For many years, access to Commissaries, Exchanges and Morale/Welfare/Recreation benefits were limited to active duty military, their families, and military retirees. As of 01/01/2020, new changes has expanded Commissary, Exchange and MWR privileges for veterans. Installation access is now granted to all service connected disabled Veterans, Purple Heart recipients, and former Prisoners of War. This benefit also includes individuals designated as the primary family caregivers of eligible veterans under the VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC).
A valid Veteran Health Identification Card must be presented to gain access to both the installation and commissary/exchange. The card must also display the veteran’s eligibility status (i.e., Purple Heart, Former POW or Service Connected). Veterans cannot be issued a VHIC without first enrolling in the VA Health Care System.
Eligible caregivers will receive an eligibility letter from VA’s Office of Community Care. If a primary family caregiver under PCAFC loses their eligibility letter, it is necessary to call 1-877- 733-7927 and request a replacement letter. You can also visit www.va.gov/health-care/familycaregiver- benefits/comprehensive-assistance for more information regarding the PCAFC.
This new access to Commissaries, Exchanges, and MWR activities is for installations in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and the participating U.S. territories and possessions. Access at installations overseas in foreign countries is subject to status of forces agreements, international laws, and other agreements with host countries. MWR benefits include access to golf courses, bowling centers, recreational lodging, RV campgrounds, movie theaters, marinas and kennels.
Some veterans may not have a service connected disability, or meet the Purple Heart/POW criteria. And so, all honorably discharged veterans and reservists do have the opportunity to shop through the online Exchanges. The first step to gain online Exchange privileges is to verify eligibility. Go to VetVerify.org and submit a verification form. Veterans are required to submit verification of their military service. Veterans will also be asked to provide their full name, last four digits of their Social Security Number, date of birth, and a contact email.
Authorized veterans can utilize any of the four (AAFES, NEXCOM, MCX and CGX) military Exchanges. These Exchanges can be found at shopmyexchange.com, mynavyexchange.com and ShopCGX.com. Additionally, veterans can use all of the online Exchanges mentioned regardless of their branch of service. Online shopping privileges exclude the purchase of uniforms, alcohol and tobacco products.
Contact your local NSO for any questions or visit: https://www.military.com/dailynews/ 2020/01/01/your-questions-answered-new-commissary-access-vets-and-caregivers.html