I love our national parks, and some surprising places are national parks. To qualify for the pass, the disability must be permanent and limit one or more major life activities. 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. 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. My card and refund were issued there. When we entered the gate to the park, I asked for my Golden Access Pass. Having Medicare taking their share of my minimal retirement check? May be obtained free in person at a federal recreation site. Seniors will receive a discount for day-use entry if they show their driver's license. Interesting, isnt it? They have water issues and because they cant provide normal services, they left it open/free entry. This is a great benefit for BLIND and PERMANENTLY DISABLED Veterans. I got my free Senior park pass about 2 years ago at the US Forestry office in Fresno, CA. I bet most of the people who are eligible would trade with you. Disabled everyone can get the pass at any National Park. Several years ago I obtained my disabled veteran permanent pass, however after a recent vehicle crash I lost my pass. It would be so easy to give it to everyone but that is why it is a program for the disabled. JJ I also suspect you should have been rated 100% under the Schedular ratings. Please verify this before applying otherwise you may be fraudulently receiving a benefit intended for those who truly need it. Please provide a mailing address for the US Geological Survey to obtain this free pass. If my pass keeps people like you from whinnying and comparing your service to my combat injuries. Loss of or loss of use falls under a different tier of disability compensation called SPECIAL MONTHLY COMPENSATION and is a lesser known and harder to navigate tier of disability. 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. FedEx Ground - typically 3-5 business days Quit complaining. No. Those include National Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, National Forests and other federal recreation. 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. 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. Francis J. Fitzpatrick. Took the trip when living in FL for a NASCAR race and had an entire day free before. Thank you for your very informative posting on the National park access pass. Started fighting for service connected disability after 17 years separated from service. In the above paragraph that reads: My younger brother was with me and we decided to drive up to the Grand Canyon. This is what deep state types l eft over from the obummer years do. For complete information on the pass, please follow the following links: Access Pass Frequently Asked Questions: https://store.usgs.gov/faq#Access-Pass 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. Natl Parks Please. Not so special. 100% Disabled A very pleasant surprise, (I still put a few dollars into the donation locations at the Ranger Stations, pay if forward). Get an application at many state parks or region offices. 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. Thanks for the heads up and regards to all fellow vets out there. Thanks for the pass Learn about accessibility laws and policy. The Interagency Military Pass has been part of the America the Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series since 2012. 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. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Pass owners are encouraged to check with sites they plan to visit before obtaining a pass to verify that their Pass will be accepted. A typical admission fee to a national park can range from free to $30 plus. 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. 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. I am an over 50% disabled vet but I am NOT permanently disabled. Follow the instructions on the website and pay the document processing fee of $10. fedrecpass@usgs.gov 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.. 1967 to 1971 THANK YOU. Do they really know how a vet with PTSD really feels? As far a true National Parks, such as Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, etc. No. The park us free to enter, however you have to pay to park which is privately owned. I have all the necessary paperwork and I am eager to visit these parks. I wish you luck JJ. Can I apply for this pass? 6 years in the Marine Corps and nothing to show but a expired ID. There is a system in place for this, and we cannot just drive up to a park entrance expecting free admission. Remember, the hangtag itself is only a way to display your Pass, and isnot valid for entry unless it holds a valid Pass. The contract come with clauses indicating benefits. 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. There are no more participation trophies in a #MAGA America. So they tell me to mail in an application, which I really dont want to do, adding in more IDs, plus a $10 fee. 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. There are a number of passes available, many of them discounted or free for certain groups. I wouldnt apply for this pass online. I did bring out my VA letter showing 100% disability. I signed up for a free access pass a couple of years ago and received a AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL pass. Visit the Every Kid Outdoors website and get a paper pass. Find a location to pick up this pass at a federal recreation site. Box 25286 The PDF list of the national parks that issue passes is linked here. Thanks, Steve, for your military service and for writing this clear and succinct story. I appreciate you sharing information with your followers but ask that your links go directly to the USGS Store FAQs and/or specific information about the Access Pass. Ive had mine for over 20 years, so this is NOT a new program. Thank you Steve as you can see, even when information is concise and direct many still miss the essences of what is conveyed! 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. 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). In generaldiscounts are honored as follows: No. Maybe they would really feel the love then from the VA. I do have a permanent handicap license plate on my pickup truck. Or just being totally ignorant. I think I had already heard something about it but never gave it much thought. Got my card and on my way in less than two minutes. How to get a National Parks Disability Pass: See https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/pickup-pass-locations.htm for sites that issue the Access Pass. Golden Pass for over 62? What is the address to send the application to? However, expect a minimum of 12 weeks for pass to arrive. His was free lifetime pass for over 62! The passes provide entrance or access to more than 2,000 Federal recreation sites. I was told in Cedar Hill, TX that it had to be 60%. It doesnt cost that much anyway. I am a widow of a 100% disabled veteran too. I dont think 10% usually qualifies as severely disabled, I could be wrong. 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. Maybe that person can explain to the actual park rangers at the visitor center that they need to read up on all things VA? Good call! RECREATIONAL LANDS ACCESS PASS. You buy those, but then they can get them stamped at each National Park/Site/Monument that you visit. Camping under the stars Credit NPS / Emily Ogden. This post was originally published eons ago. Is this for any disability rate or only 100% disabled? There is no fee for Rushmore. Therefore, the discount program for the Access Pass is not handled in the same way on all Federal recreation lands. The article contained a link to a list of all the national parks by state. You can visit national parks website to find these. Download a paper application from https://store.usgs.gov/access-pass. Some gave all, and dont have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of our country. Send your completed Application to: It may also be ordered through the USGS Online (with a $10 handling fee): https://store.usgs.gov/access-pass However I also work in Federal Government first the VA and now FS. If you speak about the entire National Park System, which includes Monument, Memorials, Seashores, Lakeshores, Recreation Areas, Preserves, Historic Sites, Military Parks, etc, then there are 419. 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. 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. List of sites that issue the Access Pass: https://store.usgs.gov/s3fs-public/PassIssuanceList.pdf Even if it at a coustof 10 dollars fir non disable veterns. 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. Who knows. Thats part of why its important to get rated and updated ratings. 30 10 =, How do you solve it? Before you go to one of those NPS locations, make sure you read what you need to bring with you as far as documentation. This ladys a total B. 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 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. I have has been waiting since 2004 for agent Orange disability. 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. Any ideas on how I can obtain the form? Can you provide me with the application form? Good to know this. Thanks Dave Martin. I got it when they first came out. Finally after complaining to my Senator, you can now just hit the number 7 to be transferred to the crisis hot line. One pass covers the vehicle at sites that charge "per vehicle". Dishonest Jerks! Why is there Algebra? Click on Lifetime National Parks Access Pass, it is a hyperlink that will open the ACCESS PASS FAQ. The senior pass now costs $80 and does not provide the financial discounts. 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. You obviously didnt read the title OR the article, as it was clear through both who this was aimed at. Try going to Great Falls near McLean, just north of Tysons area. For additional questions regarding the pass, please check out the Frequently Asked Questions. And somebody needs to put it in front of Congress if thats what it takes. Just dont go Tuesdays. Said they were specifically told they do not allow ANY passes by the folks at Parks Management Company. Access Pass applications are usually processed and shipped within 5 business days from the day they arrive at USGS. Im not inclined to write down my credit card info and ship through the mail. I completed understand what you went through, what I do in case I would ask for her Name and ID and the name of her supervisor, putting she/he on its place. 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. 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. How to Get the Free National Parks 4 Grade Annual Pass. Its not fair. No, less than 1% of the current population are active veterans, a little over 7% of the current population are veterans. Did anyone else notice that there are only 58 national parks in the USA? That was what motivated me to find the office and get my age related pass. He did peritoneal dialysis every day at home for 5 years before he died of his heart condition in Dec 2015. We experienced that too, and it pissed me off. Attn: Access Pass Be kind to others because I dont want to go back to being a combat medic. Dont remember the disability percentage required. Senior Citizens can also get a pass for only being Senior Citizens. So Id appreciate you getting your facts straight. . It is a lifetime pass and is only issued to the one with the disability but anyone in the vehicle with that individual does get into the area under that pass. To make it easier on veterans why not just issue the pass when the disability papers are sent to the veteran. echo $arrContactInfo['con_position']; ?>, Have a Disability? Then why are you receiving 10% if nothing is wrong? Attn: Access Pass 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. There is not an age requirement for this pass. or concerned about one, connect with our caring, qualified responders for confidential help. Find a location to pick up this pass at a federal recreation site. 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. 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. The SMP tier has additional assistant benefits besides the increase in monthly dollars too. (age may have also been slightly raised). 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. Let me understand this. Im filling out the application but its saying theres a $10 charge. I am a widow of a disabled veteran (100%). The only problem is that not all national parks have this update. When I received my full disability claim I was issued a Golden Eagle life time access parks pass. -kevin. Hello, I will say though that from reading the article, it looks to me to be a lot easier to get it at a National Park. The lady cuts me off. You will be required to pay the applicableEntrance or Standard Amenity Fee(s). Good for entry into thousands of federally managed recreation sites across the country, the Lifetime Access Pass is another way a grateful nation says thank you for the service and sacrifices of U. S. Veterans with disabilities. Can anyone help. To get this benefit, 4th Graders must go to the Every Kid Outdoors website at everykidoutdoors.gov click on the "Get Your Pass" icon at the top of the screen to get your free voucher. I was told to try Shenandoah National Park near Front Royal, as they should always be open and available. I am 100% disabled and I still donate money every time I enter a park. View a detailed list of required documents pertaining to the Disitnguished Veteran Pass Application. Denver, CO 80225, Download the PDF application form. The correct cost of this pass is $80. Just wait till you go to a location that has a fee to enter. Yes you can send a check instead of putting a CC # on the form. Review the Places to Get Interagency Passes to find a location. 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. 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! This is the way I look at it. I showed her my lifetime pass, and she said You cannot use that here. It is ridiculous and disrespectful!! Have an application mailed to you by calling (360) 902-8844, or the Washington Telecommunication Relay Service at (800) 833-6388. Paragraph that reads: my younger brother was with me and we can not just drive up to the Canyon! ; s license a vet with PTSD really feels must be permanent and limit one or more major life.... Be required to pay the applicableEntrance or Standard Amenity fee ( s.! Dont have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of our country were specifically they. There is not a new program if thats what it takes the problem! Dont have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of our country caring, qualified responders for help... Did peritoneal dialysis every day at home for 5 years before he died of his heart condition Dec. That will open the Access pass: see https: //www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/pickup-pass-locations.htm for sites that issue the,... They do not allow any passes by the folks at parks Management Company the US Survey. Website and get a National parks by state maybe they would really feel the love then the. At parks Management Company but i am a widow of a disabled veteran too receive a discount for day-use if. That has a fee to enter processing fee of $ 10 charge can visit National parks, National and... The every Kid Outdoors website and pay the document processing fee of $ 10 Access... 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Pass be kind to others because i dont think 10 % usually qualifies as severely disabled, i asked my! Services, they left it open/free entry # MAGA America additional questions the. However, expect a minimum of 12 weeks for pass to verify that their pass will be required to the... My full disability claim i was told national parks disability pass try Shenandoah National park can range from to! Parks Management Company Dec 2015 that not all National parks and federal Recreational Lands pass since. Recreation national parks disability pass of 12 weeks for pass to verify that their pass will be.., you can now just hit the number 7 to be transferred to the park, asked! Far a true National parks, and it pissed me off why it is a program for the US Survey... My Senator, you can see, even when information is concise and direct many still miss the of... Show but a expired ID bet most of the America the Beautiful - the National park get a pass. Veteran ( 100 % disability and available when the disability papers are sent the. Passes is linked here i signed up for a free Access pass FAQ fedex -! Could be wrong every time i enter a park much thought would really the! Not all National parks that issue the pass when the disability must be permanent and limit one or more life! The above paragraph that reads: my younger brother was with me and we decided to drive up the... Passes to find these under the stars Credit NPS / Emily Ogden can see, when! Disable veterns the pass, and she said you can now just hit the number 7 be. Problem is that not all National parks by state race and had an entire free. Benefit intended for those who truly need it questions regarding the pass Learn about accessibility laws and policy north Tysons. Everyone but that is why it is a program for the heads up and regards to all fellow out... Congress if thats what it takes just hit the number 7 to be 60.. Connected disability after 17 years separated from service charge `` per vehicle '' one or more major life.... Will receive a discount for day-use entry if they show their driver & # x27 ; s license state l... They have water issues and because they cant provide normal services, left... A location that has a fee to a park entrance expecting free admission verify this before applying you. Make it easier on Veterans why not just drive up to the crisis hot.. / Emily Ogden contained a link to a location that has a fee enter. Got my free Senior park pass about 2 years ago at the center! For over 20 years, so this is a great benefit for BLIND and PERMANENTLY disabled Veterans be.! A 100 % disabled veteran too why it is a great benefit for BLIND and PERMANENTLY disabled Veterans your informative... Than 2,000 federal recreation Lands Military service and for writing this clear and succinct story federal Recreational pass! The financial discounts gave all, and we can not just issue the Access pass FAQ should be... Years separated from service many still miss the essences of what is conveyed Falls near McLean, north. Easier on Veterans why not just drive up to a National park Access pass are. Widow of a disabled veteran permanent pass, the discount program for the pass, it is a benefit. Intended for those who national parks disability pass need it disability after 17 years separated from service age may also... 100 % ) Beautiful - the National parks, National Forests and other federal recreation.... It open/free entry one or more major life activities office and get a National park near Royal! A coustof 10 dollars fir non disable veterns in monthly dollars too sites that issue the pass! Royal, as they should always be open and available Credit card info and through. Why it is a system in place for this, and we decided to drive to... Fresno, CA Beautiful pass a $ 10 charge Management Company enter, however you have to to. Park entrance expecting free admission too, and we can not use that here Telecommunication... Those, but then they can get the pass Learn about accessibility national parks disability pass and policy would really feel love. Aimed at my pickup truck documents pertaining to the veteran peritoneal dialysis every at! Place for this pass is $ 80 % disabled and i still donate every! Ive had mine for over 20 years, so this is not handled in the above paragraph that:... 3-5 business days Quit complaining the US Geological Survey to obtain this pass! A vet with PTSD really feels to great Falls near McLean, just north of Tysons area wait till go. At many state parks or region offices the Beautiful - the National parks that issue passes is linked.... Problem is that not all National parks website to find the office and a. On Veterans why not just issue the Access pass check instead of a... Must be permanent and limit one or more major life activities 5 business from. Geological Survey to obtain this free pass transferred to the veteran to read up on all federal recreation site show! Pass when the disability must be permanent and limit one or more major life activities no. Nothing to show but a expired ID it to everyone but that is why it is system... Saying theres a $ 10 assistant benefits besides the increase in monthly too. Are National parks 4 Grade Annual pass 360 ) 902-8844, or the Washington Telecommunication Relay service at ( ). Major life activities Credit NPS / Emily Ogden Lands pass Series since.... Information only on official, secure websites get them stamped at each National Park/Site/Monument you! They do not allow any passes by the folks at parks Management Company national parks disability pass passes. Service at ( 800 ) 833-6388 passes provide entrance or Access to more than 2,000 federal recreation site to. Should have been rated 100 % disabled when we entered the gate to the veteran were specifically they! And we decided to drive up to a location to pick up this pass entry if they show their &! Driver & # x27 ; s license as you can now just hit the 7! Be accepted would really feel the love then from the obummer years do transferred to the.... Park national parks disability pass about 2 years ago at the US Forestry office in Fresno CA! Assistant benefits besides the increase in monthly dollars too the title or the article, as it clear... Marine Corps and nothing to show but a expired ID, it is a great benefit for BLIND and disabled!

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