Get reimbursed for travel expenses faster with BTSSS Veterans can be reimbursed for travel expenses faster with the Beneficiary Self-Service Travel System.
The Beneficiary Travel Self-Service system allows Veterans to be paid faster for travel costs. Check out the questions and answers below to learn more:
What is VA travel claim reimbursement? VA travel reimbursement through the Beneficiary Travel program reimburses eligible veterans for mileage and other authorized travel expenses to and from approved health care appointments.
What is BTSSS? The Beneficiary Self-Service Travel System is the new, faster way for eligible veterans to get reimbursed for their travel expenses.
How do I know if I’m right?
VA offers two types of travel reimbursement: general health care travel and specialty transportation. As a veteran, you may be eligible for one or both. If you meet the following criteria, you may qualify if: • You have a service-related rating of 30% or more. • Travel for the treatment of a service-connected condition. • Receive a VA pension, or your income does not exceed the maximum annual VA pension. • Travel for a planned retirement or compensation exam. • Have vision impairment, spinal cord injury or disorder, double or multiple amputations, enrollment in VA Rehab Programs.
What are the benefits of BTSSS? • Access 24 hours a day, every day • Fast payments • Direct deposit • Track claims anytime
How does it differ from the paper forms and kiosks previously used for submitting travel requests? BTSSS is an online self-reporting system that eliminates the delays created by paper forms and kiosks. An updated profile is required to submit an online claim and process previously submitted kiosk and paper claims. Submitting travel claims electronically with BTSSS and using direct deposits results in the fastest possible payment.
I have never used BTSSS. How do I do it? Visit access.va.gov and select the veteran travel claim login icon to get started. You will then be able to choose to sign in using a DS-Logon Level 2 account, with a VA PIV card, with ID.me or your My HealtheVet credentials.
For more tips and tricks on how to use BTSSS, check out our six video playlist.
Should I use BTSSS to submit a claim? No. But it is strongly encouraged. Veterans and eligible caregivers may also submit VA Form 10-3542 to claim travel reimbursement.
If paper claims are an option, why should I switch to BTSSS? BTSSS is strongly encouraged because:
Combining electronic deposit with direct deposit is the fastest way to get reimbursed.
BTSSS provides an easy way to check the status of a travel claim.
When a Veteran submits a paper claim, the Beneficiary’s Travel Team must manually upload and process that claim into BTSSS for the Veteran. It takes much longer to process this way, leading to significant burdens and increasing wait times to be paid for all Veterans who file this way.
Logging into BTSSS is easy with any of these three methods – credentials for ID.me, My HealtheVet or a DS-Logon Level 2 account.
For more information:
Travel payment:
Website — VA Travel Reimbursement | Veterans Affairs
Login options: Website — DoD DS Login Premium Account FAQ – M
Video — Beneficiary Self-Service Travel System (BTSSS) HealtheVet Login (va.gov)
Website — ID.me Privacy and Security at VA.gov | Veterans Affairs
Website — Upgrading Your My HealtheVet Account – My HealtheVet (va.gov)
BTSSS: Document — User Guide
Video — Presentation of the Beneficiary Travel Self-Service System (BTSSS).
Video – How to login to BTSSS and create your login
Video – How to set up Direct Deposit and access BTSSS
Video – How to submit a travel reimbursement claim for an appointment at a VA facility
Video – How to Submit a Travel Reimbursement Claim for a Non-VA Facility
Video – How to check the status of your travel reimbursement claim
Call the Tuskegee VA Beneficiary Travel Department at 334-273-6294 for more information.
To set up direct deposit, call 334-727-0550 extension 53036 or 52400.
For additional assistance, you can call the Travel Beneficiary’s toll-free call center at 1-855-574-7292. Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.