Skip to main content
For Immediate Help: 800-544-9144
Veterans Law

The Basics of eBenefits

Alyse Phillips

July 30, 2018

Updated: November 20, 2023

VA eBenefits

What is eBenefits?

eBenefits is a secure web portal created by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense in an effort to provide veterans, service members, and their families self-service capabilities in managing VA and military benefits.

This portal allows veterans, service members, and their families an array of self-service functions such as checking the status of a VA claim, applying for benefits, and more features which will be discussed below. In addition to self-service functions, the eBenefits site provides users with informational links to other resources about military and veteran benefits.

How to access eBenefits

In order to access eBenefits, veterans and servicemembers must be listed in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and create a DS logon. If you are not in the DEERS system, your local VA Regional Office can assist you. This logon is how you will access eBenefits and remains valid through the rest of your life. In order to access the full range of features eBenefits has to offer, it is recommended by VA that you register for DS Logon Level 2 (Premium). Both the basic and premium options are at no cost to you, however, the premium logon provides users with much greater access to their information and allows them to utilize more features than the basic logon offers.

My HealtheVet

Veterans with a premium DS Logon may also use this account to access My HealtheVet. While eBenefits primarily focuses on features of the Veterans Benefits Administration, My HealtheVet allows veterans, servicemembers, and their caregivers access to health information from the Veterans Health Administration or Tricare. My HealtheVet allows veterans, servicemembers, and caregivers to securely view, download, and print medical records, refill prescriptions, communicate with their doctor, and more.

Features of eBenefits and My HealtheVet

For Veterans:

  • Apply for VA disability compensation
  • Check the status of your compensation or pension claim
  • Upload evidence to support a disability or pension claim
  • View Post-9/11 GI Bill enrollment status
  • Use VA’s employment search VetSuccess
  • View DoD TRICARE health insurance
  • Enroll in Veterans’ Group Life Insurance
  • Search for VA accredited organizations or representatives
  • Order prescription medication refills
  • Securely message your doctors
  • Access medical information via “Blue Button”
  • Use the military skills translator and resume builder
  • Order medical equipment (e.g. hearing aid batteries, prosthetic socks)
  • Check the status of your appeal
  • Generate a VA home loan certificate of eligibility
  • Obtain military documents, such as a DD 214
  • Register for and update direct deposit information

For Service members

  • Online transition assistance and more via the eLearning center
  • Transfer Post-9/11 education benefits
  • View DoD TRICARE health insurance
  • View DoD TRICARE reserve select
  • Service member out-of-pocket medical expenses (CCD) sign up
  • Check Service members’ Group Life Insurance elections
  • Apply for VA benefits online
  • Take part in a health benefits eligibility check
  • Update civilian employment information
  • View service member personnel information
  • Generate a VA home loan certificate of eligibility

For Family Members

  • Check the status of a pension or compensation claim
  • Get health information via the eLearning Center
  • View Post-9/11 GI Bill enrollment status
  • Check VA payment history

Visit VA’s fact sheet on eBenefits for more information here.

About the Author

Bio photo of Alyse Phillips

Alyse is a Supervising Attorney at Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick. Since joining the firm in August of 2016, she has specialized in representing disabled veterans and their dependents before the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

See more about Alyse