Discount Pass Program rule change proposal
Project summary
Washington State Parks is updating some of the rules that govern the Lifetime Disabled Veteran, 1-& 5-Year Disability, Senior Limited Income and Senior Off-Season Passes. We will be accepting public comments about these proposed changed, for a limited time.
- Estimated start date: November 2026
- Estimated end date: March 2027
Project overview
Discount pass program staff have identified several proposed changes, aimed at bringing more equity to the program and better explaining and defining program rules and qualifications. For more details, you can read the proposed draft language in the documents section on this page.
Expand residency documents
We want to expand the documents accepted that show Washington state residency. More options to show residency will bring more equity to the application process.
Income documents for the Senior Limited Income Pass
Currently, we accept the following income documents:
- Federal income tax transcript
- Senior citizen property tax exemption
- Social security SSA 10-99 form
The proposed change would require those submitting a Social Security 10-99 form to also include a verification letter of non-filing. It would also allow for a verification letter of non-filing to be accepted if the applicant doesn’t own property, doesn’t receive social security and has an annual income that falls under the amount requiring one to file taxes.
Applicants can get a verification letter of non-filing directly from the IRS by multiple methods. Read our Instructions for obtaining your letter of non-filing.
Along with updating accepted income documentation, we'll be clarifying the need to provide spousal income, property tax threshold requirement by county and the consequences for providing false information.
Why make this change
This change will bring more equity to the application process and the program.
The Social Security form 10-99 does not give enough information when checking for disposable income and often leads to applicants being asked to supply more information. This change is also expected to speed up the application process.
Update pass program rules
Our pass programs have several rules pass holders agree to follow, these are governed by WAC 352-32-251 and WAC 352-32-252. The proposed change to these rules will make them easier to find and understand.
Community participation
Public comments are welcome through December 13, 2026.
Email your comment to infocent@parks.wa.gov.
Project history
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission offers discounts to Washington state residents who are disabled veterans, receive disability benefits, seniors and senior on a limited income and to foster, kinship and caregivers to minor children.
The Commission will occasionally ask staff to review and suggest improvements for the rules that govern the parks and our programs, like the Discount Pass Program. The proposed changes are based on staff suggestions, customer feedback and long term research.
Learn more about each discount pass, how to qualify and how to apply.