Starting January 1, 2020, the Department of Defense (DoD) expanded eligibility for commissary, exchange, and MWR retail privileges to the following groups:

• Purple Heart recipients (veterans awarded the Purple Heart)
• Former prisoners of war (POWs)
• All veterans with service-connected disabilities (none are excluded based on rating)
• Primary family caregivers of eligible veterans under the VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (approved and designated)

This expanded access was authorized by the Purple Heart and Disabled Veterans Equal Access Act of 2018 (codified at 10 U.S.C. § 1065) and implemented through DoD policy beginning Jan. 1, 2020. 

• Medal of Honor recipients and veterans with 100% service-connected disabilities already had eligibility under prior DoD policy. 
• The Department of Homeland Security (which includes the U.S. Coast Guard) is involved in implementation where Coast Guard facilities are concerned.

Newly eligible patrons can access a wide range of retail and recreational facilities on military installations, such as:

• Commissaries*
• Military service exchanges (e.g., Army & Air Force Exchange Service)
• Golf courses
• Bowling centers
• Recreational lodging
• RV campgrounds
• Movie theaters
• Other MWR retail activities

* A small processing fee may be charged to new users eligible solely under this act to cover credit/debit card processing costs. 

Veterans typically use the Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) that shows Purple Heart, Former POW, or Service Connected status for access and to make purchases. 

Eligible caregivers present a VA eligibility letter plus an acceptable credential (like a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or passport).