by Sandy Robb
Many of you have in previous years posted pictures about your travels around the country, and many seem to enjoy the national parks and other federal facilities. With summer coming, there may be a way for you to save some money while enjoying those beautiful areas.
As you are aware, the Social Security Administration classifies malignant mesothelioma as the basis for a disability determination. One of the benefits that attach to that status is the availability of a free, lifetime Access Pass that allows free entry and numerous discounts at national parks, federal recreation areas, and facilities managed by the Forest Service, the National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Reclamation. Generally, the Access Pass means that the person and his or her vehicle (up to 4 adults) will be admitted free to the national parks, wildlife refuges, national forests, and other facilities run by these agencies.
The savings allowed by the pass can be quite substantial. To put it into perspective, both Yellowstone National Park and Yosemite National Park charge $30 entrance fees per day, but both are free to Access Pass holders. In addition to park admission benefits, the Access Pass entitles the passholder to discounts on amenities, campgrounds, boat launches, guided tours, and so on. Each facility will have its own guidelines for discounts. It should be noted that the pass is not honored everywhere; for example, the Access Pass is not accepted at Gettysburg. An overview of the Access Pass is available at http://store.usgs.gov/pass/access.html.
Anyone who has been rated as disabled by the SSA (or the VA) can obtain the Access Pass, either at one of the facilities authorized to issue them on-site, or through the mail. The mail-in application costs $10.00, while the in-person version is free. The list of facilities is long, and can be found at http://store.usgs.gov/pass/PassIssuanceList.pdf. The mail-in application is found at http://store.usgs.gov/pass/access_pass_application.pdf.
To obtain a pass you must have identification to verify that you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, such as a US passport, a US state or territory driver’s license, or birth certificate or a permanent resident card (Green Card). Also, you will need documentation of your permanent disability. Acceptable forms of proof 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;
- 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 benefits as a result of blindness or permanent disability;
- Proof of receipt of Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI); or
- A document issued by a state agency (e.g., the vocational rehabilitation agency) that 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.
If you’re in doubt about what to supply, contact the issuing agency.
Enjoy your travels, and be sure to share your photos with us when you go.
