eBenefits: What Happened to the VA eBenefits Portal and Where to Log In Now

eBenefits was retired in 2022, and everything it did moved to VA.gov, the official VA website. You can no longer sign in at ebenefits.va.gov. This page shows where each former eBenefits task now lives on VA.gov, how to log in today with Login.gov or ID.me, and what to do if you get stuck.

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 these point to the same VA benefits portal, which is now VA.gov.

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:

Tip: If you can't find something, use the search bar at the top of VA.gov. Menu names change from time to time.

The biggest change is how you sign in. DS Logon and My HealtheVet usernames and passwords no longer work. You must use Login.gov or ID.me.

• What Happened to the Old eBenefits Portal?
• From eBenefits to VA.gov: What Changed
• Logging In to eBenefits / VA.gov Today
• Common eBenefits Tasks (and Where They Live Now)
• What Does VA.gov Offer?
• Sections of the VA.gov Portal
• What Is Not Available on VA.gov?
• What If You Get Locked Out?

Is eBenefits / VA.gov a Safe Official Website?

Yes. VA.gov is the official website of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Here are a few quick ways to make sure you're on the real site before you sign in or share any personal information:

• The address ends in .gov. Federal government websites often end in .gov. If gov means it's official, you know the United States government — not a copycat — runs the site.
• The connection is secure. Your browser shows a lock icon, which means data is encrypted and sent securely between you and VA.gov.
• You can talk to the veterans help line. If anything looks off, talk to the Veterans Benefits hotline at 1-800-827-1000 before entering personal details.

Only share sensitive information — Social Security numbers, banking details, medical records — on the official website (VA.gov) or through a trusted Veterans Service Officer. Never type those details into a link sent by email or text.

What Happened to the Old eBenefits Portal?

For more than a decade, eBenefits was the main online hub for veterans to file disability claims, check claim status, and manage benefits. The VA and the Department of Defense (DoD) ran it together.

As the site got older, the VA decided to bring everything into one modern website: VA.gov. Instead of moving everything at once, the VA moved eBenefits tools to VA.gov one at a time over several years. Today, if you visit ebenefits.va.gov, you'll see a notice that the eBenefits portal is no longer available, with a link to VA.gov.

The goal was simple. Instead of jumping between eBenefits, My HealtheVet, and other separate sites, veterans now have one place for their benefits and health care. VA.gov also requires stronger security, like a second sign-in step.

You haven't lost access to your benefits. They're all still there, just at a new address.

eBenefits vs. VA.gov

These two names stand for different stages of the VA's online services.

• eBenefits: the old benefits portal, built jointly by the VA and the Department of Defense. Its tools have been retired or moved.
• VA.gov: the current official VA website and the main place for online benefits. New VA online tools launch on VA.gov, not on the old portal.

If you are looking for eBenefits today, the service you need is almost always on VA.gov.

How to Log In to eBenefits 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.

1. Go to VA.gov and click Sign in at the top of the page.
2. Choose Login.gov.
3. Enter your email and password, or select Create an account if you are new.
4. Finish the extra security step (a text code, phone call, or authentication app).
5. Verify your identity the first time, if asked. Then you land on your VA.gov account.

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.

1. Go to VA.gov and click Sign in.
2. Choose ID.me.
3. Sign in, or create an account with your email and a password.
4. Set up the extra security step and upload a government-issued ID if asked.
5. Approve sharing with the VA. Then you land on your VA.gov account.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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/contact.

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.