Are you a military retiree or veteran looking for information on how to apply for commissary privileges? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Commissary privileges are available to veterans with a VA health care card and active duty, reserve, and National Guard personnel.
No application is necessary, but you will need to present the proper identification at checkout. This can be in the form of a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) or letter from the VA, accompanied by either a passport or driver’s license.
We will walk you through the process of applying for these privileges and give you some tips on what to expect. We hope that this information will help make your experience as a commissary patron a positive one! Thank you for reading.
Who is Eligible for Military Commissary?
Active duty military personnel, National Guard and Reserve members, retired servicemen and women, Medal of Honor recipients, veterans who are 100 percent disabled, and their authorized family members are among those permitted to shop at the commissary, according to Department of Defense Instruction 1330.17, Dod Commissary Program.
The commissary is a store on military bases that offers discounted prices on food and other household items. A surcharge (currently 5 percent) is implemented on every commissary purchase to generate funds for Congress-mandated construction, equipment, and maintenance expenses. Commissaries sell discounted groceries and home goods.
To be able to shop at the commissary, you’ll need to get a commissary privileges card, also known as a DoD ID card. You can obtain one of these cards if you are a member of the military, a veteran, or the dependent of a person who is. You’ll need to have your ID card with you whenever you go to the commissary.
You can get a commissary privileges card through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) if you’re a veteran. To do this, you’ll need to show proof of service and have a valid photo ID. If you are a dependent of a veteran, you can also obtain a commissary card. In this case, you’ll need to show proof of relationship and have a valid photo ID.
You may be eligible for commissary privileges if you were honorably discharged from the military. These are often awarded to those who have received the Medal of Honor or who have been confirmed as 100% disabled by the VA as a result of their service. These people’s family members may also be authorized to exercise the entitlement.
In January 2020, the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security extended in-store commissary and military exchange shopping privileges, as well as MWR retail facility use, to Purple Heart recipients, former POWs, all Veterans with service-connected disabilities, and caregivers or family caregivers enrolled in the primary caregiver program for Veterans through the Department of Veteran Affairs.
Can Civilians Shop at Commissary?
Civilians cannot shop at commissaries. The discounted prices are only available to people in the aforementioned groups. A commissary is an excellent option for anyone saving money on groceries and household supplies. Veterans and members of the VA can shop at commissaries as well. This is a fantastic advantage for individuals who have served in the military.
How Do I Get a VA Commissary Letter?
To get a VA commissary letter, you need to provide your military ID card and proof of service to the commissary. If you are a veteran wanting to shop at a commissary, you must get a VA commissary letter. This letter proves that you are eligible to shop at the commissary and allows you to access the discounted prices.
There are a few ways that you can get a VA commissary letter. First, you can request one from the Veterans Affairs office or your local commissary. You can also ask for a letter from your military base’s customer service office. If you have any questions about getting a VA commissary letter, please contact your local Veterans Affairs office or commissary.
Can My Wife Shop at the Commissary?
The new law prohibits spouses and dependents from purchasing items in commissaries, exchanges, or morale, welfare, and recreation facilities. Shoppers who are authorized may bring a guest to the commissary. Please keep in mind that a commissary is solely for guests, and authorized consumers are not permitted to make purchases on their behalf. The rules for non-military personnel accessing the commissary may differ depending on where you are, so it is recommended that you check with the commissary management before attempting to enter.
How Much Should I Tip the Commissary Baggers?
According to recent studies, the average tip per trip falls between $3 and $5. This number could be less if you allow them to bag but don’t ask for help unloading groceries or more if you buy many items or shop during holidays. Commissary baggers do not expect tips, but they are greatly appreciated by those who receive them.
Are You Supposed to Tip Commissary Baggers?
You are not required to tip commissary baggers. But you may get some side-eye if you accept help carrying your groceries to the car and don’t give a bagger something for their trouble. If a commissary bagger is rude to you, the store’s manager asks that you report the incident using the person’s number (found on their name tag).
What is the Commissary Surcharge?
The commissary surcharge is a 5 percent fee added to every purchase made at a commissary. This surcharge is used to generate funds for Congress-mandated construction, equipment, and maintenance expenses. The commissary surcharge is not a tip and cannot be used to offset the cost of groceries or other items purchased at the commissary.
Is Walmart Cheaper Than Commissary?
The commissary is cheaper in general, especially if you reside somewhere that taxes certain food items. While it requires more effort, you can save money in the long run by checking commissary sales and only buying items from Walmart that are not available as generics.
The commissary sells tax-free items with a 5% fee. According to DeCa, military families who shop at the commissary on a regular basis can save up to 30% on their purchases. When compared to civilian grocery stores, the commissary is typically 20-25% cheaper. However, it is essential to remember that not all things are always cheaper at the commissary. You might be able to find some goods cheaper at Walmart or another store. Before making a purchase, comparing prices at both the commissary and civilian stores is critical. When comparing pricing, keep in mind the time and effort required to buy at the commissary.
The commissary can be out of the way for some people, and it may require more time to drive there and shop. When considering whether or not the commissary is worth your time, you should factor in the cost of gas and your time. For example, if you value your time at $15 per hour, and it takes you two hours to shop at the commissary, then your time cost would be $30. This should be compared to the amount you save by shopping at the commissary. For example, if you saved $100 on your groceries by shopping at the commissary, it would be worthwhile to make the trip. However, if you only saved $50, then you might want to consider shopping at a closer store.
Do You Save Money at the Commissary?
Commissaries are a cost-cutting military benefit: clients save roughly 24% on their purchases when compared to equivalent products provided by commercial stores. This amounts to thousands of dollars per year. In addition, there are commissary locations all over the world, making it easy for you to get the items you need no matter where you are stationed.
The savers you see on TV know how to save money by capitalizing on store policies and strategies. The commissary has its version of couponing and stores savings. By following these guidelines, you can shop like savvy savers and keep more money in your pocket.
There are many ways to save money at the commissary. One way is by using coupons. The commissary accepts manufacturer’s coupons and commissary coupons (also called “Commissary Rewards Cards” or CRCs). These coupons can be found online or in Sunday newspaper inserts. Taking advantage of commissary sales is another way to save money. The commissary has sales every week, and you can save even more by combining sale items with coupons.
The commissary also offers a case lot sale several times a year. This is an excellent opportunity to purchase bigger quantities of non-perishable commodities at a reduced price. This is ideal for stocking up on items that you use regularly or know you will need in the future. You can also get excellent bargains on Christmas things like decorations and snacks.
When it comes to saving money at the commissary, there are many options available to you. You can easily save hundreds of dollars each year by taking advantage of coupons, sales, and case lot sales. So start shopping smart and start saving today.