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About DS Logon

What is a DS Logon? (Top)

The Department of Defense Self-Service Logon (DS Logon) is a secure, self-service logon ID that allows DoD and VA affiliates to access several websites using a single username and password.

  • A DS Logon supports the Personnel Identity Protection (PIP) Directive and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) e-Authentication guidance.
  • A DS Logon provides a high level of authentication assurance in situations where Common Access Card (CAC) authentication is not available.
  • There are currently two types of DS Logon accounts available where each provides varying access to information depending on the application being accessed.
Basic Account

A DS Logon Basic Account is simpler to obtain but provides limited access to website features. You can apply for a Basic Account online without having your identity verified in person. This account allows limited access to information you enter yourself, such as your email address, state, and whether you're interested in benefits for Veterans, Service Members, or other categories of beneficiary. However, you cannot see your personal information in VA or DoD systems. The main advantage of a Basic Account is that it enables you to upgrade more quickly to a Premium Account when you go in person to a VA Regional Office or TRICARE Service Center.

Premium Account

A DS Logon Premium Account gives you the highest level of access to website features. You must verify your identity in person to get a Premium Account. This account lets you view personal data about yourself in VA and DoD systems, apply for benefits online, check the status of your claims, update your address records, and much more.

Compare Self-Service Identity Management Account Types

Why should I get one? (Top)

In today's internet age, the security around a person's Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and Personal Health Information (PHI) is paramount.

Strong Credential

To increase the level of security beyond simple username/passwords that are common on many websites, the DoD has created the DS Logon. Our goal is to provide a logon that is easy to use and maintain throughout the DoD and VA.

Government Sanctioned

Per the Office Under the Secretary of Defense (OUSD) Memorandum dated 08-NOV-2010, all service members serving on active duty shall obtain a DS Logon by November 2013.

Supports Beneficiaries/Veterans

Although it is not a requirement for other eligible DoD beneficiaries and veterans, a DS Logon is a benefit providing access to multiple self-service applications without the need of a Common Access Card (CAC).

Who is eligible? (Top)

Currently the following groups of people can obtain a DS Logon.

  • Service Members (Active Duty, Guard/Reservists, Retirees)
  • Veterans
  • Spouses
  • Eligible Family Members (18 and over)

You must be enrolled in Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) to obtain a DS Logon.

Where can it be used? (Top)

The number of self service applications that are accessible with a DS Logon is growing. Below is the current list of applications.

Additional web sites will use DS Logon in the future.

How do I upgrade? (Top)

There are multiple ways to upgrade your Basic DS Logon Account to a Premium DS Logon Account.

1) The quickest and most convenient method is to complete a remote proofing process online. Click here to upgrade now using the remote proofing service.

2) CAC holders may upgrade their account immediately by clicking here.


3) If you do not have a CAC and you are unable to complete the remote proofing process online, you may upgrade your account by having your identity verified by a designated government official.  In-person proofing is currently performed at VA Regional Offices (VAROs) and TRICARE Service Centers (TSCs).  Two forms of documentation are required.  Prior to visiting a VARO or TSC, please review the list of accepted documents that prove your identity. (See I-9 Document list).

To locate your nearest VARO, visit http://www.va.gov/ and search the VA Regional Office facility locator.

To locate a TSC, visit Tricare Contact Information <http://www.tricare.mil/contacts/> or follow the links below to search by region. We recommend that you call TRICARE first to confirm that in-person proofing for a DS Logon is available at your local TSC. Once your account request is processed, you will receive a DS Logon activation code with instructions via U.S. mail in 7-12 business days.

TSC LOCATORS BY REGION:
If you are not sure of the TRICARE Region in which you live, you can refer to the TRICARE Region Map <http://www.tricare.mil/contactus/map.htm> . Before visiting a TSC, please locate your two I9 Identity Documents. (See I9 list below). While at the TSC, please make sure the Operator has your current address. Your Activation letter, containing your activation pin number, will be sent to your address of record within 5-12 business days.

* North Region: Use the North Region''s Service Center Locator <https://www.hnfs.com/apps/tsclocator/> to find your nearest location or call 1-877-874-2273
* South Region: Use the South Region''s TRICARE Service Center Locator <http://hmd.humana-military.com/ProvLocator/TSCLocator.aspx> to find your nearest location or call 1-800-444-5445
* West Region: Use the West Region''s TRICARE Service Center Locator <http://www.tricare.mil/westtsc/default.cfm> to find your nearest location or call 1-888-874-9378.

The following map guides you to your nearest VA Regional Office.

About Permissions (Top)

To comply with privacy rules such as HIPAA regulations and to protect an individual's personal data, Beneficiaries are limited to viewing their own information. However Sponsors, or "head of households", are able to view information for other individuals within their family. There may be circumstances when a Beneficiary desires to assign specific permissions to other designated individuals. To accomodate this we permit the assignment of the following permissions:

Clinical
This permission refers to health care access.
Placement
This permission refers to placement incharge and/or discharge for medical treatment setting.
Medical Services
This permission refers to medical treatment decisions, either provided or withdrawn, that addresses health care needs.
Medical Expenses
This permission refers to the viewing and tracking of out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Living Will
A living will is a legal document that a person uses to make known his or her wishes regarding life prolonging medical treatments. It may be referred to as an advance directive, health care directive, or a physician's directive. This permission allows for advanced healthcare decision making.
Health Care Enrollment
This permission refers to the managing of health care enrollment.
Refill Prescriptions
This permission refers to the refilling of prescriptions
Appointment Scheduling
This permission refers to appointment scheduling
Benefits and Rates
This permission refers to benefit & rate access privileges
Payment History
This permission refers to the ability to monitor payment history of VA Compensation and Pension, Education and Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) benefits payments.
Debt Amount Owed
This permission refers to requesting information on amount of money owed
Benefits Payment
This permission refers to requesting benefits payment letters
Direct Deposit
This permission refers to access to direct deposit / electronic funds transfer (EFT) account information.
Claim Appeal Status
This permission refers to checking the status of claim appeal(s).
Sign Legal Documents
This permission refers to the signing of legal documents.
Non-Clinical
This permission refers to Benefits access.
Contact Info Only
This permission refers to accessing and updating of contact information only.
Profile Info
This permission refers accessing and updating personal profile (Personal Info) attributes.

"How to" Guides (Top)

Click on any of the topics below for additional instructions and information.