The Beneficiary Travel Self-Service System (BTSSS) is an essential tool for veterans seeking reimbursement for travel expenses related to medical care. To ensure smooth processing of your VA travel pay, it’s important to stay informed about system updates and payment procedures. This article provides key information regarding BTSSS, focusing on system maintenance, Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for payments, and how to correctly identify the facility for claim submissions.
Important System Maintenance Notice
Please note that the BTSSS system will undergo scheduled maintenance on Thursday, February 20th, 2025, from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM Eastern Time. During this two-hour window, the system will be temporarily unavailable. We understand this may cause inconvenience, and we appreciate your patience as we work to improve the system’s performance and reliability. This maintenance is crucial to ensure BTSSS continues to operate efficiently and effectively for all users.
Streamlining Payments with Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) utilizes Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) as the primary method for disbursing claim payments within the BTSSS system. EFT ensures faster and more secure delivery of your travel pay directly to your checking or savings account, or your VA debit card.
If you are not currently enrolled in EFT with the VHA Financial Management System (FMS), it is crucial to update your information. Without your EFT details on file, your approved payments may be delayed. While temporary payments by check might be arranged, providing your EFT information is the most efficient way to receive your funds.
It’s important to note that even if you receive other benefit payments via EFT from the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), this information is not automatically shared with the VHA BTSSS system. You must specifically provide your EFT details to the VHA unless you have previously done so at your local VA Medical Center.
To verify if your EFT information is on file, please review your Veteran profile screen within BTSSS. If your EFT details are missing, promptly contact your local BT office. They will provide you with the necessary signature forms to complete and submit to ensure your EFT information is added to your profile. Updating your EFT details will help avoid payment delays and ensure you receive your travel pay efficiently.
Correctly Identifying the Facility for Payment Processing
Accurate claim submission is vital for timely processing. When entering your claims in BTSSS, carefully identify the facility responsible for payment. This is the VA facility that either provided your care or officially approved your care at a community (non-VA) facility.
For instance, if you are submitting a claim for services received at a non-VA facility but authorized by a VA facility, you should designate the authorizing VA facility as responsible for payment. In most instances, this will be your preferred or home VA medical facility.
If you received care at a VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), this location will be listed as an associated facility under its larger parent VA Medical Center. You will find the CBOC listed when you select the location of your appointment within the system. Selecting the correct facility ensures your claim is routed to the appropriate department for prompt processing and payment.
Understanding the VA Burden Statement and Privacy Act
VA Burden Statement: It is important to be aware that an agency cannot conduct or sponsor information collection unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The OMB control number for BTSSS is 2900-0798, expiring on 11/30/2027. Public reporting for this information collection is estimated to average 10 minutes per respondent annually. This includes time for reviewing instructions, data gathering, and form completion. Comments regarding this burden estimate can be sent to VA Reports Clearance Officer at [email protected], referencing OMB Control No. 2900-0798. Do not send completed BTSSS claims or VA Form 10-3542 to this email address.
Privacy Act Information: The VA collects information on this form under 38 U.S.C. Sections 111 to determine eligibility for Beneficiary Travel benefits. This information will be used solely for this purpose and may be verified through computer matching programs. Disclosure of information is permitted by law, including routine uses outlined in VA systems of records 24VA19 Patient Medical Record-VA, published in the Federal Register. Providing information is voluntary, but failure to do so may delay or result in denial of benefits. Providing your Social Security Number is also voluntary but assists VA in administering your benefits and identifying records as authorized by law.
Estimated burden: 10 minutes
OMB Control : 2900-0798
Expiration Date : 11/30/2027
By understanding these key aspects of BTSSS and VA travel pay, including system maintenance, EFT enrollment, and correct claim submission, veterans can ensure a smoother and more efficient process for receiving their entitled travel benefits. Staying informed is key to maximizing your VA benefits and accessing the healthcare you deserve.
