Nowadays, accessing your information on one platform is much easier than placing it on various login accounts. To help with the issue, ID.me was created to provide convenience, especially to Vets having difficulty with the change of digital platforms. This online outlet helps millions of Veterans, caregivers, and beneficiaries to have complete access to the VA’s various online services, such as the VA.gov, AccessVA, Health and Benefits mobile app, and more. Aside from having hassle-free online access, the platform also allows Vets to receive exclusive discount alerts from various top brands. An example is that ex-military and active members can get alerts for a limited-time offer on NFL tickets and offers on Adidas, Under Armour, Stanley, and other brands. Another benefit of creating an account is that it’s secure, easy, and free.
How Safe Is It to Use this Digital Platform?
This online wallet helps people prove their identity easily by accessing their online accounts. ID.me was created to ensure that the account holder is the only one who has access to their information and not someone else pretending to be them. Its secure portal provides an identity verification system to prevent fraud and identity theft. Furthermore, it even uses bank-grade encryption to keep every person’s information safe.
Once a Veteran or service member has signed up for the platform, they can control which businesses and services they can share their information with. However, it is best to know that ID.me is not a third party that sells any information. Numerous private companies and government agencies have chosen this platform due to its proper understanding of protecting the sensitive data of every customer.
Navigating Through ID.me
If you already have an account member ID, go ahead and click on the sign-in to the VA and agree to share your verified information:
- Go to VA.gov and choose “Sign in.”
- Click on ID.me.
- Fill in the space with your email address and password, then hit “Sign in with ID.me.”
- If needed, follow the prompts to provide any further information.
- From the screen, review the details the VA will receive. Then, select “Allow” to permit sharing any information with them.
But, if you still need to create an account with them and want to have one, you can follow these easy steps. Make sure to use a unique email you can access when needed.
- On the home page, choose “Create an ID.me account for VA.” This will route you to the Platforms website in a new tab, where you can get started.
- Select “Create an ID.me account” and carefully enter your email address. Once done, create a strong password; if possible, write it down so you will never forget it. To make it more unique, it should have eight characters: one uppercase letter, one number, and one lowercase letter. It is best to remember not to include these options when creating a password: common phrases, personal dates, parts of the same passcode you use for other accounts, repeated characters, and parts of your email address. Once satisfied, it accepts the terms of service and privacy policy.
- Go to the email associated with your account and check if you have received an email from ID.me. Read through the message and click on “confirm your email.” This will route you back to the platform’s website.
- For added security, it is best to set up multi-factor authentication; it’s an added layer of protection when you sign in. Sometimes, it can be a hassle, but it is another way to ensure it is you who sign in, not someone else.
- Lastly, verifying your account identity usually takes around 10 minutes.
Trouble Shooting the Errors
Website errors can sometimes occur for unforeseen reasons. If you are trying to access your account and receive an error message, you can try these workarounds.
- Try to clean your browser’s cache and cookies and enable cookies in your browser settings.
- Ensure that your browser is up to date with the latest version.
- Try closing all your browsers and attempt to sign in again.
If you have followed all these steps and still have an error, you can also try contacting the Veterans Affairs for further assistance.
Suggested reads:
- Understanding the Veteran ID Card Process for Applying
- Your Guide to Using My HealtheVet for Veteran Healthcare Needs
- The Digital GI Bill: VA’s New Online System Costs Nearly $500M