Convenient access to online accounts with one password

Published July 6, 2011
By Brian P. Smith
TriWest Healthcare Alliance

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- There is a logon that allows military families access to certain Department of Defense (DoD) benefit websites with one username and password: it's the DS Logon. Having a DoD Self-Service Logon (DS Logon) can mean remembering just one username and password for some DoD and Veterans Affairs (VA) websites.

How to request your single logon:
· Sponsors with a Common Access Card (CAC) or DFAS myPay Login ID may request a DS Logon at myaccess.dmdc.osd.mil/dsaccess.
· Eligible beneficiaries can request a DS Logon at TRICARE Service Centers (TSC).
· Sponsors and family members can also request a DS Logon through the VA eBenefits portal.

It's safe and secure
If the sponsor does not use the CAC or DFAS method to request a DS Logon, beneficiaries must finish a verification process known as in-person proofing to be granted full DS logon access. To help protect your identity, users need full, or Level 2, access to view or change personal information through the websites below. You can complete the verification process at a TSC. National Guard and Reserve members who can't go to a TSC for validation may be eligible to complete a remote proofing process (more information at www.tricare.mil/reserve).

After in-person (or remote) proofing, your DS Logon can be used to access these DoD and VA sites:
· Beneficiary Web Enrollment (www.dmdc.osd.mil/appj/bwe): Manage TRICARE Prime enrollments and update contact information.
· Reserve Component Purchased TRICARE Application (www.dmdc.osd.mil/appj/reservetricare): Purchase TRICARE Reserve Select and TRICARE Retired Reserve coverage.
· TRICARE Online (www.tricareonline.com): Set appointments and refill prescriptions at certain military treatment facility locations.
· myDoDbenefits (mydodbenefits.dmdc.osd.mil): Access and update information that goes directly into the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).
· VA eBenefits (www.ebenefits.va.gov): Apply for Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, download your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214) and view benefits status.
· DS Logon Self-Service (myaccess.dmdc.osd.mil/dsaccess): Activate and manage your DS Logon account.

What kind of identification do I need for in-person proofing?
Beneficiaries need two current forms of approved ID; at least one must be a government-issued photo ID. DMDC's list of approved IDs: www.dmdc.osd.mil/appj/dsaccess/pub/FAQ.do.

What about my secure www.triwest.com account?
Your triwest.com account does not use the DS Logon option. A triwest.com username and password are required to manage your health care through a triwest.com account. Go to www.triwest.com/Register to learn more.