Carbondale Reporter

Marion, IL — Veterans Affairs (VA) is set to introduce two secure sign-in options for accessing VA benefits and health care services online. This change will affect users of My HealtheVet or DS Logon, who will now need to create accounts with either Login.gov or ID.me by January 31, 2025.

Post-January 31, veterans can continue using the My HealtheVet portal by signing in through a Login.gov or ID.me account. Detailed instructions for setting up these accounts are available, and veterans can also register directly at Login.gov or ID.me.

Both account options comply with security standards designed to protect user data. They offer a unified sign-on system for accessing VA and other government services.

Login.gov serves as the government's primary account provider for various services. Managed by the U.S. General Services Administration, it requires an email address and a password of at least 12 characters. First-time users must verify their identity using a driver's license or state-issued ID, Social Security Number, and a U.S. phone number.

ID.me, on the other hand, is a non-governmental service that works with various organizations. It is suitable for those outside the U.S., without a Social Security Number or state-issued ID. Creating an ID.me account involves an email address and an eight-character password featuring uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and numbers. Identity verification may require additional documents such as a passport.

Support services are available for users facing difficulties with Login.gov or ID.me setup processes. Veterans retain the option to manage their care via phone or in person.

For assistance, veterans can contact My HealtheVet Coordinator Will DuVall at 618-364-2423 or follow updates from the Marion VA Health Care System on Facebook and their website.