#United States #New York #CLEAR #Veterans #VA.gov

Introduction

In a significant move to modernize the experience for veterans accessing their benefits, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has collaborated with CLEAR, a secure identity company. This partnership aims to enhance how veterans interact with VA.gov, ensuring their earned benefits are more accessible than ever. As of October 7, 2026, veterans can now create or access their VA.gov accounts seamlessly through CLEAR's advanced identity verification system.

Background on the Initiative

This initiative is part of a broader modernization effort for the VA, which serves a sprawling community of approximately 17 million U.S. veterans. With an integrated health care system that caters to 9.1 million enrolled veterans annually, efficient and effective digital services are crucial. Recognizing that the first step in accessing benefits is creating a VA.gov account, the VA has focused on simplifying this process. The integration of CLEAR is designed to facilitate this crucial step, whether veterans choose to connect online or at physical locations.

How CLEAR Works

The CLEAR program allows veterans to create or log into their VA.gov accounts with ease. After an initial one-time setup, future logins can be accomplished in a matter of seconds, utilizing a simple selfie for verification. This streamlined process eliminates the need for a multitude of usernames and passwords, significantly easing the burden on veterans who have previously dealt with cumbersome login procedures.

For those who prefer personal guidance, or who may not have smartphone access, CLEAR Ambassadors stationed at select VA medical centers are ready to assist. Currently, six such facilities are leveraging CLEAR technology, located in:

• - Brooklyn, New York
• - Washington, D.C.
• - Palo Alto, California
• - Decatur, Georgia
• - Orlando, Florida
• - San Juan, Puerto Rico

Importance of Secure Identity Verification

Addressing Fraud and Improper Payments

One of the key advantages of adopting CLEAR's multi-layered verification system is its capacity to mitigate fraud, waste, and abuse among benefit recipients. Such issues are not minor; federal agencies reported an alarming $186 billion in improper payments across various programs in 2025 alone. Within the VA, an estimated $1 billion in improper payments was attributed to the Beneficiary Travel Program from 2018 to 2024, some of which involved confirmed cases of fraud. With CLEAR's capabilities, the VA aims to establish confidence in the identity of users, ensuring that the rightful beneficiaries receive the support they need.

Veteran Feedback

In preparation for the pilot, CLEAR extended an invitation to veterans to test the new sign-in experience and provide their insights. Cheffren C., a veteran of the U.S. Army, expressed optimism about the new technology, stating, "I see the VA investing in this new technology with CLEAR, and it's only going to bring these benefits to veterans and their families faster and easier."

Another participant, Erik B. from the U.S. Navy, shared his positive experience with the CLEAR sign-in process, remarking on the ease of use and the removal of cumbersome login steps. This firsthand feedback illustrates the potential of CLEAR technology to transform the veteran experience for the better.

CLEAR's Commitment to Privacy

It's important to note that the use of CLEAR is entirely voluntary for veterans, who may opt for traditional login methods if they so choose. Furthermore, the process ensures that veterans' personal health information remains protected with the VA; CLEAR does not gain access to this data during the identity verification process.

CDC has over 16 years of experience building identity infrastructure, particularly in highly regulated environments. This expertise reinforces the security and reliability of their service, making it a trusted choice for both veterans and other federal health agencies.

Moving Forward

As the pilot unfolds, CLEAR is committed to privacy and security. Its mission is to ease access to benefits for veterans while protecting their sensitive information. By refining this model, the VA and CLEAR are poised to expand the program's scope based on the pilot's outcomes.

Conclusion

The partnership between the VA and CLEAR is a promising step forward in enhancing veterans' access to their hard-earned benefits. By integrating modern technology into the veteran support framework, this initiative reflects a significant investment in the future of veteran care and services. With this pilot program, veterans can expect a more efficient, secure, and user-friendly experience, ensuring they receive the benefits they rightfully deserve.