How to Use the New VA.gov ‘eBenefits’ Portal for Services

For the past several years, veterans, active duty military members, and their families have been using the streamlined VA.gov website instead of the eBenefits portal to access their benefits and services. The recent transition has brought everything — like filing a disability claim, checking claim status, and updating direct deposit information — into one easy-to-navigate platform. This change has made managing VA benefits more convenient, with no need to jump between multiple sites.

In addition to a better user experience, VA.gov offers improved security with features like two-factor authentication to keep your personal info safe. This upgrade gives veterans a more modern and efficient way to handle their benefits all in one place.

We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about navigating the VA.gov platform, from how to log in securely to what specific tools and resources are available for veterans and their families. Whether you’re new to VA benefits or just looking for a refresher on the site’s features, this guide will help you take full advantage.

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Wait, what happened to the old eBenefits Portal?

The eBenefits portal was a long-standing site where veterans could manage their benefits, file disability claims, and check claim statuses. It served its purpose for years, but as technology advanced, the VA decided to move to a more modern platform that could provide a better user experience and stronger security.

That’s where VA.gov comes in. The decision to phase out eBenefits and move everything to VA.gov in 2022 was made to simplify the process for veterans. Instead of navigating multiple websites, everything is now available in one place. With added features like two-factor authentication, VA.gov also ensures better protection of personal information while making it easier for veterans to access and manage their benefits online.

What is the VA.gov ‘eBenefits’ Portal?

The VA.gov portal serves as a comprehensive online platform shared by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) to help veterans, service members, and their families access various benefits and services.

Users can find information and apply for benefits such as healthcare, education, disability compensation, pensions, and housing assistance — all in one spot. While most benefits are available through the portal, some specific services may still require additional steps or separate applications.

What does the VA.gov portal offer?

Using the VA.gov portal offers several advantages:

Saves time: Complete tasks online without the need for long waits or phone calls.
Saves money: Access services from home to avoid travel costs.
Convenient: Access your benefits anytime and anywhere with internet access.
User-friendly: The portal is designed to be easy to navigate, even for those less tech-savvy. It features a mobile-friendly website and a mobile app.

How do you sign into VA.gov?

Ready to dive in? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started with the VA.gov portal. There are two simple ways to sign in to VA.gov to manage your benefits:

Login.gov account

This is the easiest and most recommended way to log in. If you don’t have a Login.gov account, it’s quick to set one up! You’ll need an email address, strong password, and will have to use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). You may also need to give your Social Security number for verification. Login.gov works with many other government services too, making it convenient to use. Just go to VA.gov’s sign-in page and follow the steps to choose Login.gov.

ID.me account

Another safe option is ID.me. If you don’t have an account yet, you can sign up by providing some basic info and setting up MFA. ID.me is also used by other organizations to confirm your identity securely.

IMPORTANT: The old ways of signing in on eBenefits — like My HealtheVet and DS Logon — are going away soon. You won’t be able to use My HealtheVet after January 31, 2025, or DS Logon after September 30, 2025.

How do you get started with VA.gov’s new eBenefits replacement?

Once you’ve signed up and logged in, you can now:

Explore the dashboard: Once logged in, you’ll see your dashboard, your main hub for accessing benefits and services.

Check your benefits: On your dashboard, locate the “Benefits” section. Click on “Check Your VA Claim or Appeal Status,” and then view the list of your claims and their current status.

Apply for benefits: To apply for new benefits, go to the “Apply” section on your dashboard, choose the type of benefit you want (e.g., education, healthcare, or disability), and follow the prompts to fill out and submit your application.

What are the various sections of the VA.gov ‘eBenefits’ portal replacement?

The VA.gov portal is organized into several sections, helping veterans, service members, and their families manage their benefits. Here’s a breakdown of the key sections (which are, admittedly, similar to the old eBenefits system):

Dashboard: Your main hub after logging in, showing an overview of benefits and notifications.
Benefits: View and manage your benefits, track claims, and apply for new benefits.
Healthcare: Manage healthcare services, schedule appointments, and refill prescriptions.
Education: Access educational benefits, including GI Bill information and training programs.
Home Loans: Check loan eligibility and application status related to VA home loans.
Documents: Access important documents like VA award letters and manage personal documents.
My Profile: Update contact details and direct deposit information.
Help & Support: Access FAQs and resources for assistance with the portal.

What benefits/services are not available via VA.gov?

While the VA.gov portal provides access to many benefits, some services may still require additional steps or are not available through the platform:

VA home loan services: The application process may need to be handled through your lender or directly with the VA.
Veteran readiness and employment (VR&E): Some aspects may require direct contact with a VR&E counselor.
Appeals for the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA): Formal appeals may require additional documentation and submission via other channels.
Community care and non-VA healthcare services: Accessing care through non-VA facilities typically involves the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).
State-specific benefits: Some benefits are administered at the state level, requiring contact with your state’s Department of Veterans Affairs.
Emergency services and crisis support: Immediate support for mental health crises typically requires contacting a local VA facility or crisis center directly.
Services prohibited by your status: Certain benefits may be unavailable based on discharge status or service length.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding available services, explore both the VA.gov portal and the official websites of the VA and DoD, as well as state and local veteran services.

What if you get locked out of your account?

Locked out of your VA.gov account? Here’s what to do:

Reset your password. Go to VA.gov’s sign-in page. Click “Forgot Password” and follow the steps using your email or security questions.
Contact support. If resetting doesn’t work, reach out to VA.gov customer support. You can find their info under the “Contact Us” or “Help” sections on the website.

Pro tips to avoid lockouts:

Use a strong, unique password.
Turn on two-factor authentication (MFA) for extra security.
Be careful of phishing — don’t share your info with anyone unless you reached out first.