Why should you receive the same benefits as those who served to retirement or have received a disability? https://store.usgs.gov/s3fs-public/access_pass_application.pdf. Hey he might be blind; you dont know. When we entered the gate to the park, I asked for my Golden Access Pass. Both passes are basically the same, just different criteria to be eligible for them.. Senior Citizens can also get a pass for only being Senior Citizens. Who qualifies for the Access Pass? 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. (LockA locked padlock) 2. An Annual Pass is available for Louisiana State Parks that allows for unlimited day-use at all sites for all people in one non-commercial vehicle. 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. Thanks, It must be an issue with your internet browser. A little-known benefit from the Interior Department gives military veterans with any disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs a free lifetime pass to national parks and other . Official websites use .gov Pass holders are admitted free to public lands and parks that accept the pass. No PTSD! This one also comes with free camping/moorage and campsite reservations through the state system, watercraft launching, trailer dump and day-use entry, as well. I am curious too. I dont why she was so cross or it bothered me so much. With access to over 2,000 locations nationwide, this pass grants individuals with disabilities a lifetime of adventures you don't want to miss. The pass can be bought at any state park and is valid for a year from the day you purchase it. Also, when checking the United States Geological Survey website it shows no knowledge of this pass. 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. A Federal Recreational Lands Pass covers entrance fees to more then 2,000 sitesincluding national forests and grasslands. Step 1: Get a paper voucher by visiting the Every Kid Outdoors website and following the instructions. But it is in addition (in most cases) to your regular disability rating (Schedular tier of disabilities ranging from 10%-100% for each disability). Under 16: free. Discovery Pass: access to multiple locations Save time at the gate. 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. Took my paperwork stating so. Every bit helps. Because it had a retractable spring point! 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. Said they were specifically told they do not allow ANY passes by the folks at Parks Management Company. This pass is not exclusive to veterans. As for the disabled Veteran National Parks Access Pass, you can get it in person at any NATIONAL Park that charges an Access Fee. (Children under 16 are always admitted free.) But at 100% Im suppose to Park Hopping? Im not inclined to write down my credit card info and ship through the mail. We have visited many of the National Parks. Several years ago I obtained my disabled veteran permanent pass, however after a recent vehicle crash I lost my pass. The site says ( does not have to be 100% ). 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. You can obtain an Access Pass onstore.usgs.gov/access-passby uploading an ID and documentation of permanent disability and paying the processing fee of $10. Maine also has a free lifetime hunting and fishing license if you are a veteran and are at least 50% combat related disabled. After all, your disability is for 10%, not 100%. A 10% disability rating can cover a multitude of problems. Therefore, the discount program for the Access Pass is not handled in the same way on all Federal recreation lands. I was medicaly retired after 13 years. Why is it so hard for some of you to do that? The first place I tried to use it was Clear Creek in Bankhead Forrest in Alabama. Picked mine up today, thanks for the heads up. You still have to pay to go to Rushmore. List of sites that issue the Access Pass: https://store.usgs.gov/s3fs-public/PassIssuanceList.pdf Last month they got three stamps. Thank you all for your service, this program seems to have been designed for veterans with service connected disabilities . Im sure you can get a discount for your time served in the military and probably you didnt even deploy. What is the deal there? There is not an age requirement for this pass. On December 27, 2021, President Biden signed into law S. 1605 "The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022" (NDAA). I know because I have the disable veteran pass and my brother has the senior pass. 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. Its hard enough to just shower, let alone get groceries. So, Im rated at 20%. Not so special. You can get an Interagency Access Pass in person at a federal recreation site. A park Ranger stated only fee charging parks will issue the pass and non-fee charging parks do not issue the pass. The Access Pass application form Do I need this also. Nobody but that person can say what their body feels like or what trauma fosters in their mind. You buy those, but then they can get them stamped at each National Park/Site/Monument that you visit. 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. Eat those facts, jack! You can obtain an Access Pass in person, with proper documentation, from a participating Federal recreation site or office. No. 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. Is that permanent 100% or a permanent disability of 10% and higher, I am a legally blind veteran, is it possible to receive the application in the mail? I got my disabled Access Pass at Wheeler Wildlife Refuge without a problem. Maybe they would really feel the love then from the VA. 1-888-ASK-USGS It does exist and it was amazing! The access Pass is fantastic. 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 am a real novice when it comes to computers and not comfortable doing much of anything via the Web. I was able to download with Firefox (67.0) and Chrome (74.9.3729.169). I got my free Senior park pass about 2 years ago at the US Forestry office in Fresno, CA. I have been trying for several days to download the PDF application and keep getting the same response, 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. Is there some where I can go to find a list of recreation sites that are on the list for free access? Around 25% of them have fees. Plus, here near Philadelphia, we have so many cool places to visit within the national parks system and so many fun places to go. Ranger program for kids too. FedEx Ground - typically 3-5 business days We dont care about your percentage. Passes ordered online or through the mail will be delivered 3 to 4 weeks after receipt of documentation and processing payment. This is what deep state types l eft over from the obummer years do. I emailed the National Parks and they told me permanent disability. 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). Be thankful you have a free pass, its not something that everyone can get. Have an application mailed to you by calling (360) 902-8844, or the Washington Telecommunication Relay Service at (800) 833-6388. Please be aware that passes are not available at all national park sites. Send your completed Application to: You should seek guidance from the South Park Ranger District 719 836-2031 as why they disregarded their own access point and web site rules. https://store.usgs.gov/s3fs-public/access_pass_application.pdf, The address is on the application. Too bad Eleven Mile Canyon National Forest would not honor my Access Pass or my Disabled Veteran license plate issued by the State of Kansas, contrary to the guidance posted at the access point. The PDF list of the national parks that issue passes is linked here. Few seconds at the gate at Front Royal and in we went. True, but what about the discounts in the store and such. 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). Got my card and on my way in less than two minutes. FedEx 2nd day - typically 2 business days I went today and the front entry was closed again. Keywords in the applicationresult of blindness or permanent disability. The pass is for soldiers injured in combat and their spouses and immediate family members. Who Qualifies: 4th graders for the 2021-2022 School Year. These include seniors, youth, volunteers, military and their families, and those with permanent disabilities. Review the Places to Get Interagency Passes to find a location. They no longer charge at this park, which seems they might want to again, at least for yearly passes to help pay for running the place. You obviously didnt read the title OR the article, as it was clear through both who this was aimed at. Those of us that served and didnt retire and didnt get hurt are treated like outcasts. So they tell me to mail in an application, which I really dont want to do, adding in more IDs, plus a $10 fee. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Where do they come from in background and lifestyle. Attn: Access Pass **imagine that here in the united states of north mexico!!!! Anytime a Pass is used, photo identification will be requested to verify Pass ownership. 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. 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. Please upload identification that indicates that you are a citizen or permanent resident, such as a drivers license, passport, green card, or birth certificate. Follow the instructions on the website and pay the document processing fee of $10. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. In order to obtain a replacement, will I need to reapply? For passes with qualifying factors (Senior Pass, Access Pass, and Military Pass) the name of the account holder will be printed on the card. 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. You should be able to go to any National Park and they should give it to you at the entrance. Yes, please list the FREE recreation sites Nation wide. Ive had one for years. Provides entrance or access to pass owner and accompanying passengers in a . A navy vietnam veteran. We experienced that too, and it pissed me off. If you are a Veteran in crisis You can learn more about these pass options below: Alternative Interagency Pass Options them are Veterans themselves. I am an over 50% disabled vet but I am NOT permanently disabled. Get it here: Because I was wounded in Vietnam and have a Purple Heart. What is the America the Beautiful- The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Access Pass? 1-888-ASK-USGS Seems like they have the personnel to do this. Thanks to the VA, the Parks Service and our citizens. 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. Official websites use .gov Mt. Thank you for your very informative posting on the National park access pass. Click on Lifetime National Parks Access Pass, it is a hyperlink that will open the ACCESS PASS FAQ. Second, if applying by mail, send a completed packet and $10 processing fee to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Remember, the hangtag itself is only a way to display your Pass, and isnot valid for entry unless it holds a valid Pass. We also collect the National Parks and State quartersbut we collect all of them in a folder, not just the ones we have visited. or concerned about one, connect with our caring, qualified responders for confidential help. I had a couple of rangers there telling me they couldnt help. You pay a one time fee. there is an OR for Vets in the second bullet point. $25.00. If damaged, it can be replaced as long as a portion of the pass is identifiable and you show proper identification. I wish you all well! (1-888-275-8747). 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). I went to one yesterday and they were requiring a 70% to get a free 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) - that provides admittance to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by five Federal agencies. I know that Maine Parks and Rec do the same. Receipts and electronic scanned images of your pass are NOT valid for use. (age may have also been slightly raised). The disability requirements for the Access Pass are not based on percentage of disability. The pass can be used at more than 2000 Federal recreation sites across the nation. Box 942896. And 70% disabled Army Vet. It will either have to be a note from a physician or notice that you are receiving SSDI income. No disrespect and I wish you peace within. No. DECALS Therefore, according to the Park Ranger only go to fee charging National Parks to get the free pass. Heaven knows the govt used, and often abused, some of the best years of our lives. 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. In addition, theTennessee Valley Authority may honor the Access Pass for entrance or camping discounts. 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. Step 1: Get a paper voucher by visiting the Every Kid Outdoors website and following the instructions. If someone in your family qualifies, there are a couple of ways you can obtain this. Can I apply for this pass? Just wait till you go to a location that has a fee to enter. Lighten up!!! A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. No, it is given to the subset of veterans who have service connected disabilities. Denver, CO 80225. I got mine today at Johnsons Beach National Seashore, Perdido Key, FL Showed my VA card and that was it. 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. And somebody needs to put it in front of Congress if thats what it takes. His was free lifetime pass for over 62! The National Parks Disability Pass offers entrance to all the US National Parks, Forests, and monuments throughout the USA and neighboring territories. 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. Learn about accessibility laws and policy. Thank you. Its very simple folks: 1. I update it periodically to check links. 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. Thats It. What a scam. Read the article through, your question is answered. The White House should see to it that all parks, that have a staff on site, at a welcome desk, issue these. I tried to use my Access pass last year at Mt Rushmore but they declined it. 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). Jimmy E. Winberry (redacted). Each Annual Pass can have up to two "owners". Download the Distinguished Veteran Pass Application. Make sure to have photo ID available when using your Lifetime Access Pass and enjoy the majestic scenery and abundant recreational opportunities our National Parks provide. One pass covers the vehicle at sites that charge "per vehicle". 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. 6 years in the Marine Corps and nothing to show but a expired ID. 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. If lost or stolen, you'll need to apply for another one. Interesting, isnt it? Did anyone else notice that there are only 58 national parks in the USA? Thought it was a good idea at the time. The pass program is managed by five Federal agencies that operate under different regulations and have different fees. Smh. USGS They refer you to other passes that are available. 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. Thanks, I went to the Grand Canyon in July of 2017. 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. YES I AM A RETIRED U.S.NAVY VETERAN MMCS I AM 70 % DISABLED RIGHT NOW. To qualify for the Pass the disability must be permanent and limit one or more major life activities. Please contact a site directly if you have a question about pass acceptance and fees. The Access Pass admits the Pass . Hah! The application cleared describes this and the applicant signs stating this are permanently disabled. Good day. Before you go to one of those NPS locations, make sure you read what you need to bring with you as far as documentation. Its my believe that the vets posting here are attempting to help one another. 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. The park us free to enter, however you have to pay to park which is privately owned. you may obtain a free decal to attach to your vehicle that will serve as proof of payment at sites that don't have a staffed entrance station. 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