eBenefits VA: How to Use www.ebenefits.va.gov After the Move to VA.gov
If you've been searching for the eBenefits VA portal at www.ebenefits.va.gov, you're in the right place — and you're not alone. The VA retired the old eBenefits site in 2022 and moved everything to va.gov. This guide explains what changed, how to log in today, and exactly where to find every task that used to live on eBenefits.
Common spellings and search terms: If you searched for e benifits, ebenfits, ebenifits, ebenefits ebenefits, or www ebenefits va gov — you're in the right place. All of those terms point to the same VA benefits portal, now located at VA.gov.
What Happened to the Old eBenefits Portal?
The eBenefits portal served veterans for over a decade as the main hub for filing disability claims, checking claim status, and managing benefits. As the site aged, the VA decided to consolidate everything into a single, more modern platform.
The VA completed the transition to VA.gov in 2022. The goal was simple: instead of jumping between eBenefits, My HealtheVet, and other separate sites, veterans now have one place for everything. VA.gov also brought stronger security — including two-factor authentication — that the old eBenefits system could not match.
If you still have the old www.ebenefits.va.gov URL bookmarked, it redirects you to VA.gov. You have not lost access to your benefits — they are all still there, just at a new address.
From eBenefits to VA.gov: What Changed
The core features veterans relied on in eBenefits all moved to VA.gov, but the navigation looks different. Here is a quick comparison so you know what to expect:
| Old eBenefits location | Where it lives now on VA.gov |
|---|---|
| File a disability claim | VA.gov → Disability → File a claim (VA Form 21-526EZ) |
| Check claim or appeal status | VA.gov → Disability → Check your VA claim or appeal status |
| View payment history | VA.gov → Records → View your VA payment history |
| Update direct deposit | VA.gov → Profile → Direct deposit information |
| Download VA letters and award letters | VA.gov → Records → Download your VA benefit letters |
| Manage dependents | VA.gov → Disability → Add or remove a dependent (VA Form 21-686c) |
| GI Bill enrollment and status | VA.gov → Education → Check Post-9/11 GI Bill enrollment status |
| Request a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for home loans | VA.gov → Housing → Request a VA home loan COE |
| Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) | VA.gov → Careers → Apply for Veteran Readiness and Employment |
| Order hearing aid batteries or prosthetic socks | VA.gov → Health care → Order hearing aid batteries and accessories |
The single biggest practical change: DS Logon and My HealtheVet credentials no longer work as of their respective sunset dates (see the login section below). You must sign in with Login.gov or ID.me.
Logging In to eBenefits / VA.gov Today
VA.gov currently supports two login methods. Both require multi-factor authentication (MFA) — an extra verification step every time you sign in.
Option 1 — Login.gov (Recommended)
Login.gov is the VA's preferred option. It works across dozens of federal government sites, so one account gives you access to VA.gov, SSA.gov, TSA PreCheck, and more. To create an account you will need an email address, a strong password, and a phone number or authentication app for MFA. Some identity verification steps may ask for your Social Security number.
Go to va.gov, click Sign in, and choose Login.gov to get started.
Option 2 — ID.me
ID.me is a private identity verification service accepted by the VA. You create an account with your email, upload a government-issued ID for identity proofing, and set up MFA. ID.me is also used by many state unemployment agencies and other organizations.
Credential Sunset Dates — Important
The older login methods that worked on eBenefits are being retired:
- My HealtheVet credentials: Retired January 31, 2025. No longer accepted on VA.gov.
- DS Logon: Retired September 30, 2025. No longer accepted on VA.gov.
If you have not yet switched to Login.gov or ID.me, do it now. Your benefits and records are not affected — only the login method changes.
Common eBenefits Tasks (and Where They Live Now)
Once you are signed in to VA.gov, here is how to complete the tasks veterans do most often.
Check Your Disability Claim Status
Go to Disability → Check your VA claim or appeal status. You will see each open claim, the current step in the process, and any action items the VA needs from you.
File a New Disability Claim
Go to Disability → File a disability claim (21-526EZ). The online form saves your progress automatically so you can return if you need to gather more records. For a complex claim, consider working with a VSO — many can file directly through the VA's system on your behalf.
Download Your Benefit Award Letter
Go to Records → Download your VA benefit letters. You can download an official PDF that shows your current disability rating and monthly compensation — commonly needed for housing applications, property tax exemptions, and state benefit programs.
Update Direct Deposit
Go to Profile → Direct deposit information. Changes typically take effect within one to two payment cycles.
Add or Remove a Dependent
Go to Disability → Add or remove a dependent. Adding a qualifying dependent (spouse, child, or dependent parent) can increase your monthly compensation if your rating is 30% or higher.
What Does VA.gov Offer?
VA.gov is a joint platform run by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD). It covers benefits and services for veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their families. Key advantages over the old eBenefits portal include:
- One login for everything — no more separate accounts for eBenefits, My HealtheVet, and Vets.gov.
- Mobile-friendly design — the site and the VA mobile app both work on phones and tablets.
- Stronger security — MFA is required, and Login.gov uses NIST-compliant identity proofing.
- Real-time claim tracking — claim status updates faster than the old eBenefits system did.
- Integrated health and benefits — you can schedule a VA healthcare appointment and check a disability claim in the same session.
Sections of the VA.gov Portal
VA.gov is organized into topic areas rather than the tool-based layout eBenefits used. Here is what each section covers:
- Disability — File claims, check status, manage dependents, request a decision review.
- Health care — Apply for VA health care, schedule appointments, refill prescriptions, send secure messages to your care team.
- Education — Manage GI Bill benefits, check enrollment status, apply for educational programs.
- Housing assistance — Apply for a VA-backed home loan, request a Certificate of Eligibility, explore adaptive housing grants.
- Pension — Apply for Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension.
- Careers and employment — Apply for Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E), explore job tools.
- Life insurance — Manage SGLI, VGLI, and other VA life insurance policies.
- Burials and memorials — Apply for burial benefits and pre-need eligibility.
- Records — Download benefit letters, request military records (DD-214), view payment history.
- Profile — Update contact information, direct deposit details, and connected apps.
What Is Not Yet Available on VA.gov?
Most eBenefits features have fully migrated, but a few workflows still require a phone call, in-person visit, or separate process:
- VA home loan servicing: The loan application process involves your lender; only the COE request is handled on VA.gov.
- Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) formal submissions: Complex BVA filings may require additional documentation through the Appeals Management Office.
- Community care and non-VA healthcare referrals: Accessing care at a non-VA facility typically involves calling your VA facility's community care coordinator.
- State-specific veterans benefits: State-level programs — property tax exemptions, state disability pay, state veteran homes — are administered by your state's Department of Veterans Affairs, not VA.gov.
- Mental health crisis support: Call or text the Veterans Crisis Line at 988, then press 1. Do not use VA.gov for emergencies.
What If You Get Locked Out?
If you cannot sign in to VA.gov, try these steps in order:
- Reset your password — Go to the VA.gov sign-in page, click Forgot password, and follow the steps for your login provider (Login.gov or ID.me). The reset email arrives within a few minutes.
- Check your MFA device — If you changed your phone number or lost access to your authenticator app, log in to your Login.gov or ID.me account directly to update your MFA settings before trying VA.gov again.
- Contact VA.gov support — Call 1-800-698-2411 (TTY: 711), available 24/7. For Login.gov-specific issues, contact Login.gov support at login.gov.
Security tips: Use a unique password you do not use on any other site. Enable MFA on every device you might use to sign in. Never share your credentials — VA.gov staff will never ask for your password.
Not sure what benefits you qualify for? Sign up for a free BenefitKarma account to discover every VA and federal benefit available to you and your family.