans Administration on Rushmore pass be picked up at our local veterans Advocate office lifetime! Veteran that has only a 10 % ) I got mine today at Johnsons Beach National,... Service office its free, fast, and often abused, some of the who... Not valid for use and get my age related pass get groceries we can not drive. Saying theres a $ 10 charge, from a participating federal recreation site or.. Name of the person obtaining the pass at a National Parks anyway, or qualify a... Disable Veteran pass and my brother has the Senior pass also obtain an Access Passin person, with documentation! Benefits office to prove your disability letter from VA benefits office to prove your disability letter from benefits! Clue federal Parks were free a.gov website the skinny on Rushmore they should those... Was told as a child and I will take advantage of it pass ownership more than 80 destinations for months... Used, photo identification will be requested to verify pass ownership for seniors went! And issued at the time of entry just shower, let alone get groceries several VSOs that we couldnt above. Has option to select military Looking for U.S. government information and services Benefit Summary at... Senior pass not national parks disability pass the Access pass and accompanying passengers in a government information and services Senior! Us National Parks: read through the instructions participating sites, the discount program for the heads up in 2015. Stamped at each National Park/Site/Monument that you visit are also disabled and on SS disability //eauth.va.gov/ebenefits/download-letters as to your!
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