eBenefits

What is eBenefits, how do I create an account and what can I do when I have one?

The eBenefits Portal is an online resource for tools and benefits-related information for Wounded Warriors, Veterans, Active Duty Servicemembers, their families, and those who care for them.  The President's Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors established by Executive Order 13426 recommended the creation of a My eBenefits (a.k.a. eBenefits) web portal to provide the wounded, injured and ill service members/Veterans, their families and care providers a single sign-on, central access point to online benefits and related services.

eBenefits is located at www.ebenefits.va.gov. Before you can access and use eBenefits you must be listed in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and have a DS Logon.  Service members can access eBenefits with a DS Logon or Common Access Card (CAC).  You can choose from two levels of registration: DS Logon Level 1 (Basic) or DS Logon Level 2 (Premium).

If you are a veteran and have no DEERS info you must contact the VA to get your login information.

If you are a veteran you can use eBenefits to do the following:

• Apply for VA benefits online

• Check on your claim status

• Upload documents to support your claim

• Check GI Bill enrollment status

• Use the VetSuccess employment search

• View TRICARE information

• Sign up for Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) (time limits apply)

• Search for and select an accredited representative or organization

• Order prescription medications

• Securely message your physician

• Access your medical information via Blue Button

• Utilize the military skills translator and résumé builder

• Order medical equipment such as hearing aid batteries and prosthetic socks

• Check on your appeal status

• Generate a VA home loan certificate of eligibility

• Obtain official military personnel documents such as DD Form 214

• Register for and update direct deposit information for certain benefits

You can set up your Premium, eBenefits account by following these steps:

1. Go to www.ebenefits.va.gov and locate “Register” in the upper right corner and CLICK. This accesses the DS Login Account Registration Wizard

2. Select your registration method and provide the information to complete the registration process. (Note: Your password expires so you’ll be prompted to create a new one every 60 days.)

3. Answer the security questions to verify your identity within the time allowed, then select a security image. 

Now you have a BASIC DS Logon for your eBenefits account. To upgrade your account:

1. Click ‘Begin’ to answer any additional security questions and upgrade to a premium account.

2. At the next screen, choose your upgrade method. We recommend selecting ‘I have none of the above’ because even if you have a DFAS myPay account, this option causes delays and is not reliable. 

3. To finalize your eBenefits Premium account, you’ll need to agree to verify your identity through ‘remote proofing.’ Follow the on-screen prompts. You’ll have limited time to answer four questions about yourself. Select ‘begin.’

4. Remote proofing questions are pulled from your credit history and used to verify your identity. You have two chances to answer correctly. 

5. Answering the remote proofing questions successfully means you’ve verified your personal identity. You’ll receive notice on-screen indicating “Activation Successful.” You now have a Premium eBenefits account. 

If you were unable to complete the remote proofing process successfully, call the Veterans Benefits Association (VBA) Support Center to discuss your options. Call 1-800-827-1000; select the appropriate option

If the above process doesn’t work, or you need additional details on creating an eBenefit account, try the link below:

ebenefits.pdf (uscg.mil)

Remember to make a note of your username and password as you can use these not only for accessing your eBenefits but as your DS log on credentials as well for milConnect, My HealtheVet or for checking your Post-9/11 GI Bill Statement of Benefits.