Dear Joe,

I’m recently retired, and I created a DS Logon account to access several Department of War (DOW) websites, as well as the Department of Veterans Affairs. I’m hearing that my DS Logon account is useless, and I won’t be able to use it to access DOW websites soon. What can I do to make sure I don’t lose access to my information on these sites?

Login Needed

Dear Login,

You’re right! DS Logon is being phased out. After 30 September 2025, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) requires uses of an id.me or login.gov account to access their websites. Go to https://www.va.gov/resources/creating-an-account-for-vagov/ for more information. Over the next 12 months, other sites will be transitioned to myAuth as well. If you don’t receive an email letting you know of the change, the next time you attempt to login to a site that has transitioned to myAuth you will be prompted to create an account (https://myaccess.dmdc.osd.mil/identitymanagement/help/topics/creating_a_new_myauth_account.htm). No need to worry about losing access. You’ll still be able to use your DS Logon until myAuth is implemented on all DOW sites.

Joe

Dear Joe,

I received a 100% P&T service-connected disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in 2022, I’m married with five children that range in age from toddler to young adult. The oldest children (ages 17, 19, and 21) are planning to go to college or another education program and I’m trying to find out what education benefits are available for them. I heard they might be eligible for a program through the VA due to my disability. Can you give me information on what the VA program might be and if there are other programs they may qualify for?

Seeking Education

Dear Seeking Education,

Congrats on your kids getting ready for the next steps in furthering their education! The VA program you’re probably referring to is the VA Survivors’ and Dependents’ Education Assistance (DEA) Program (also known as Chapter 35).The program provides 36 months of education benefits for the spouses and children of 100% P&T disabled veterans (service-connected) and the surviving spouses and children of service members that died on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition. You must apply for this program, it is not automatic. Be sure to review the eligibility and other information in the MyArmyBenefits DEA fact sheet and check into other scholarship opportunities in the federal benefits (https://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Benefit-Library/Federal-Benefits?type=category) (under the education category) and state/territory fact sheets (https://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Benefit-Library/State/Territory-Benefits) on the MyArmyBenefits website (https://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil). Good luck with your search!

Joe