Just saw this official VA announcement from June 18, 2026: Certain veterans with severe service-connected disabilities can now get TSA PreCheck enrollment at no cost.
Quick Details:
Comes from the VETS (Veterans Expedited TSA Screening) Safe Travel Act, signed into law January 2025.
Eligibility is narrow but powerful:
Comes from the VETS (Veterans Expedited TSA Screening) Safe Travel Act, signed into law January 2025.
Eligibility is narrow but powerful:
- You must be enrolled in VA healthcare.
- VA has rated you with a service-connected disability involving loss/loss of use of an extremity, full or partial paralysis, or permanent blindness.
- You require a VA-issued wheelchair or prosthetic limb because of that disability.
If you meet the criteria, VA should have already sent (or made available) a TSA PreCheck eligibility letter in your VA.gov account.
How to Check & Apply:
- Log into VA.gov → Benefits & Healthcare → Records → Download VA Benefit Letters.
- If you have the letter, follow the instructions on the TSA VETS Safe page.
- You’ll still need to pass TSA’s background check and citizenship requirements.
Even if you don’t qualify for the free enrollment, remember TSA Cares is available for any disabled vet who needs extra assistance at the checkpoint.
This is a solid win for those who qualify — no more shoes/belt/laptop hassle on travel days.
Anyone already receive their letter or go through the process? How smooth (or not) was it? Worth sharing any tips for the rest of the crew.
Link: VA News Article