The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) has been hard at work spreading the news to Veterans about their ability to shop at commissaries. Working with Veteran Service Organizations to promote, inform and gather feedback amongst the Veteran community about this privilege has proven effective. Engaging with Veterans, DeCA has learned that while many are now utilizing this benefit, others still are unaware. Verify your eligibility for this exclusive benefit.
Commissary shopping privileges are available to the following groups:
- Veterans with any service-connected disabilities documented by VA
- Veterans who are Purple Heart recipients
- Veterans who are former prisoners of war
- Individuals assessed, approved and designated as the primary family caregivers of eligible Veterans under VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers
Check installation access policies
Contact the installation where you intend to shop; inquire about their current policies regarding installation access.
How Your Commissary benefits you
- A shopping environment that exclusively serves the military community, with a workforce that understands your needs and strives to save you even more
- Prices that can save our customers thousands of dollars per year on their purchases, on average, when compared to prices at commercial stores
- Commissary Store Brands that offer just as much quality as national brands, if not more, and even greater savings
- The convenience of using CLICK2GO for online shopping and curbside pickup
- Opportunities to save even more with digital coupons and our sales flyer.
Find your commissary location, here: https://www.commissaries.com/shopping/store-locations/find-a-store.
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As a spouse of a disabled veteran, I can only shop at the Commissary when my spouse is with me; he’s the only one that has the entitlement with his VA card. I have Base access as I am still a federal employee, but cannot shop at the Commissary. I can, however, shop at the BX, PX or NEX with my Government CAC card. When will spouses of disabled veterans be given ID or access to shop without their VA member/spouse, especially if the VA member is physically unable to travel?
How can l get commissary exchange Privileges lam living in germany . But Iam here in USA today
How do I get a commissary card for access? I receive VA disability benefits due to exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam.
Now living in Japan, I have been able to shop at the Navy Commissary and Exchange at Yokosuka Naval Base. However, when trying to shop at the Air Force Commissary and Exchange at Yokota Air Base, I was denied this priviledge being informed that use of the VA ID card to shop was not applicable in Japan.
Iam veterans I was in service for 14 years Iam living in germany I Got out for Service Connected Disabilty . How do I get Commissary and exchange PriviIeges over here .
they didn’t tell us that the commissary charges us veterans an ADDITIONAL 1.5 % for being a veteran if we are not retired. that’s on top of the 5 % surcharge that they tack on for everyone. What ever happened to the commissary being less expensive to shop than the local community??????????
Good news – this should help a lot of vets.
How do I locate commissaries or basic exchanges that I can shop at?
I have been on disability since 2013, am I now to understand that I have commissary privileges?? I would be going to Great Lakes, how will i be able to get on the base and what ID will be required?
You have to have your VA ID card that will state ‘service connected’ right on the front. Some bases you may need to also get a vehicle pass at the Pass and ID office.
Any Veteran with a Service connection of 0% and above can now go on ANY base and shop. THis includes all MWR facilities, Exchanges (BX/PX), and commisaries. I beleive we do not have access to the gym unless you are retired.
ALL you would have to do is get a VA Card from your local VA and register at the main gates of the bases. The military police or who ever is assigned will perform a back ground check, which will take three-five minutes. Note: You have to register at each base you visit to gain access so be mindful of the hours of when the gates open for visitation. Once this is done, you have to do this every year.
100% service connected vets can get on without going through above sequences.
V/R
Chris RN
If you are a veteran with a service connected disability and who have a felony will be denied access to bases. So, your service to our country is wiped away if you get a felony veterans.
No one is missing anything. Commissary or the PX prices are way above Walmart . i have been there a few times i find it super expensive. i dont see how an E1 can buy there.
Amen! This is what I have also found. You would think with their buying power and no need to make a profit that they could offer groceries at a lower price than anyone. It’s mismanagement plain and simple. This is coming from an ex- quartermaster officer.
I am a DV as well as a DOD employee, in NJ. the state does not charge a food tax, but when shopping the commissary my entire order is charged a 5% sur-charge (5% tax) so for us it is usually cheaper shopping in the real world. So those of you who can not use this privilege you are really not missing out on that much and the prices compare to the outside not like the old days when we were active duty.
Your service connected ID also allows you to use MWR facilities and their services that can be a plus at ODR equipment rental centers, tickets and travel offices (discounted tickets) check out what your local MWR has to offer this could make it worth while to make the trip.
Be safe my brothers and sisters in arms and may God bless you in all things!
i need to apply for commisary priveleges
Why are all other veterans left out of everything. Why can’t we shop at commissaries. We served also.
There is no benefit for me living 2 hours away from a commissary.
Hi Kathyrne.
My name is Robert, I am also at an 80% service- connected disability rating. But I’m compensated at the 100% rate, due to my unemployability. All you need to do to shop at a Commissary and/or Exchange, with “any” service-connected disability, is present your VHIC picture ID to the cashier when checking out and of course also use your VHIC to gain access to any military installation with gate-guards. That’s it.
I would like to make you, and others, aware of the problem I’m having to utilize this benefit. I have to stop at the installation’s “Visitors-Center” (Scott Air Force Base) to get my wife issued a day pass to be able enter the facility, each and every time she accompanies me to purchase anything. Although I’m being compensated at a 100% rate, my service -connected disability is still listed at only 80%. My spouse is not eligible for a “DoD picture ID. You “must” be 100% service-connected in order for your spouse to qualify for a “DoD” picture ID card, for her to gain access to any military installation and to pay at check-out on her own, without me having to accompany her. She cannot enter an installation to shop and make purchases without me being present. I think this is ridiculous. “DoD” needs to relax the qualifiers for spouses in these kinds of situations, if for no other reason than to make it easier for disabled-vets and their families to use the shopping benefits at these facilities. I hope that I have answered your question and you will agree, something must be done to address the problem that other disabled veterans and I are experiencing, whom are not at a full 100% service-connected disability-rating.
I hope someone will respond to address my concerns and I thank you for your time.
Robert
i agree with you. if u have to use a wheel chair what a pain if you go with your wife. you have to go to the Visitor Center. everytime. i stop going the exchange and this is one of the mail reasons.
If you are at 100% due to individual unemployability, that’s what your rating is, 100%, even if it was at 80% without IU. Simply log into the VA website, print out the form that tells you that you are 100% due to individual unemployability. Take that form down to the ID office to get your and your wife DoD picture ID’s. If the VA website doesn’t reflect your IU status, then how do you think you are 100%? Generally the website updates even before you get your decision letter by mail. If not, call them and ask them what the issue is.
hello im an 80 percent disable veteran living in germany and i dont have an id to get on base i have to have someone sign me on the base im told at the gate i need to be 100 percent. so looking at the info below what form of id do i need.
need to go the VISITOR center. what they are telling is not correct
Hi Andre please just go to the VA. hospital where you are located and request a picture I D for disable Vet.
All facilities have this department and they will furnace your ID that day. Hope this was helpful to you.
Your friend, Claude
It’s pretty sad that you don’t provide benefits like shopping at the commissary to every veteran. The policies are far too restrictive and discriminate against most veterans.
I wish I had commissary and bx privileges just so that I can have an extra option. Having this privileges won’t stop me from shopping somewhere else, like I said, it would be another option. I served 10 years in the Air Force. I was discharged due to a RIF (Reduction in Force). My choice was to be forced out with no privileges or voluntarily leave the services and get benefits for a number of months, I can’t remember for how long. Not much of a choice, so I signed the paperwork and out the door I went. If it hadn’t happened that way, I would have loved to serve 20 plus years. I was honorably discharge, I think I did a good job while I was in. Maybe one day they will make an exception to those that were forced out just because they had too many of us in certain career field.
Hi I hv a veteran card with my picture on it that I use for shopping to get discounts.
My card is fading how do I get another one?
What form of I.D do I need to use Commissary ?
Why we the veterans were cut from a 30% discount to 10%
That’s not helping us
That’s taking away a benefit we had for years
So we spend more on food
Whyyyýy
Commissary privileges overseas only lasted couple days before it was rescinded due to SOFA, so it is not available worldwide (or at least in Japan) but I’m happy that it’s available at least in the uUSA.
what form of ID is acceptable to present to commisary checkout or gate security>>>?
I was told at Little Rock AFB that my spouce could not come on base and I wasn’t eligible to have her go with me to the commissary.
I think all Vets should be authorized commissary privelages.
I have a non-commissary related question, if someone would be kind enough to help me with it.
I’m a veteran who served in the Army from 1966-1969. I have no service connected disability and I’m fortunate to earn a good living. Am I eligible for any benefits from the VA? I did use some GI bill benefits years ago for college. I need hearing aids and some veterans have told me that the VA can provide hearing aids, but I think there is an income threshold to be eligible for that, and I would be over that threshold. I can’t say that the hearing loss is service-related.
If anyone can point me to where I can find out what, if anything, I do qualify for from the VA, that would be most appreciated.
Sorry if this post is off topic.
Many thanks for your help.
Joe
[Editor: Joe, please visit benefits.va.gov to look over VA’s non-health benefits, or va.gov to see a wider variety of health, non-health, and cemetery services.]
I thought the law passed several years ago allowed ALL honorably discharged veterans to use military commissaries.
Only service-connected AND honorably discharged, with a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) can utilize the base after they get out. I had to ask the VA and the visitor station at the local Air Force Base for clarification but the link below should help. :)
https://www.va.gov/resources/commissary-and-exchange-privileges-for-veterans/
I am on hearing disability from The Vietnam War. Am I eligible to shop at the commodity ?
Hi, I was recently given an 80% disability rating by the VA. I would like to take advantage of the commissary and other things. But I have no idea what steps I need to take to gain access to those things. Please help. I have scoured the VA website but it’s literally like peeling back layers of an onion. Plus the fact that one system doesn’t talk to another.
Hi, If you don’t have a VHIC card from the VA you should apply for one. You do that at your closest VA medical center at the enrollment office. Bring a current driver’s license or other government issued ID. They’ll take your picture and you should receive your VHIC card in the mail in 10 days or so. Then contact the military facility with a commissary closest to you and ask what you need to do to gain post access. Some facilities are easier than others to access.
This should help :)
https://themilitarywallet.com/veterans-identification-card-eligibility/#:~:text=veterans%20ID%20cards.-,The%20first%20version%20is%20the%20Veteran%20Health%20Identification%20Card%20(VHIC,Veterans%20Identification%20Card%20(VIC).
My husband is an 80% Service connected Disabled Vet. We can shop at the BX, PX or NEX, but only he can shop and purchase at the Commissary because he has an ID card…but I do now. Are concessions being made to permit the spouses to obtain ID cards as the spouse or a caretaker of a Vet to be able to shop at the Commissary. If so, where would one get an ID card? Please advise.
Contact your local DAV Chapter and they can help or send you to the right people to give you a helping hand. Also if your husband is unemployable due to his disability, the DAV can help you get him 100% which automatically gives you the right card to use plus more things such as medical care and meds for you at no cost. My late wife was able to see her DR and get her meds at no cost. It takes someone going to bat for you like the DAV to get all of the benefits I mentioned.
i enjoy the px..but is real expensive…i aks why????????
Greetings, I’m a veteran with service connected disability living in Germany.
My question is why once I report my receipts to the German customs office “Which is mandatory” for buying on base, they charge 19% across all purchases regarding if it’s groceries or not while out at the economy they only charge 7-9% on groceries? Why we Veterans that sacrificed so much have no one to protect us abroad and must pay more than double in taxes towards the German Government?
I receive a death benefit from the VA. Am I entitled to use the commissary. My husband was in the service for 14 years, and passed away while waiting for disability from the VA. In which he passed away before receiving any type of disability. He had passed away while waiting for a determination. The determination was stopped without any form of contacting myself or my husband. If the disability had been completed in a timely manner he would have received his VA disability. The Family should be able to get an ID and get priviledges for the commissary and any other priviledges available.
Cynthia, make an appointment with your local Veterans Service Office. Just because your husband passed, you may still be able to reopen his case. Your service officer should be able to tell you what info. you will need -ie DD214, marriage lic., death cert. etc. Also ask for an audit. Don’t give up there are still other steps you can take if this is not doable.
I was very excited when this law was passed and as a Navy Vet with a 10% disability could enjoy commissary privileges again. My experience so far is Navy facilities in the Pacific Northwest are still somewhat unfamiliar with this law. I always get asked for a Veterans Health ID card and which I do not have, and confusion arises when I say my VA benefits letter should suffice.
I can not get verified through ID.me because I was hacked on my computer and had to close my email account, change my phone number, etc. ID.me will not let me create a new account to upload documents so I am missing all the benefits I used to get. I am an Army Veteran 70% service connected with a Veteran Card, status on DL, paperwork, etc. can you tell me how to access the commissary?
Go to your nearest VA office. They can help you.
Does this also include access to overseas commissaries when traveling or do you have to maintain a residence status in the overseas location per SOFA agreements with the host country and be issued a ration card?
Great question. I too would like to know if the SOFA with the host country prohibits us from using this benefit overseas.
Do ypu do mail orders?
Thank you for your service. We know you are working hard to keep our benefits of the stores and other.
We know we deserve that benefit, and we are getting it.
Thank you again for your service.
with the way prices are getting at the commercial grocery stores now a day this is a great service provided for the veterans, Thanks for everything !
That is great.
I would love to use the commissary, only I am almost 90 miles away. I miss Williams Air Force Base as it was so much closer to me. I am a Veterans wife and my husband past in 2019. I live in San Tan Valley, Arizona
https://www.commissaries.com/shopping/store-locations/find-a-store
My husband is eligible for commissary shopping under the service-connected disability. I am his wife, and primary care giver. There are many days that my husband is in such intense pain that HE cannot do the grocery shopping…..am “I” his wife and caregiver able to access the base/commissary without him????
You are eligible as long as you are approved and designated as the primary caregiver.
https://download.militaryonesource.mil/12038/MOS/Factsheets/expanding-access-fact-sheet.pdf
Individuals approved and designated as the primary caregivers or family caregivers for veterans on the
same basis as a member of the armed forces entitled to retired or retainer pay under the Department of
Veterans Affairs Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers are also eligible for these
privileges.
The DOD, VA and Department of Homeland Security have collaborated to implement Section 1065 of Title
10, United States Code, for those who are eligible for this benefit.
Facilities open to newly eligible patrons include:
• Commissaries*
• Military exchanges
• Golf courses
• Bowling centers
• Recreational lodging
• RV campgrounds
• Movie theaters
• AmericanForcesTravel.com
BTW, the asterisk for commissary is
*The DOD is required to charge a small fee to new users who are eligible solely under Section 1065 of Title 10, to
offset any increased expenses incurred by the U.S. Treasury associated with the use of credit or debit cards for
customer purchases at commissary stores. The fee is determined in compliance with card network rules and based on
current average costs to the U.S. Treasury for processing these types of cards.
Hardly a “small” fee. The penalty imposed for being *merely* a disabled veteran is 2%. I paid $3.50 on my last visit.
Works just as it did on active duty, you’re the spouse. The only issues are in the cases of divorce or type of discharge.
If you are 100% veteran can your wife get medical treatment for diabetes
How can I find locations of commissaries?
https://www.commissaries.com/shopping/store-locations/find-a-store
Where is the closest commissary to Buffalo New York?
You can look by using this site: https://www.commissaries.com/shopping/store-locations/find-a-store
Does sixty percent disability from agent orange qualify for this?
Yes. Any disabled Vet in possession of a VA Medical Card qualifies for Commissary shopping privileges
I found out just now that I am eligible so my first thought is where are the commissaries? So I clicked on the highlighted “commissaries” word above and none of the hits had a list of them. I tried again looking on more pages then went back and typed “store locator” into the SEARCH bar and finally got the proper link https://www.commissaries.com/shopping/store-locations/find-a-store WHICH YOU SHOULD NOW INCLUDE IN FUTURE EMAILS!!!
My husband is a disabled veteran and can get on base I always have to get a one day pass why can’t they give me a pass that would be longer than one day we would use the commissary more but having to wait for a pass each time is an inconvenience
If your husband has a VA medical card, he can register his card on base. The registration is good for 2 or 3 years, then he will have to re-register. Spouses need to be accompanied by the authorized Vet, unless the Vet is 100% disabled, then the spouse may qualify for a dependent ID, which will get you on base/use commissary without spouse.
I get Va disability benefits from my husband who died in 2010 and I continue receiving Va monthly checks as widow. However, I cannot get an ID to go to the commissary base in Millington. Has this changed where I can get a widow’s benefit?
All Veterans should be eligible to shop at the commissary!
Your absolutely correct, I live in Niagara Falls, New York there a Air Force Base there if I lost a leg or arm while serving, I’m entitled but if I come home without ant injuries I’m entitled. That’s BULL SHT dividing veterans on entitlements SHAME one thing for sure dying for you country is the Same INJURED OR NOT.
I agree totally
Does this extend to the commissary at Ramstein Germany or any other EU bases.
Wish a spouse of an eligible Veteran was granted access as well.
Many times my spouse is not able to go to the store but I would be able to do this. But we do appreciate this privilege!
I am 100% P&T veteran. I have my Indef ID card. My wife and our adult autistic son (we are his guardians) are dependents and have their dependent ID cards as well. We live close to Ft. Bragg and that is where we would go to shop. Is there any problem with my wife and son going to to the Commissary and/or PX with me?
No problem at all as long as she remembers to bring her dependent id with her.
If she has a Dependent ID card she should be able to shop there.
Will the commissary in Lakenheath, UK allow us to shop and other commissaries in UK?
ALL veterans should have commissary and PX,BX,NEX privilege’s.
Why not all Veterans regardless of their health status?
Why veterans non connected services dont have the same previlege to buy in this commisaris to?
I’m a retired navy cpo. I stopped using the NASJAX commissary 6 yrs ago because my wife became disabled. electric shopping carts like most off base stores have would have saved us money.
What about commissary privileges in the UK? Any specific locations?
You can check using the locator: https://www.commissaries.com/shopping/store-locations/find-a-store
Foreign retired army (not US military) personnel, wives, friends and friends of friends shopped in the Camp Darby, Italy commissary and PX for 5 straight years. The matter was signaled (with pictures, letters, testimonials) to the local CID, CID commanding general, 2 US deputy garrison managers (GS-14s) and a general officer at the pentagon dealing with commissary-PX issues…no one was able (or maybe had no valued interest) to stop this situation for 5 years running. Commissary shopping privileges for Veterans was a laughing joke at Camp Darby until 2021! I hope someone with authority reads this note!!!!
Shopping here as veterans we get charged a fee as well
I am 73 A Marine Vietnam Combat boots on the Ground Vietnam 1968/1969 and am rated 100% disabled by VA for several Conditions and according to this I qulify to shop at the PX, but do I need a special card to get in the PX are on Base for shopping??
If you’re 100% P&T, and have an indefinite military id, then you can use that card; otherwise, you can use your Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC), but you will need to register with the base.
Where is the closest Commissary to where I live?
I live in New Haven, Indiana
https://www.commissaries.com/shopping/store-locations/find-a-store
Where do you find a location to shop at nearest me?
I am in New Haven, Indiana 46774
https://www.aafes.com/exchange-stores/overseas/
This may be helpful to some.
How would we get access to the base with the commissary with only our US Department of Veteran Affairs ID card?
Register your card on the base that the commissary is associated with. US Department of Veteran Affairs ID card (also known as the Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC))
I have a service connected disability and live in Germany. Here you can shop in the PX and commissary but it is only possible to get post access to the facility closest to where you live. This is a bit frustrating because the post I live closest to is very small. It would be possible to shop at Ramstein Air Base but I can’t get installation access, unlike a military retiree who can access any US facility in Germany.
This is not fair. Why must there be stipulations and categories for Veterans? A veteran is a veteran regardless. I get irritated when I hear or see this because they are picking and choosing instead of allowing all veterans. We veterans served one country and we did not pick and choose!!!!!!
Where is people at the poring Air Force base supposed to go for commissary.
Will I need a military id to get on base? Will my wife be allowed to get on base with me?
You will need a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) which will need to be registered at the base you’re trying to access, unless you have another type of valid military id
I thought veterans with honorable discharges were able to use the commissary????
Unfortunately not. You have to be active duty, reservist, retired, or disabled, with a valid military id card.
All Honorably Discharged Veterans should be allowed to use the Commissary.
How how can I shop at the commissary
They add an extra “fee” to veterans shopping at the commissary. Imagine my shock that I get the surcharge and an additional fee for being a veteran. We shouldn’t be charged an additional fee. I stopped shopping there. I have no surcharge or extra fees elsewhere plus I can get most things cheaper off base. Sad only because of the few things I do need, I’d rather not drive the extra distance and pay a fee for being a vet.
IF you’re a honorable discharged veteran you should be eligible, just because you didn’t get shot or,capture, you should not be excluded.
Thank you for the information, but I’m curious about the PX privileges. I’m a 100% service connected vet, but can’t seem to get into the PX. The only card I’m able to get is the one for the Hospital.
There’s a difference between 100% and 100% P&T (Permanent and Total). If you’re not 100% P&T, you will need to register your Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC). Contact the closest base to you.
How do I get in to access the commissary in Nellis AFB?
Does a spouse of a 100% disabled veteran need an ID card to get on base & go into the Commissary? Can she do this w/out her husband and if so, what proof (if she doesn’t have an ID card) would she need to bring with her?
Yet it is so difficult to get on base. I’m always harassed and looked down by the Military Police at the Gate Check Point :(
Commissary privileges for service-disabled vets are a positive and long-overdue development. My experience with actually using them, however, has been mixed.
1) DECA treats vets as second-class citizens, and levies a 2% penalty on you if you’re a non-retiree/non-100%-disabled vet and use a credit card. They talk about “increased expense” (i.e. a burden to them) of having us in the store, and have zero appreciation — that I can detect, at least — for the increased patronage we bring to a system that badly needs our support. I think this 2% fee is highway robbery and unacceptable.
2) You will be classified as a “visitor” on-base, and subject to a) showing up and not being allowed admittance to the base for any reason or no reason at all; b) being stopped at the gate and having to register for a background check. Good luck “contact[ing] the installation” where you want to shop. If you can find the base directory, then find someone who knows the answer to whether they are letting vets in, then you’re pretty lucky. Note that retirees are not typically subject to these requirements, even though it is not clear why vets present more of a security risk. We are the bottom rung of the ladder.
We have been granted these commissary privileges by Congress, but we’re really not particularly welcome.
I updated my VA ID card to the current one specifically for this benefit. At my local commissary it seems like my card is the ONLY one that is accepted at the self check-outs. My wife’s card is rejected every time and she got hers 1~2 years after I got mine. I hope DeCA is able to update their systems to enable this functionality for a lot more of us.
Why are widows of 100% disabled vets not included in commissary options
Are you allowed to bring your spouse or one guest yet?
Why shop at the Commissary? Their prices are almost exactly the same except no tax, big whoop! After you tip the the person bagging your items forget it.
Since the government decided to have a contractor take over no real savings. Wile I was serving from 1976 to 1992, the prices were a hell of a lot better service members saved a lot. Now
Do I need a special ID to shop? Is the caregiver ID/letter of eligibility enough? Hubby has his VA ID with Purple Heart on it but might or might not accompany me. Thanks.
I believe very veterans should have the same PX / commissary privileges. All their sacrifices . DD-214 , all it take is to
help the Veterans…
This is complete nonsense. The nearest commissary (Lemoore NAS) is 30 miles away from me. How much would I save after driving all that way?
My V.A. Doctor in Rancho is the BEST. They and Loma Linda take good care of me. I have service disability and am eligible for all medical privileges. Am I eligible to receive commissary privileges? I would appreciate a reply please. Thank you
Thank you for your help. We all can use it.
I think it stinks that after 11 years of service and an Honorable Discharge that I could use the commissary but since I have no disability I can’t. Sorry for not getting injured…….
Where are the commissaries??
I heard that I am a Veteran and should be able to go to the Commissary that are not on bases. Is this true? I am eligible to go to the VA Hospital which I have for 12 years now. Can someone please let me know if this is true or not. Thank you. Joe Wallace
Are we allowed to purchase items in clothing sales ?? There’s a few items I’d love to get for hunting.
Q; Do you a special I.D if you have a service connected disability?
All honorably discharged combat veterans should be eligible, especially Vietnam vets.
Thank you for all you do for us veterans and for keeping us informed.
“Veterans with any service-connected disabilities documented by VA” I was under the impression that a disabled veteran needed to be 100% disabled to be able to have Commissary privileges.
Rey Garza
Can widows who were married to a veteran that was 100% total/permanent use this service
I’m a veteran with service connected disability at a rating of 100 %, can I shop a military bases. Like McGuire AFB in New Jersey.
I’m a veteran with service connected disability, can I shop a military bases. Like McGuire AFB in New Jersey.
The VA does enough for me as is,
I do not need any other benefits.
Question Re: “Check Installation Access Policy of commissary where you wish to shop”. I reside in Sacramento area and have access to commissary @ McClellan due to my service connected disability. I plan to travel to Japan in the future and would like to access commissary located in Okinawa Japan. How or Who do I contact to confirm if I will have commissary access privileges there?
Thank you,
Fred
I live in southwest arkansas and would like to know if red river depot commissary, northeast Texas hooks tx I’m 50+ service connected.
Would love to use my benefits. But unfortunately I live an hour and a half away from the closest Base. Witch I would drive if I could take my spouse. As a care giver time I need her support. But under rules now. She does not qualify
THANK YOU so much for this feedback!!! Would you happen to know where the nearest commissary is to St. George, UT?
Should inform vets that we are charged more than retirees or dependents. Unfair.
Why are just plain simply veterans left out of this benefit. We fought just others in the list you presented??
what about commissary in korea . I am a honorable discharged veteran with service-connected disability. Am I still can shop at base in korea
as disables veteran , now entitled to px/commissary privileges. Is my spouse also entitled to privileges?
I AM A DISABLED VET WITH A FORTY PERCENT RATING, I AM RECEIVING MY HEALTH CARE AT A LOCAL VA HOSPITAL. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT I AM NOT ELIGIBLE FOR COMMISSARY BENEFITS. IS THIS TRUE?
Not true. If you have a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) then you are eligible. You will need to register your VHIC at the installation
IAM 60%. CAN I SHOP AT ANY US MILITARY COMMISSARY. AND WHAT MILITARY BASES WITH COMMISSARIES ARE IN LOUISIANA?
How do I find my nearest commissary?
I’m DAV.I’m allowed to go on base. My wife can also access the base. We can both shop at the exchange but my wife can not go in the commissary to shop. I don’t get it. She needs to be able to shop as a guest
Bases are not making it easy! Have to stand in long lines to get cleared, and the computers are always down! Plus, family members cannot come on base. I got turned around on father’s day with my whole family last year. This program must improve!
coupons!@!@!you gotta be kidding!!!
theres goes freedom of speech, excuted by the very people who are charged with defending it.
coupons!@!@!! you gotta be kidding!!!
Can my wife go with me to commissary??
Yes, as long as you are authorized.
What about all vets as long as honorable discharged.
discrimination looks like to me.
Do Surviving Spouses of 100% disability –ALS–have privileges at the commisaries?
I am a Korean War Vet, am I allowed to shop in the commissary? I live near Ft Meade, MD
I have 80% for PTSD and prostate cancer. Commissary priviledges ?
Yes, as long as you register your Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
Our commissary requires a valid id card issued by the military and it is only available to retirees and 100% service connected veterans.
You don’t need to be 100% P&T. Any service connected disability will qualify you to apply for the Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC). Once you register this card on the base you are visiting, you will gain access.
I am a disabled vet and my wife does most of the cooking for me. I tried to bring her in the commissary with me and was informed she was not allowed in at all. We haven’t been back since and I doubt I will ever try again.
This doesn’t seem accurate. When I was 60%, I was able to bring my spouse with me using my Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) once I registered on base. I’m now 100% P&T, so now she has her own dependent card and goes to the commissary without me.
I have 80% for PTSD and prostate cancer.
This is great for Vets that live near military installations.
Thank you for your efforts, however, some of us that are a long distance from one, the price of gas would obliterates any savings we would receive.
God bless you and yours.
Have they actually adjusted commissary prices to be competitive to the civilian market. Sadly when I was stationed at Charleston even after taxes taken into account food lion, piggy wiggly and even Walmart were all cheaper than commissary.
I live south of Minneapolis. Mn. Where is the nearest VA commissary ?
As a active DUTY i shopped at the BX and off base with NO difference in price as a POOR E1! Give THEM raises, forget us VETS because the ONLY thing cheaper is garbage cigarettes! And ANY vet getting 100% or over $3K a MONTH doesnt NEED to save a few bucks a year. PAY ACTIVE DUTY livable wages, NOT including chump change for uniforms, he said over THIRTY YEARS AFTER getting out of the AF.
Does 10% disability qualify to shop?
Yes, you’ll need to register your Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
how can one become a va care giver
Here is the link: https://www.va.gov/family-member-benefits/apply-for-caregiver-assistance-form-10-10cg/introduction
I found this article to be very informative. I was unaware of the Commissary benefit for veterans.
What about the rest of us that also served that aren’t disabled didn’t retire or got purple hearts, Didn’t we earn the right to go to an installation and shop in person.
I have. 100% disability rating. How do go about getting a military ID ?
I have a 10% disability am I eligible to use the commissary
Can your spouse enter the Commissary with you?
Is there a commissary near Harlingen Texas
I’m A 70 Percent Disabled Veteran, I Receive VA Compensation So I’m I Qualified To Use The Commissary. If I Am What Type Of ID Do I Use. Thank You For Your Time
Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
I served in the Army from 67 to69 I like to know if I’m eligible to shop at the commissary and if so do I need our Special ID to get in can you tell me how I go by getting this
I think it should be extended to any veteran that has a national defense ribbon! And or if you are eligible for medical benefits from the VA!
I totally appreciate being able to use the commissary. Please understand that. However, my concern is that as a disabled vet, part of the expanded access to use the commissary, we are charged a 5% fee. Why? Is that really necessary? It negates any supposed savings either tax or otherwise. It’s kinda disappointing and self defeating. A benefit is provided but the benefit is diminished to almost nothing by impeding a ‘fee’ to use the benefit.
How am I able to enter a base to go to the commissary?
I would love to shop at the VA commissary get my discount tax-free products if the products were anywhere reasonable and anywhere comparable to civilian products but they’re not they’re too dang expensive!
What about general discharge under honorable conditions with a documented service-related disability?
I am a resident in COBB COUNTY and would like to know if there is a Commissary at the DOBBINS AIRFORCE BASE,I appreciate if you can contact at my email.
I have a Service Connected Disability. My Navy Commissary let’s me shop anytime. However, the Joint Base Charleston only allows Veterans to shop on Saturday and Sunday. I know retirees can shop anytime. I was just curious. I have been Vetted to gain access to the Joint Base. Thank you
What percent disability do you need to be to shop at the commissary
Cannot purchase in Germany Commissaries due to SOFA. Something about a card and taxes and go downtown and something else, unless it is someone under SOFA. I just had my son go with me to purchase things when I went to visit him.
Will Veterans be able to go on a y base, fort, or camp with a brick and mortar commissary?
What about commissary in europe?????????????????????????
That’s a good question. I think it depends on the host nation rules. For instance, retirees in Germany can shop at the commissary but must pay taxes on anything they buy. It’s a hassle! But it’s the host nation (Germany) dictating that, not the commissary itself.
I post a comment about the percentage we’re charge at the counter
10 percent it was 30 percent, and we had a list of articles so we could see what we cloud buy
That’s also gone. Why
Why are we getting this kind of treatment
We put our life on the line for this country and this is the way we get treated
Good question, but probably have to check the SOFA agreement. Just like in Germany we cannot use the MWR facility unless serving there. Not sure why it’s such a hard subject.
I’m retired AF in Germany. Each country is different. Germany recently allowed commissary and exchange shopping access after you obtain your privilege card from the base customs office and get it approved by the local customs office. It’s a process, but I was able to shop. Then you have to submit it to local customs office so you can pay the 19% sales tax! A retired friend service member in Italy said these rules don’t apply in Italy and that she shops freely. Not sure about Spain.
Have you received any HELP Sir?
(SFC-Retired)
Ryan
Having the same problem. In Germany they allow it if you jump through all the hoops, Spain and Portugal I don’t even think they have tried to make an agreement.
I am in Germany with a Service-related Disability rating (I have the required photo card and such). I wonder about the bases here in Germany. I have to also comment, though, since COVID/Corona, the bases have been closed to persons who are not stationed at the specific bases (which means active duty personnel only). I am not sure if this has been lifted yet (20 Oct 2022).
I had not been aware that qualified persons living overseas were finally able to use the facilities. When access to facilities was first possible, it was only for CONUS facilities, not OCONUS.
In 1966 I was assessed with a 50% hearing loss by the Army. How can I check to see if it’s documented? Id.
[Editor: Please do not publish your SSN or other personal information on the internet. I have removed it from your post. As to your question, please check your discharge documents and service treatment records.]
How to find comessary near 77518 tx
Look up Veterans Evalution Services, Thier supposed to be nationwide. In 4 months, I went from 30% to 100%. My brother who was barred from re-enlistment back in the 80’s. First claim 80%, in less than 120 days. And he’s not combat related.
Robert. I went to my VA Hospital to check my eligibility for hearing loss. You must say “I think I have a service connected disability.” It opens the door to an audio appt where the VA can easily check your hearing from the point you entered the service to your discharge physical/hearing exam. There is paperwork involved. You must be patient. My 10% hearing disability is $165/mo as of 1-1-2023. Good luck Brother.
It should be on your DD214 brother. If you don’t have it ask for a copy.
You might just try apply online through the military exchange website. You punch in your id number or your social security number.
Do you have a VA ID? If you’re living abroad you can take that VA ID to a base and they walk you through the background check to be able to go on base and voila there you are in like Flynn
Contact your local D.A.V. Chapter! (Disabled American Veterans)
Ask to speak with a Service Officer who will assist you and represent you with the VA for claims.
If you are a veteran with an honorable discharge you should be eligible.
Agreed. The more that use the Defense Commissary system, the more they buy, the more they save and the more the military families get benefited. Supply and Demand!
Military bases were pretty much such down during COVID. Are they back open? I’m a disabled vet and would like to go to the PX and commissary at Fort Leonardwood Missouri.
With a large veteran population in metro
Atlanta Ga why not a commissary in of near this graphic.
100% Correct sir! With the economy tanking, the veteran homelessness and just everyday struggle for veterans, why not include all those that served honorably!!!
You are mistaken. The article contains four bullets. Each bullet identjfies a group of veteran’s eligible for this privilege.
Yes us veterans agree. I just posted that same question/
I agree, and with all of our WWII heroes almost gone, we are now less than 1% of the population. Yes less than 1% of the people in the USA have served .
We are in Italy on vacation and had no problem entering Aviano AB where we used the commissary and BX. After the base Tricare office entered me into their system I was also given a doctor appointment.
CONCURRED AND SECONDED SIR!!!!
I totally Agree with you, we are all brothers, and sisters who served for this country we are Honorable discharged.
I wouldn’t be that concerned about missing out on shopping at Commissaries myself.
I retired 32 years ago, and unless we lived right on top of (within a few miles) a military facility with an Exchange and/or Commissary, we never bothered to utilize them. One of our main issues has always been somewhat limited selection of items we normally purchase.
Quite honestly, the prices of most items aren’t THAT much of a discount, and by the time you factor in the up-charge (Yeah, they rarely mention that 5% surcharge mandated by Congress), the tip for baggers (when I was on active duty and “moonlighted” as a bagger, spare change was acceptable, but now, a patron gets a sneer if their gratuity isn’t at least a $5.00 bill). Some commissaries have “bag your own” lanes, which I prefer, rather than have untrained/uncaring dependents putting the bread and eggs on the bottom of the bag…
If a person shops wisely, watching for sales, BOGO offers, or uses the “big box” stores such as Wal-Mart, shopping at the Commissary no longer makes much sense.
Paper goods and cleaning supplies used to be a fair price at Commissaries, AND not paying sales tax was a plus (but the 5% surcharge now negates that), but the last few years, the Commissaries have fallen way behind in competitive pricing…