Cookie Policy
Last updated: May 5, 2026
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device when you visit a website. They help websites remember your preferences, understand how you use the site, and improve your overall experience. We also use similar technologies like web beacons and local storage for the same purposes.
2. How We Use Cookies
Duty To Assist uses cookies for the following purposes:
Essential Cookies (Required)
These cookies are necessary for the website to function properly. They enable core features like secure login, claim tracking, and document storage. You cannot opt out of these cookies.
Functional Cookies
These cookies remember your preferences and settings, such as your preferred language, display preferences, and form auto-fill information. They enhance your experience but are not essential.
Analytics Cookies
These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website. We use this information to improve our tools, fix issues, and develop new features that veterans actually need.
3. Specific Cookies We Use
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| session_id | Maintains your login session | Session | Essential |
| auth_token | Secure authentication | 30 days | Essential |
| user_prefs | Your preferences and settings | 1 year | Functional |
| _ga, _gid | Google Analytics - usage patterns | 2 years / 24 hours | Analytics |
| form_draft | Saves form progress | 7 days | Functional |
4. Third-Party Cookies
We may use third-party services that set their own cookies:
- Google Analytics: Helps us understand website usage (analytics cookies)
- Stripe: Processes donations and payments (essential cookies)
- Firebase: Provides hosting and database services (essential cookies)
- YouTube: Embedded educational videos (functional cookies)
These third parties have their own privacy and cookie policies. We encourage you to review them.
5. Managing Your Cookie Preferences
You have several options for managing cookies:
Browser Settings:Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies. Check your browser's help menu for instructions.
Our Cookie Banner: When you first visit, you can choose which non-essential cookies to accept.
Do Not Track:You can enable the "Do Not Track" setting in your browser, and we respect this preference for analytics cookies.
6. What Happens If You Disable Cookies
If you disable certain cookies, some features may not work properly:
- You won't be able to log in or access your claim dashboard
- Your form progress won't be saved
- We won't remember your preferences between visits
- You'll need to re-enter information more frequently
Essential cookies cannot be disabled without breaking core functionality.
7. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on this page with a new effective date.
8. Questions About Cookies
If you have questions about our use of cookies or want to exercise your rights, please contact us:
Email: privacy@dutytoassist.com
Subject: Cookie Policy Question