By Rachel A. Doran
USAG Stuttgart Retirement Services Officer
For retirees living in Germany, maintaining access to your benefits is as crucial as prioritizing your physical well-being. Healthy aging is not only about staying active and eating healthily; it is also about feeling secure, knowing you and your spouse have the tools needed to manage your benefits seamlessly.
Accessing Benefits Online
Most essential retiree services are now available online. With the proper accounts, you can quickly access your Veterans Administration (VA), TRICARE, Social Security, IRS, and retirement pay information, eliminating the need to wait for mail or paperwork from abroad.
ID.me
ID.me is your gateway to VA, Social Security, and IRS services. It allows you to file VA claims, access your SSA retirement statement, and obtain tax forms conveniently.
DS Logon
With DS Logon, you can access MHS GENESIS for your TRICARE medical records, including lab results, immunizations, and secure communication with healthcare providers.
DFAS myPay
DFAS myPay helps you manage your retired pay by providing access to your Retiree Account Statement (RAS), 1099-R tax forms, direct deposit updates, and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) selections.
Spouse Enrollment
Ensure your spouse is also enrolled in these systems. In times of illness or loss, having access to these accounts allows your family to manage pay, claims, and survivor benefits without needless delays.
Healthy Aging Benefits Checklist
- Set up ID.me for VA, SSA, and IRS access
- Set up DS Logon for TRICARE medical records (MHS GENESIS)
- Set up DFAS myPay for retired pay, RAS, 1099-R, and SBP information
- Confirm your spouse is enrolled in all three systems
- Gather ID and proof of address for ID.me verification (such as passport, driver’s license, utility bill, DFAS or TRICARE statement)
Taking the time to establish these accounts before they are urgently needed is one of the best ways to ensure a healthy, worry-free retirement. This preparation means less time managing paperwork and more time focusing on your health, family, and enjoyment of retired life. Interested in finding out more information about retiree services available in the Stuttgart area? Come to Retiree Appreciation Day on Oct. 30 at the Swabian Community Activity Center from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Prior registration is not required.
Rachel A. Doran is the Casualty Assistance Program Manager and Retirement Services Officer at USAG Stuttgart. Reach her at DSN: 314-596-2010, CIV:+49 9641-70-596-2010 or by email at rachel.a.doran4.civ@army.mil.