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Learn what the PACT Act means for your VA benefits

Ask VA replaces IRIS and the GI Bill Help Portal

We’ve replaced our Information Routing & Inquiry Service (IRIS) and the GI Bill Help Portal with Ask VA (AVA). Keep reading on this page to learn more about this online service. Or go to Ask VA now to send us your questions, updates, and documents online.

What’s Ask VA?

Ask VA—or AVA—is an online service that all Veterans and members of the Veteran community can use to submit questions, concerns, and recommendations to VA. 

Why did VA replace IRIS and the GI Bill Help Portal?

We updated our systems to make it easier and faster for you to get the answers you need. When you submit a question through Ask VA, we route it directly to the appropriate benefit office so you can get an accurate, timely answer.

Do I need to be signed in to VA.gov to use Ask VA?

No. But for some types of questions, you’ll need to be signed in with an account that has verified your identity.

If you want to ask a question about GI Bill benefits, you’ll need to sign in with one of these accounts that has verified your identity:

  • A verified Login.gov account, or
  • A verified ID.me account, or
  • A Premium DS Logon account (used for eBenefits and milConnect), or
  • A Premium My HealtheVet account

If you want to ask a question about any other VA benefits, you don’t need to sign in, but you won’t have access to all the features this new service offers.

    What features are available in Ask VA if I’m signed in?

    If you sign in to VA.gov with a verified Login.gov account, verified ID.me account, Premium DS Logon account, or Premium My HealtheVet account, you can access these features:

    • We’ll fill in some of your information automatically each time you ask a new question.
    • You can track the questions you submit to us.
    • You can add more information to a question you already submitted—or ask a follow-up question.

    How do I get a verified account to access all the features in Ask VA?

    You can create a verified Login.gov or ID.me account. Or you can get a Premium DS Logon or My HealtheVet account. Find out how to get one of these types of accounts:

    Learn how to verify your identity using Login.gov or ID.me

    Find out how to get a Premium DS Logon account

    Find out how to get a Premium My HealtheVet account

    When you’re signed in with one of these verified accounts, you’ll have access to all the features in Ask VA.

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    VA benefits

    • Education and training

      Apply for and manage your GI Bill and other education benefits to help pay for college and training programs.

    • Disability

      File a claim for disability compensation for conditions related to your military service, and manage your benefits over time.

    • Pension

      Apply for monthly payments for wartime Veterans and survivors with limited or no income who meet certain age and disability requirements.

    Need more help?