U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs / Department of Defense eBenefits Anthoneal Newman, Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Counselor Benefits Assistance Service Department of Veterans Affairs

eBenefits Objectives Provide eBenefits overview How to obtain a Premium account Introduce the new DoD Registration Wizard

eBenefits Overview The eBenefits portal (www.ebenefits.va.gov) is a joint Department of Defense (DoD) and VA initiative that provides personalized self service capabilities and resources to service members, Veterans, their families, and caregivers. Development of eBenefits was initiated in March of 2007 at the recommendation of the President’s Commission on Care for America’s Returning Wounded Warriors (Dole/Shalala). With quarterly releases, eBenefits continues to evolve as a “one-stop shop” for service members and Veterans.

eBenefits Importance eBenefits combines DoD and VA applications and services to deliver personalized, proactive and transactional self service capabilities, thereby improving the customer experience. eBenefits enables users to access personnel and health records information throughout their entire career without redundancy. Through the implementation of mandatory eBenefits premium accounts for service members at accession in 2011, both Departments can seamlessly communicate the right benefits information at the right time throughout a service member’s career lifecycle.

eBenefits 2010 Implemented Features

eBenefits 2011 Implemented Features SPRING 2011 Veterans Group Life Insurance – Provides for the conversion of Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) to a renewable term life insurance policy within 120 days of separation from active duty service. Online Patient Authorization (Phase I) – Provides users with the online option to participate in the exchange of administrative and medical information between the VA, DoD, and external providers in support of VLER.. BDD, Quick Start, VR&E, & Health Early Communication (Phase II) – Provides users with early notification of BDD, Quick Start, VR&E and Health benefits based on business defined triggers. Benefits Explorer Interactive Tool- Allows users to interact with a display that presents benefit information at different stages in their career or personal lifecycle. SUMMER 2011 VETSuccess – Enables users to review employment opportunities, update resume, and apply for positions. Transition Assistance Program Online Training – Provides users with personalized access to transition program information through an interactive learning curriculum. Life Events Early Communication (Phase III) – Provides users with early notification of benefits based on business define life event triggers. Accredited Representative Search Tool – Provides users with the ability to search for and select an accredited representative for Claims assistance. FALL 2011 Mobile Feature (Appeals Status) – Provides expanded access to check their enrollment status. VONAPP Direct Connect – The portal will provide users with the ability to complete online claims (ie. Dependency and original compensation claim) applications for compensation or benefits using a wizard based tool. WINTER 2011 Online Patient Authorization (Phase II) – The portal will provide users with the online option to select or deselect providers to exchange administrative and medical information. Exam Appointment Calendar – Allows users to view the dates and times of their C&P exams and request changes if appropriate. Mobile Feature (Ch. 33 Enrollment Status) – Provides expanded access to Ch. 33 enrollment status via mobile devices and smart phones. C&P Claim Status Enhancement –Enhancements will be made to the current Compensation & Pension Claim Status feature that provides users with the ability to monitor select C&P Claim information. Web Access for Verification of Education (WAVE) – Students using the Montgomery GI Bill can confirm their monthly school enrollment using this online tool. Post 9/11 GI Enrollment Status – View your entitlement and school enrollment information for Post 9/11 GI Bill Education benefits. 6

eBenefits 2012 Pending Features SPRING 2012 Payment History – Updates to show indebtedness and new payment types VA for Veterans – Enables Veterans to search for employment within VA, and receive employment counseling and support Compensation Benefits - Enables Veterans to apply for VA Compensation Benefits using wizard style tool DFAS MyPay Single Sign On – Enables eBenefits users with MyPay accounts to seamlessly access MyPay from eBenefits CAC Enable User Access – Enables users to logon to eBenefits using their Common Access Card Enhanced User Personalization – Enables the user to personalize their experience with featured widgets WINTER 2012 Education Claim Status – Enables Service Members/ Veterans to check status of education claim View Education Documents – Enables Service Members/ Veterans to view their personal documents on record at VA PTSD Claim –Enables Service Members and Veterans to apply for PTSD Benefits (Combat or Personal Assault) using wizard style tool Un-Employability Claim –Enables Service Members and Veterans to apply for Increase in Compensation based on Un-Employability using wizard style tool Online Mobile Application Store – Enables users of mobile phones to download mobile app versions of selected eBenefits features FALL 2012 Servicemember Group Life Insurance Online Enrollment System (SOES) – Enables Service Members to enroll/manage SGLI policies Service-Disabled Veterans Life Insurance – Enables Service Disabled Veterans to apply for special group life insurance MyHealtheVet Single Sign-On – Enables users to move between MHV and eBenefits without re-authenticating Reserve Retirements Benefits Selection – Enables Service Members to view Retirement Benefits options SUMMER 2012 CHAMPVA – Enables Veterans/Dependents to apply for and receive status of medical benefits for qualified dependents VA Claims Status – Provides additional information regarding VA benefits claim status Burial Pre-Needs – Enables Veterans to pre-qualify for burial benefits online Release of Information – Enables Service Members and Veterans to complete the release of medical information as related to pending claims Assignment of VSO – Enables Service Members and Veterans to request VSO representation electronically, enables the VSO to respond electronically and files the POA electronically SUMMER 2011 VETSuccess – Enables users to review employment opportunities, update resume, and apply for positions. Transition Assistance Program Online Training – Provides users with personalized access to transition program information through an interactive learning curriculum. Life Events Early Communication (Phase III) – Provides users with early notification of benefits based on business define life event triggers. Accredited Representative Search Tool – Provides users with the ability to search for and select an accredited representative for Claims assistance. FALL 2011 Mobile Feature (Appeals Status) – Provides expanded access to check their enrollment status. VONAPP Direct Connect – The portal will provide users with the ability to complete online claims (ie. Dependency and original compensation claim) applications for compensation or benefits using a wizard based tool. WINTER 2011 Online Patient Authorization (Phase II) – The portal will provide users with the online option to select or deselect providers to exchange administrative and medical information. Exam Appointment Calendar – Allows users to view the dates and times of their C&P exams and request changes if appropriate. Mobile Feature (Ch. 33 Enrollment Status) – Provides expanded access to Ch. 33 enrollment status via mobile devices and smart phones. C&P Claim Status Enhancement –Enhancements will be made to the current Compensation & Pension Claim Status feature that provides users with the ability to monitor select C&P Claim information. Web Access for Verification of Education (WAVE) – Students using the Montgomery GI Bill can confirm their monthly school enrollment using this online tool. Post 9/11 GI Enrollment Status – View your entitlement and school enrollment information for Post 9/11 GI Bill Education benefits. 7

eBenefits Self-Service: Key Features eBenefits provides users with personalized, proactive and transactional self service capabilities, including the ability to: Apply for benefits online Obtain a Home Loan COE Access and retrieve Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) Review payment history Review claims and appeals status Generate self service benefits letters Search for and select an accredited representative Access eBenefits information from a mobile device Apply for or Modify Dependency Ch. 33 Education Enrollment

eBenefits Beyond the Desktop eBenefits self service is available from mobile devices (https://m.eBenefits.va.gov) The mobile Find a Facility feature locates VA and DOD facilities using the smart device’s GPS location – it also provides users with the option to map directions or call a facility. The mobile C&P Claims Status feature provides access to claims information consistent with status details available in the My eBenefits Dashboard. The mobile VA Payment History feature allows users to monitor their Compensation and Pension, Education, and Vocational Rehabilitation benefits payments. The mobile Appeals Status feature allows users to view the status of their appeals. The mobile application is optimized for the Apple iPhone, Motorola: Droid , CLIQ; HTC: Dream, Magic, Hero, Droid Eris; Samsung.

eBenefits Registration Overview: DS Logon Credential How do I access eBenefits Self-Service features? eBenefits self-service capabilities are made possible by the use of DoD’s Self- Service Logon (DS Logon) credential The DS Logon is leveraged by eBenefits and several other VA and DoD projects to provide identity authentication. Services leveraging this credential include: eBenefits, myDoDbenefits, TRICARE Online, & DEERS There are two credential levels: Basic (Level 1) and Premium (Level 2)

eBenefits Registration Overview: DS Logon Credential cont. The DS Access Station is a web-based application used to request Premium DS Logons for Veterans DoD’s Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) manages the DS Logon and the DS Access Station To obtain a DS Logon, users must: Be registered in DEERS (Pre-DEERS members are allowed) Follow strict password guidelines And be identity-proofed if accessing PII/HIPAA information (Level 2)

eBenefits Registration Overview: Basic vs. Premium How is a DS Logon Level 1 (Basic) different than a DS Logon Level 2 (Premium) credential? A DS Logon Level 1 or “eBenefits Basic Account”, is obtained via self-registration in eBenefits and provides limited access to integrated self-service features. Only requires that user be registered in DEERS Provides limited access to eBenefits features No access to personally-identifiable information (PII) Note: Creating a Basic account prior to upgrading to a Premium account allows the user to have instant access.

eBenefits Registration Overview: Basic vs. Premium cont. A DS Logon Level 2 credential, also referred to as an “eBenefits Premium Account”, requires another level of validation and assurance as it enables eBenefits users access to PII and information protected by the requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Requires identity verification (online, by phone, or in-person) Provides unlimited access to eBenefits features Allows users to access PII through VA and DoD applications and services Note: Creating a Premium account without having a Basic will require the Veteran to receive an activation code from DoD within 6-12 days at their mailing address on record.

eBenefits Registration Overview: Obtain a Premium Account Who qualifies for a DS Logon Level 2 Credential (eBenefits Premium Account)? Individuals who are registered in the Defense Eligibility Enrollment Reporting System (DEERS) and If not registered, an email requesting registration will be sent to the OIT mailbox at Central Office Provide sufficient identifying information to meet the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-63 recommendations for electronic authentication over the Internet NIST further details security policies for remote authentication

eBenefits Registration Overview: Obtain a Premium Account cont. Identifying information can be provided in-person or remotely: In Person Proofing VA & TRICARE regional offices Expanding to additional locations (e.g. Mobile Vet Centers & VSOs) Note: In Person requires one primary ID (I.e. federal, state, or local issued photo ID) and a secondary ID (i.e. SSN, DD214, certified birth certificate). You cannot use two secondary IDs from the same source. Remote Proofing Registration Wizard Telephone (must have direct deposit)

eBenefits Registration Overview: Obtain a Premium Account Obtaining a DS Logon Level 2 Credential (eBenefits Premium Account): Remote Proofing: Military retirees can use their DFAS MyPay logon and password to self- authenticate and obtain their DS Logon online. Servicemembers and Veterans holding DoD Common Access Cards (CAC) may use these cards to obtain a DS Logon online. MyHealtheVet users can obtain level 2 DS Logon online through the Account Request Portal (ARP). Veterans in receipt of monetary benefits from VA via direct deposit can obtain a DS Logon account via telephone (NIST 800-63 compliant).

eBenefits Registration Overview: Obtain a Premium Account Overview of the Registration Wizard: DoD online self-service application Remote proofing uses a wizard (guides user through the process) User must be in DEERS User must create a Basic account User must answer three personal questions correctly to confirm identity User is upgraded to premium account  

eBenefits: Registration Wizard Service member can receive a premium account using CAC card. Click Yes

eBenefits: Registration Wizard Click register and receive premium access immediately. Click Register

eBenefits: Registration Wizard Mypay account holders can receive an instant premium account. Click Yes

eBenefits: Registration Wizard Click register and receive premium access immediately. Click Register

eBenefits: Registration Wizard After clicking No to the DFAS myPay Account password, the Veteran will be directed to the Registration Wizard to register for a basic account. Click Register. Basic Registration (Level 1) Click Register

eBenefits: Registration Wizard The Veteran will begin the registration by completing the necessary information and clicking Next. Complete This Section Click Next

eBenefits: Registration Wizard The Veteran will move on to the next phase and will be required to Create Password. Once a password is created and confirmed, click Next. Note: The system will automatically provide a green check indicating passwords match and meet the minimum requirements. Create Password Enter and confirm Password Click Next

eBenefits: Registration Wizard cont. Veteran will be required to select at least 5 of the Challenge Questions provided. Select Challenge Questions Challenge Questions

eBenefits: Registration Wizard cont. The Activation Successful screen will display once the Veteran selects clicks Activate My Account. Their username will appear and the option to “Upgrade Account”. Activation Successful User Name Upgrade Account

eBenefits: Registration Wizard cont. If the Veteran decides to upgrade their account, they will complete the Remote Proofing process by clicking Proceed. Remote Proofing Click Proceed

eBenefits: Registration Wizard cont. The Veteran will have four (4) minutes to select the correct answers to the Remote Proofing Quiz. Once the Veteran has answered the questions, click Submit Note: If the user answers one question Incorrectly, an extra question may be asked. Click Submit

eBenefits: Registration Wizard cont. Once the answer are properly answered, the Veteran will see the “Congratulations, you have successfully answered the questions provided”. Click Continue Message Click Continue

eBenefits: Registration Wizard cont. The Veteran will be asked to log in again to begin using their Premium Account. Upgrade Successful Logoff

eBenefits: Questions??? Self-service at your fingertips.