eBenefits Enrollment Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is eBenefits?
What is a DS Logon?
What is a Basic (eBenefits) DS Logon Account?
What is a Premium (eBenefits) DS Logon Account?
How do I get a DS Logon (eBenefits) Premium account if I am a Service member?
I am an active Service member with a Common Access Card. Do I need to be In- Person Proofed?
How do I get a DS Logon (eBenefits) Premium account if I am a military retiree?
How do I get a DS Logon (eBenefits) Premium account if I am a Veteran?
What is in-person proofing?
Why is in-person proofing necessary for a DS Logon Premium account?
Where can I be in-person proofed for a DS Logon (eBenefits) Premium account and what information will I need to bring?
Can I obtain a DS Logon (eBenefits) Premium account over the telephone?
How do I request a DS Logon (eBenefits) Premium account using my MyHealtheVet account?
Can a Spouse or Dependent of a Veteran obtain a DS Logon?
What if I am not in DEERs?
What will I need to do when my DS Logon (eBenefits) activation code arrives?
What if I do not use my DS Logon (eBenefits) account for 12 months? Will I need to get in-person proofed again?
Can I activate my new account without waiting for my temporary access code?
Where can I get answers to my additional questions?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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:
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.
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:
Note: If you don’t know your username, contact us (see below for contact information).
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:
“Unlock Account” Message: To unlock your account:
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: