eBenefits Enrollment Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Benefits

United States Department of Veterans Affairs

eBenefits Enrollment Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is eBenefits?

The eBenefits portal was developed by the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs to be a web based one-stop shop for online benefits-related tools and information for Wounded Warriors, Veterans, Service Members, their families, and their caretakers.

After you create an account, you can use my eBenefits to set up a profile, add and manage favorite links, access military personnel records such as your DD 214, and view healthcare information, and more.

Explore eBenefits to learn more about the available self-service features. Additional capabilities are always in development, so check back often. To get the most of your eBenefits experience, you will need to obtain a DoD Self Service (DS) Logon.

What is a DS Logon?

DS Logon is a secure, self-service logon ID that allows Beneficiaries affiliated with the DoD or the VA access to several websites using a single username and password. If you are already registered in DEERS, you are eligible for a DS Logon. Once you have a DS Logon, it's valid for the rest of your life.

A DS Logon supports the Personnel Identity Protection Directive and National Institute of Standards and Technology e-Authentication guidance. It provides a high level of authentication assurance in situations where Common Access Card authentication is not available.

What is a Basic (eBenefits) DS Logon Account?

A Basic DS Logon Basic account is an entry-level user account established online that provides limited access to your personal information. This level of account is only provided to individuals who have registered online on the eBenefits website without being in-person proofed. Many applications within eBenefits will not allow access with a Basic account.

What is a Premium (eBenefits) DS Logon Account?

A DS Logon Premium account is given to a user who has registered online through an identity proofing process or an in-person proofing process with a VA or DoD agency official. A Premium account is a higher level of validation and assurance as it enables eBenefits users access to personally identifiable information and unlimited access to all eBenefits features.

How do I get a DS Logon (eBenefits) Premium account if I am a Service member?

If you have a Common Access Card you may request a DS Logon for yourself and eligible family members via the DS Access Center at https://myaccess.dmdc.osd.mil/dsaccess/.

I am an active Service member with a Common Access Card. Do I need to be In- Person Proofed?

No. If you are an active duty service member, having a Common Access Card verifies that you have been in-person proofed.

How do I get a DS Logon (eBenefits) Premium account if I am a military retiree?

If you have a DFAS myPay Login identification, you may request a DS Logon for yourself and eligible family members via the DS Access Center at https://myaccess.dmdc.osd.mil/dsaccess/.

You may also visit the eBenefits Registration webpage for other ways to obtain a DS Logon account.

How do I get a DS Logon (eBenefits) Premium account if I am a Veteran?

You can obtain a DS Logon Basic account by registering online via eBenefits . To obtain a Premium account, you can register in-person, on the telephone, or online depending on your status. See the links below to determine your best route to obtaining a Premium account.

What is in-person proofing?

In-person proofing is a method of verifying the identity of a Veteran, Service Member, or dependent. It requires that you appear in person at a VA regional office or DoD TRICARE facility located on a military installation and verify your identity.

Why is in-person proofing necessary for a DS Logon Premium account?

In-person proofing ensures that you are who you say you are. It also prevents an imposter from using your name to create a fraudulent DS Logon account.

Where can I be in-person proofed for a DS Logon (eBenefits) Premium account and what information will I need to bring?

In person proofing is currently performed at designated VA Regional Offices or DoD TRICARE facilities. You will need to bring the following identification with you to be in-person proofed.

At least one form of photo identification issued by a federal or state government. This includes a state-issued driver's license, identification card, or U.S. passport (expired or unexpired).
A secondary form of identification. This includes a birth certificate, social security card, or picture ID from a non-governmental entity (for example, a university identification).
If the address on your identification items doesn’t match the address in DEERS, you need to bring proof of residency. This can be can be a utility bill, phone bill, financial statement, mortgage voucher, or rent voucher.

Can I obtain a DS Logon (eBenefits) Premium account over the telephone?

Yes, you can obtain an eBenefits Premium account using the telephone proofing process. You must be receiving VA monetary benefit payments via electronic funds transfer. Your monetary payments can be compensation, pension, education, or vocational rehabilitation. To telephone proof, you must provide the following information:

Full name (Last name used while in service may be different than what is provided);
Social Security Number;
Checking or Savings Account Number and Routing Number;
Dollar amount of your most recent electronic fund transfer.

How do I request a DS Logon (eBenefits) Premium account using my MyHealtheVet account?

To obtain your new or upgraded DS Logon (eBenefits) Premium account, you must use the DS Logon Account Request Portal and follow the steps below.

Go to http://www.myhealth.va.gov/mhv-dslogon-portal-web/dslogonauth.portal and sign in with your In-Person Authenticated My HealtheVet credentials.
Click on the DS Logon Account Request tab.
Check the appropriate boxes to verify and acknowledge use of your personal information.
Click Request DS Logon account.
Receive your DS Logon activation code.
Go to https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/appj/dsaccess/ and select Activate a DS Logon.
Follow the on-screen instructions to activate your DS Logon.
Record your username and password. Then return to eBenefits and click Log in.

Note: If you are upgrading from a Basic DS Logon, once you receive your Premium DS Logon activation code, your Basic account will be immediately deactivated.

Can a Spouse or Dependent of a Veteran obtain a DS Logon?

A spouse or dependent of a Service member or Veteran may request a DS Logon at a DoD RAPIDS facility when obtaining a military identification card or at a VA regional office after completing an in-person proofing process.

The spouse or dependent of a DoD Sponsor may also initiate a DS Logon request via the DS Access Center via https://myaccess.dmdc.osd.mil/dsaccess/.

A family member may choose one of the following options:

Spouse or family member of a service member: Have the DoD sponsor request a DS Logon on behalf of the family member.
Dependent age 18 or older: If the dependent has an ID card or having it replaced and you has the proper documentation, a DS Logon may be requested without having a sponsor present.

What if I am not in DEERs?

Enrollment in DEERS is automatic for all Service Members and Veterans who have served since 1982. Those who served prior to 1982 are being added from VA/DoD records.

If you find that you're not registered in DEERS or are simply not sure, call the DEERS Support Office toll-free telephone number:

800-527-5602 for Alaska and Hawaii
800-334-4162 for California
800-538-9552 for All Other States

Note: The best time to call the DEERS office is between 0600 and 1500 PST.

What will I need to do when my DS Logon (eBenefits) activation code arrives?

Once you receive your DS Logon activation code, via the mail in about 5-12 business days, go to the DoD Self-Service Access Center, then click Activate a DoD Self-Service Logon.

What if I do not use my DS Logon (eBenefits) account for 12 months? Will I need to get in-person proofed again?

No, you do not need to be in-person proofed again. The DoD Self-Service Logon credential does not expire. However, if the account is not used for 150 days, the password will expire. To log on to the account again, the password must be reset by answering the challenge questions that were chosen during the initial setup of the account.

Can I activate my new account without waiting for my temporary access code?

Yes you can. In order to do so you must:

Logon to the DS ACCESS CENTER (http://myaccess.dmdc.osd.mil/appj/dsaccess/)
Select "Manage My Information."
Enter your DS LOGON Username and Password (DOB formatted as MMDDYYYY).
Note: If you don’t know your username, contact us (see below for contact information).
If you are successful the screen will display a message to "Change Password."

NOTE: If you happen to repeat step 4 multiple times unsuccessfully your account may be suspended and the screen will display "Unlock Account." Below are instructions on how to unlock your account.

“Change Password” Message: To successfully change your password:

Reenter your preset password (DOB formatted as MMDDYYYY).
Enter your new password – twice.

“Unlock Account” Message: To unlock your account:

Answer 3 challenge questions. (Hint: the answers are DOB formatted as MMDDYYYY.)

This will unlock your account and you can establish a personalized password as described under “Change Password.”

After your Password has been established successfully, logon to the DS Access Center again (using your new password) and set your Challenge Questions. Once completed, log into eBenefits using your new account information.

Where can I get answers to my additional questions?

You can obtain answers to your questions by:

Submitting your request by email to EBENEFITSFEEDBACK.VBACO@va.gov or
Contacting a VA benefits representative at 1-800-827-1000 (Monday-Friday, 8am to 9pm EST)
For questions about eBenefits call 1-800-983-0937 (Monday-Friday, 7am to 7pm CST)