Supervised by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs H-29-98-1 

Veterans Benefits Administration November 2002 

Washington, DC 20420 Revised: December 2010 

Servicemembers' 

and Veterans' 

Group Life Insurance 

Handbook 

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Table of Contents 

CHAPTER 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS .................................................................................... 3

CHAPTER 2. TERMINATION OF INSURANCE ........................................................................ 15

CHAPTER 3. REDUCTION OR CANCELLATION OF INSURANCE................................................ 17

CHAPTER 4. RESTORATION AND REQUEST FOR COVERAGE .................................................. 20

CHAPTER 5. ACCELERATED BENEFITS OPTION.................................................................... 21

CHAPTER 6. BENEFICIARIES ............................................................................................ 23

CHAPTER 7. ELECTION OF METHOD FOR PAYMENT OF PROCEEDS ......................................... 28

CHAPTER 8. DEATH CLAIMS............................................................................................. 30

CHAPTER 9. BENEFICIARY FINANCIAL COUNSELING SERVICES............................................. 34

CHAPTER 10. FAMILY COVERAGE...................................................................................... 35

CHAPTER 11. TRAUMATIC INJURY PROTECTION UNDER SGLI................................................ 46

CHAPTER 12. VETERANS' GROUP LIFE INSURANCE.............................................................. 51

CHAPTER 13. MISCELLANEOUS......................................................................................... 61

CHAPTER 14. RECORDS AND FORMS................................................................................. 63

APPENDICES.................................................................................................................. 64

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CHAPTER 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS 

1.01 GENERAL INFORMATION 

a. Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) is the life insurance currently available to all 

members of the uniformed services. SGLI is a group life insurance policy purchased by VA from 

a commercial life insurance company. 

b. The Office of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (OSGLI) administers the SGLI program. 

The office can by contacted by: 

Toll-free telephone: 1-800-419-1473 E-mail: osgli.osgli@prudential.com

Toll-free fax: 

 Death and accelerated benefits 

 claims only: 1-877-832-4943 

 

 All other inquiries: 1-800-236-6142 

Regular Mail: 

Office of Servicemembers' Group Life 

Insurance 

80 Livingston Avenue 

Roseland, New Jersey 07068-1733 

c. The insurance issued under the group policy is term insurance. SGLI does not pay dividends. 

In addition, there are no loan, cash, paid-up or extended insurance values, or any provision for 

waiver of premiums or benefit because of total disability, accidents, etc., except as described in 

paragraph 1.06. 

d. Members on active duty, active duty for training or inactive duty for training and members of 

the Ready Reserve or National Guard are automatically covered for $400,000, the maximum 

amount of coverage. 

e. Each member should complete a copy of form SGLV 8286, Servicemembers' Group Life 

Insurance Election and Certificate (see appendix A) to designate one or more beneficiaries to 

receive payment of the insurance proceeds. A copy of this form also serves as a certificate of 

coverage. Form SGLV 8286 can be downloaded from this site. 

f. Members who elect to be insured for less than the maximum amount, or elect to decline 

coverage entirely, must also complete form SGLV 8286, Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance 

Election and Certificate. 

g. Coverage under the group life insurance policy does not affect an insured's right to retain any 

other government or private insurance, or his or her entitlement to other Veterans' benefits. For 

example, a member can be insured for up to $30,000 in Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance 

(S-DVI) coverage and have $400,000 of SGLI coverage at the same time. 

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1.02 DEFINITIONS 

a. Member: 

(1) A person on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training in 

the uniformed services in a commissioned, warrant, or enlisted rank or grade, or 

as a cadet or midshipman at the United States Military Academy, United States 

Air Force Academy or the United States Coast Guard Academy; 

(2) A person who volunteers for assignment to the Ready Reserve or Guard of a 

uniformed service and is assigned to a unit or position in which he or she may 

be required to perform active duty or active duty for training and each year will 

be scheduled to perform at least 12 periods of inactive duty training that is 

creditable for retirement purposes under title 10, United States Code, chapter 

1223; 

(3) A person who volunteers for assignment to a "mobilization" category in the 

Individual Ready Reserve that makes them subject to being ordered to active 

duty involuntarily in accordance with section 12304 of title 10, United States 

Code. 

(4) A member, cadet, or midshipman of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps 

(ROTC) while attending field training or practice cruises. 

b. Active Duty: 

(1) Full-time duty in the Armed Forces, other than active duty for training; 

(2) Full-time duty (other than for training purposes) as a commissioned officer 

of the Regular or Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service (PHS); 

(3) Full-time duty as commissioned officer of the National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); and 

(4) Full-time duty as a cadet or midshipman at the United States Military 

Academy, United States Naval Academy, United States Air Force Academy, or 

the United States Coast Guard Academy. 

c. Armed Forces: the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and the 

Reserves/Guard thereof. 

d. Active duty for training: 

(1) Full-time duty in the Armed Forces performed by Reserves/Guard for 

training purposes; 

(2) Full-time duty for training purposes as a commissioned officer of the 

Reserve Corps of the PHS; 

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(3) Full-time duty as a member, cadet or midshipman of the ROTC while 

attending field training or practice cruises; or 

(4) Full-time duty under 32 U.S.C. 316, 502, 503, 504, or 505 as a member of 

the Army National Guard or Air National Guard of any State. 

e. Inactive duty training: 

(1) Duty (other than full-time duty) authorized for Reserves (including 

commissioned officers of the Reserve Corps of the PHS) which is scheduled in 

advance by competent authority to begin at a specific time and place; or 

(2) Duty in the case of members of the Army National Guard or Air National 

Guard of any State, means duty (other than full-time duty) which is scheduled 

in advance by competent authority to begin at a specific time and place under 

32 U.S.C. 316, 502, 503, 504, or 505. 

f. "Active duty for training" and "inactive duty training" do not include: 

(1) Duty performed as a temporary member of the Coast Guard Reserve; 

(2) Work or study performed in connection with correspondence courses; or 

(3) Attendance at an educational institution in an inactive status. 

g. Uniformed services: 

(1) Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard; 

(2) Corresponding Reserve and the ROTC of each of the above; 

(3) Army National Guard and Air National Guard; 

(4) Commissioned Corps of the PHS and its Reserve Corps; and 

(5) Commissioned Corps of the NOAA. 

h. Termination of duty: 

(1) Discharge, release or separation from active duty or active duty for training 

being performed under a call or order that does not specify a period of less than 

31 days; or 

(2) In the case of other duty, the member's release from his or her obligation to 

perform any duty in his or her uniformed service (active duty, active duty for 

training or inactive duty training) whether arising from limitations included in a 

contract of enlistment or similar form of obligation, or arising from resignation, 

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retirement or other voluntary or involuntary action that terminates the 

obligation to perform. 

i. Break in service: 

(1) When a member terminates duty or obligation to perform duty in one 

service and enters on duty, or assumes the obligation to perform duty, in 

another uniformed service, regardless of the length of time intervening; or 

(2) When a member re-enters on duty, or resumes an obligation to perform 

duty as a Reservist or National Guard member, in the same uniformed service 

and one calendar day or more has elapsed following termination of the prior 

period of duty or obligation to perform duty. 

j. Waiver: means an election in writing, signed by a member and received by the uniformed 

service, not to be insured for SGLI. 

1.03 PERSONS ELIGIBLE TO BE INSURED 

a. Full-time coverage is provided for the following members of the uniformed services while 

performing full-time active duty or active duty for training, under calls or orders that do not 

specify periods of less than 31 days: 

(1) Commissioned, warrant and enlisted members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, 

Marine Corps and Coast Guard and commissioned members of the NOAA and 

PHS; 

(2) Members of the Ready Reserve/Guard of a uniformed service who are 

assigned to a unit or position in which they may be required to perform active 

duty or active duty for training and each year will be scheduled to perform at 

least 12 periods of inactive duty training that is creditable for retirement 

purposes under title 10, United States Code. 

(3) Members of the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) who volunteer for 

assignment to a "mobilization" category under section 12304 (i)(1) of title 10, 

United States Code. 

(4) Cadets or midshipmen of the United States Military Academy, United States 

Naval Academy, United States Air Force Academy and the United States Coast 

Guard Academy; and 

(5) Members, cadets or midshipmen of the ROTC while attending field training 

or practice cruises. 

b. Part-time coverage is provided to the following eligible members of the Reserves who do not 

qualify for full-time coverage while performing active duty or active duty for training under calls 

or orders specifying periods of less than 31 days: 

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(1) Commissioned, warrant and enlisted members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, 

Marine Corps and Coast Guard Reserves (except temporary members of the 

Coast Guard Reserve); 

(2) Members of the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) during one-day call-ups; 

(3) Reserve Corps of the PHS; 

(4) The Army National Guard and Air National Guard while performing duty 

under 32 U.S.C. 316, 502, 503, 504, or 505; and (5) Members, cadets and 

midshipmen of the ROTC, while attending field training or practice cruises. 

1.04 EFFECTIVE DATE OF INSURANCE 

a. The effective date of coverage for members on active duty, active duty for training, or 

inactive duty training is: 

(1) The first day of active duty or active duty for training; or 

(2) The beginning of a period of inactive duty training. 

b. For members who previously declined coverage or elected to be insured for less than the 

maximum amount, the effective date of coverage is the date an application electing coverage or 

an increase in coverage is received by the member's branch of service. If it is necessary for 

such application to be forwarded to the OSGLI for review, the effective date of coverage will be 

the date the application was received by the service. However, premium deductions will not 

begin until OSGLI has approved the application. 

1.05 PERIODS OF COVERAGE 

a. Full-time Coverage 

(1) For members performing active duty or active duty for training under a call 

or order that does not specify a period of less than 31 days, coverage is in effect 

during the period of such duty and for 120 days following separation or release. 

(2) For members of the Ready Reserves/Guard who are eligible for full-time 

coverage under the law, coverage is in effect during the period of such duty or 

status and for 120 days following separation or release from such duty. 

(3) For members who are totally disabled at separation or release, coverage is 

extended for a limited time beyond the 120 days. (See paragraph 1.06.) 

b. Part-time Coverage 

(1) Active Periods. Eligible members of the Reserves or National Guard 

performing active duty or active duty for training, under calls or orders 

specifying periods less than 31 days, are insured during the actual days of such 

duty. Hereafter, these are referred to as Reservist active periods. 

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(2) Inactive Periods. Eligible members of the Reserves or National Guard, 

performing inactive duty training (brief periods of less than a day of drills, etc.) 

scheduled in advance by competent authority to begin at a specific time and 

place, are insured during the actual time of such inactive duty training period. 

(3) In Route. Members are also covered while proceeding directly to and 

returning directly from the Reservist active or inactive period of duty. 

(4) Members eligible for part-time coverage become eligible for full-time 

coverage when they perform active duty or active duty for training, under calls 

or orders that do not specify periods of less than 31 days. 

1.06 EXTENSION OF COVERAGE BASED ON DISABILITY 

a. Full-time Coverage. If a member who has full-time SGLI coverage, is totally disabled at the 

time of separation or release from active duty, Ready Reserves or National Guard, SGLI 

coverage will continue for as long as the member remains totally disabled, up to a maximum of 

two years from the date of release or separation, but in no event less than 120 days from the 

date of separation or release. Hereafter, this coverage is called the SGLI Disability Extension. 

An application for the SGLI Disability Extension may be obtained at the forms download page on 

this site. It is recommended that members apply for the SGLI Disability Extension within 120 

days from discharge so that if they are found ineligible for the SGLI Disability Extension they 

will be automatically approved for Veterans' Group Life Insurance coverage without any health 

review. Members who apply for the SGLI Disability Extension after 120 days and who are not 

approved for the coverage, may not qualify for Veterans' Group Life Insurance if they have 

serious health problems. 

b. Part-time Coverage. If a member, who has part-time SGLI coverage, incurs a disability or 

aggravates an existing disability while SGLI coverage is in force, the following will apply: 

(1) The insurance is payable if death results from such incurred or aggravated 

disability within 120 days following the Reservist active or inactive period during 

which the disability was incurred or aggravated. 

(2) If such disability causes the member to be uninsurable at standard rates, 

the insurance continues for 120 days following the Reservist active or inactive 

period during which the disability was incurred or aggravated and the member is 

eligible to convert to VGLI coverage prior to the 121st day. Application must be 

made to the OSGLI during this 120 day period. (See paragraph 1.01b for 

address.) 

(3) In determining whether an individual was authorized to perform duty and 

whether the member was rendered uninsurable or died within 120 days 

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thereafter from a disability incurred or aggravated the following will be taken 

into account: 

(a) The call or order to duty, the order and authorizations of 

competent authority; 

(b) The hour on which the member began to proceed to or 

return from such duty; 

(c) The hour on which the member was scheduled to arrive for, 

or on which he or she ceased to perform such duty; 

(d) The method of travel employed; 

(e) The member's itinerary; 

(f) The manner in which travel was performed; and 

(g) The immediate cause of disability or death. 

1.07 COST OF INSURANCE 

a. The cost of SGLI is shared by the member and the Government. The member pays the 

normal cost of the insurance (the premium) and the Government pays the cost of all death 

claims in excess of the level of death claims which would result from normal peacetime service 

in the uniformed services. 

b. For all members entitled to SGLI coverage, the necessary amount will be deducted from the 

member's service pay or otherwise collected from the member by the uniformed service. 

c. The monthly contribution by members on active duty and members of the Ready Reserve and 

National Guard will be $26.00 per year for $400,000 of coverage and .065 cents per $10,000 for 

lesser amounts. An additional $1.00 per month is added to the basic premium for a traumatic 

injury protection rider (see Chapter 11 for more information). The premium for part-time SGLI 

coverage will be $26.00 per year for $400,000 of coverage. An additional $1.00 per year is 

added to the basic premium for a traumatic injury protection rider (see Chapter 11 for more 

information). Members of the IRR will be charged a premium of $1.00 for $400,000 insurance 

for 1-day call-ups. All rates are subject to change based on the experience of the program. 

d. The law, Title 38 of the United States Code, section 1969, requires the uniformed services to 

remit amounts equal to the deduction which should have been made for members who are 

provided full-time or part-time coverage and who are not receiving pay. DoD is responsible for 

seeking reimbursement from the member for the cost of the coverage provided to those not 

receiving pay. 

e. No withholdings or deductions will be made for SGLI from terminal leave or separation pay 

for any period the insurance remains in force following separation or release from active duty. 

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1.08 CONTINUITY OF ELECTIONS AND DESIGNATIONS 

The rules in this section apply whenever a member performs any of the following actions: 

• Elects not to be insured; 

• Elects to be insured for a reduced amount (less than $400,000); 

• Designates a beneficiary; or 

• Elects a mode of settlement to the beneficiary. 

a. Full-time Coverage 

(1) Elections and designations for members insured under full-time coverage are 

effective only during the period of duty in which a member is serving and for 

120 days thereafter. (If a member is totally disabled, this period is extended to 

two years following separation or release.) 

(2) If a member converts his or her SGLI coverage to VGLI and does not 

designate a beneficiary for VGLI, the beneficiary election for SGLI will remain in 

effect for not more than 60 days following the effective date of VGLI. After this 

60-day period, the designation will automatically become a "By Law" 

designation. (See chapter 12, paragraph 12.08b.) 

(3) A member may change his or her beneficiary designation and/or mode of 

settlement during the 120-day period following termination of duty and such 

election will replace any prior election and will continue for the remainder of the 

120-day period. Designations or elections made during this period should be 

sent to the OSGLI. (See paragraph 1.01b for address.) 

(4) The beneficiary designation and election of mode of payment continue to 

apply for any member who resumes the obligation to perform duty or re-enters 

on duty in the same uniformed service on the day following termination of a 

period of obligation to perform duty. 

(5) Any existing election of mode of settlement and designation of beneficiary is 

automatically canceled and a new election or designation must be submitted 

when: 

(a) A member resumes an obligation to perform duty or reenters on duty in the same uniformed service and one calendar 

day or more has elapsed following termination of a previous 

obligation or duty; or 

(b) A member assumes an obligation to perform duty or reenters on duty in a different uniformed service at any time. 

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(6) An election to be insured for a reduced amount or an election not to be 

insured does not apply to a new period of coverage. Unless a new election to be 

insured for a reduced amount or an election not to be insured is filed with the 

member's uniformed service, a new period of coverage begins in the amount of 

$400,000 and any prior election not to be insured or to be insured for a reduced 

amount is canceled. 

b. Part-time Coverage 

(1) Elections and designations for members who qualify for part-time coverage 

continue in effect during the periods of continuous obligation to perform duty in 

the same uniformed service including periods of duty or active duty for training 

which entitle the member to full-time coverage. 

(2) Any election or designation for members who qualify for full-time service 

continues to be effective for the coverage period following separation (generally 

120 days) or release from such duty, and continues for part-time coverage 

thereafter if the member immediately resumes the obligation to perform duty. 

(3) If part-time coverage is extended by reason of incurred or aggravated 

disability for 120 days following a period of active duty, an election or 

designation is also effective throughout that extended period. 

1.09 INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED TO MEMBERS 

a. Under the provisions of the Veterans Benefits Improvements Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-

275), the uniformed services are required to furnish members general information regarding life 

insurance whenever a member has the opportunity to make an election not to be insured or to 

be insured in an amount less than the maximum amount of $400,000, and at other times 

periodically. This information should include: the purpose and role of life insurance in financial 

planning; the difference between term life insurance and whole life insurance; the availability of 

commercial life insurance; and the relationship between SGLI and VGLI. 

b. Uniformed services personnel shall inform new members about the automatic features of 

SGLI, such as the immediate insurance protection of $400,000 coverage, the cost of insurance 

and how premiums will be paid. (See paragraph 1.07.) The Uniformed Services shall also inform 

new members that the privilege of continuing group insurance coverage as VGLI and converting 

to an individual policy is valuable, particularly in cases where the member may not be able, for 

health reasons, to buy insurance after discharge or separation. 

1.10 FORFEITURE OF GROUP INSURANCE 

The insurance is forfeited when an insured member is guilty of mutiny, treason, spying, or 

desertion, or refuses, because of conscientious objections, to perform service in the Armed 

Forces of the United States, or refuses to wear the uniform of such force. No insurance shall be 

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payable for death inflicted as a lawful punishment for crime or for military or naval offense 

except when inflicted by an enemy of the United States. 

1.11 ASSIGNMENT, TAXATION, AND CLAIMS OF CREDITORS 

The SGLI and VGLI proceeds and Accelerated Benefit payments are not assignable. Payments of 

any SGLI or VGLI benefits, including Accelerated Benefits, are exempt from taxation and are not 

subject to claims of creditors of the insured or creditors of the beneficiary, except certain claims 

of the United States. 

1.12 LEGISLATIVE HISTORY 

a. Public Law 89-214, effective September 29, 1965, established the Servicemens' Group Life 

Insurance (SGLI) program. The law provided $10,000 of group life insurance for all active duty 

members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and the Commissioned 

Corps of the PHS and NOAA. 

b. Public Law 91-291, effective June 25, 1970, amended the original law by increasing the 

maximum amount of coverage for all members to $15,000 and by extending eligibility for 

limited periods of coverage to additional members. 

c. Public Law 92-315, effective June 20, 1972, extended coverage to cadets or midshipmen of 

the United States Military Academy, United States Naval Academy, United States Air Force 

Academy and the United States Coast Guard Academy. 

d. Public Law 93-289, effective May 24, 1974, increased the maximum amount of coverage for 

all members to $20,000 and extended full-time SGLI coverage to members of the Ready 

Reserves and Retired Reserves. The new law also provided for the conversion of SGLI to a 5-

year nonrenewable term policy called Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI). 

e. Public Law 97-66, effective December 1, 1981, increased the maximum amount of insurance 

under both the SGLI and VGLI programs to $35,000. 

f. Public Law 99-166, effective January 1, 1986, increased the maximum amount of coverage 

for all members to $50,000 and extended VGLI coverage to members of the IRR and Inactive 

National Guard (ING). 

g. Public Law 102-25, effective April 6, 1991, increased the maximum amount of insurance for 

all members to $100,000, with lesser amounts available in increments of $10,000. 

h. Public Law 102-568, effective December 1, 1992, increased the maximum SGLI and VGLI 

available to $200,000. Basic coverage remained at $100,000 and an additional $100,000 of 

supplemental coverage was made available to members of the uniformed services upon 

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application. The new law also provided that VGLI in effect on or after December 1, 1992, is 

renewable. (See Chapter 12 .) 

i. Public Law 104-106, effective April 1, 1996, increased the amount of basic coverage to 

$200,000. Members were automatically insured for $200,000 and had to elect in writing to 

decline or reduce their coverage to less than $200,000. The law also granted to Secretaries of 

the military service departments the authority to terminate SGLI coverage when premiums are 

not paid. 

j. Public Law 104-275, effective January 6, 1997, merged Retired Reservists SGLI into the VGLI 

program and extended VGLI to members of the Ready Reserves. The amendment also provided 

that members can convert their SGLI directly to a commercial policy of insurance and may 

convert VGLI to a commercial policy at any time rather than only at the end of 5-year periods. 

The new law also renamed the SGLI program to Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance and 

included a provision that requires representatives of the military services to provide general 

information regarding insurance and SGLI and VGLI to its members. 

k. Public Law 105-368, effective February 9, 1999, established an Accelerated Benefit option for 

terminally-ill members insured under SGLI or VGLI. Under this option, a terminally-ill member 

may receive in a lump sum payment a portion of the face value of the insurance as an 

accelerated death benefit. 

l. Public Law 106-419 increased the maximum amount of SGLI and VGLI coverage from 

$200,000 to $250,000 effective April 1, 2001. It also provided that members of the Individual 

Ready Reserves (IRR) who are subject to involuntary call-up authority will be eligible to enroll in 

the SGLI program. 

m. Public Law 109-13 increased the maximum amount of SGLI and VGLI coverage from 

$250,000 to $400,000 effective September 1, 2005. It also provided for Traumatic Injury 

Coverage under SGLI effective December 1, 2005. 

n. Public Law 109-80 made the increase in maximum SGLI and VGLI coverage to $400,000, and 

the change in SGLI increments to $50,000 permanent. It also provided for spousal notification 

of change in SGLI beneficiary and reduction or declination of coverage. 

o. PL 109-163 authorized an additional SGLI death gratuity of $150,000 for the survivors of 

decedents who died between October 7, 2001, and May 11, 2005, and at the time of death were 

not eligible for the additional death gratuity for service in combat operations or zones. 

PL 109-163 also authorized the payment of an allowance--by the Secretary of the appropriate 

branch of service-- to Servicemembers serving in OEF/OIF in an amount equal to the premium 

for the first $150,00 of SGLI coverage; if the member has elected to be insured for less than 

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$150,000 of SGLI, then the amount of the allowance will equal the amount of his/her premium 

deduction for SGLI coverage. 

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CHAPTER 2. TERMINATION OF INSURANCE 

2.01 TERMINATION OF INSURANCE 

a. Full-time SGLI coverage for members on active duty or active duty for training and members 

of the Ready Reserve/National Guard will terminate: 

(1) The 120th day after separation or release from duty, or separation or 

release from assignment to a unit or position of the Ready Reserve/National 

Guard; 

(2) For members who are totally disabled on the date of separation or release, 

at the end of the last day of two years following separation or release or at the 

end of the day on which the insured ceases to be totally disabled, whichever is 

earlier, but in no event earlier than 120 days following separation or release 

from such duty; 

(3) At the end of the 31st day of a continuous period of: 

(a) Absence without leave; 

(b) Confinement by military authorities under a court-martial 

sentence involving total forfeiture of pay and allowances; or 

(c) Confinement by civilian authorities under sentence adjudged 

by a civilian court. Note: Any insurance terminated as the result 

of the absence or confinement, together with any beneficiary 

designation in effect at the time the insurance was terminated, 

will be automatically restored as of the date the member returns 

to duty with pay. (See chapter 4.) 

(4) The last day of the month in which the member files with the uniformed 

service, written notice of an election not to be insured. The member may 

become insured again upon written request through the uniformed service as 

provided in paragraph 4.02. 

b. Part-time coverage terminates as follows: 

(1) Part-time coverage is in effect only on the days of active duty or active duty 

for training, and the hours of inactive duty training, including period of travel to 

and from duty. A temporary termination of coverage occurs at the end of each 

such period of duty, including travel time, and coverage is resumed at the 

commencement of the next period of covered duty or travel. 

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(2) When part-time coverage is extended for 120 days as the result of a 

disability, the extended coverage terminates at the end of the 120th day 

following the Reservist/National Guard active or inactive period during which the 

disability was incurred or aggravated. 

(3) Unless extended for 120 days because of disability as referred to above, 

eligibility for part-time coverage terminates at the end of the last day of the 

member's obligation to perform such duty. 

(4) If a member files with the uniformed service a written notice of an election 

not to be insured, coverage terminates on the last day of the period of active 

duty or active duty for training, or at the end of the period of inactive duty 

training, including travel time while returning from such duty during which the 

election is filed. If the election is filed with a member's uniformed service other 

than during a period of active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty the 

coverage is terminated immediately. 

c. Full-time and part-time coverage terminates: 

(1) At the end of the day before rights to the insurance are forfeited as 

described in paragraph 1.10; or 

(2) At the end of the day before the termination of the group policy. NOTE: See 

paragraph 1.08 to determine when elections, designations, and periods of duty 

or obligations to perform duty are continuous and when not continuous. 

d. Notice to spouse upon election not to be insured 

(1) The member's spouse will be notified by the Department of Defense of any 

election by the member not to be insured at the last address of record of the 

spouse. 

(2) The failure to notify a spouse of the election not to be insured does not 

affect the validity of the election. 

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CHAPTER 3. REDUCTION OR CANCELLATION OF INSURANCE 

3.01 FULL-TIME INSURANCE 

a. Members reporting for duty in one of the uniformed services who do not want to be insured 

or who prefer less than $400,000 maximum coverage must complete and file a form SGLV 

8286, Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Election and Certificate, with their uniformed 

service. (See appendix A)

b. Insured members who desire a lesser amount of insurance coverage or no insurance must 

request a change by completing a new form SGLV 8286 and filing it with the uniformed service. 

Requests for reduced coverage or no coverage made prior to any legislated increase in coverage 

have no effect under the new law. 

c. A reduction or cancellation of insurance coverage is effective at midnight of the last day of 

the month in which the form is received by the uniformed service. 

d. Whenever a member re-enters active duty, the member is covered for the full amount of 

insurance and any prior waiver or reduction of insurance coverage does not apply. 

e. If, on the first day of duty, a member elects not to be insured or elects less than the 

maximum coverage, that election is effective immediately. If the election is made after the first 

day of duty, the election is effective at midnight of the last day of the month in which the form 

is received by the uniformed service. 

f. If a terminally-ill member requests and receives an Accelerated Death Benefit, the face value 

of the member's insurance is reduced by the amount of the Accelerated Benefit paid to the 

member. The reduction is effective upon the date on which the member cashes or deposits the 

Accelerated Death payment. 

3.02 PART-TIME COVERAGE 

A member eligible for part-time coverage may elect not to be covered or request a reduced 

amount of coverage over his or her written signature. Form SGLV 8286 should be used for this 

purpose. When the form is complete, it should be filed with the appropriate uniformed service. 

The election or reduction will be effective as follows: 

a. At the end of the last day of the period of duty then being performed, if the member is on 

active duty or active duty for training when the waiver or reduction is filed; 

b. At the end of the period of inactive duty training then being performed, if the member is on 

inactive duty training when the waiver or reduction is filed; or 

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c. On the date the waiver or reduction is received by the uniformed service, if the member is 

not on active duty, active duty for training or inactive duty training on the date the waiver or 

reduction is filed. 

3.03 ACTION BY UNIFORMED SERVICE 

a. Authorized representatives of the uniformed services must sign and date, in the appropriate 

blocks, properly completed forms SGLV 8286 when received. The date the form is received 

should be accurately recorded as it determines the reduction or cancellation date of the 

insurance. 

b. The completed form SGLV 8286 serves as the basis for payroll deductions or authorizing 

collections in a reduced amount or none at all. 

c. The authorized representatives will distribute various copies of the form SGLV 8286 according 

to the instructions provided on the form. Note: Do not send the completed form to any VA office 

or the OSGLI. See instructions attached to form SGLV 8286. 

3.04 SPOUSAL NOTIFICATION 

a. A member's spouse will be notified of any reductions in coverage below the maximum amount if: 

(1) the spouse is the beneficiary; and 

(2) the reduction is the first election for less than the maximum coverage; or 

(3) the reduction decreases coverage below the amount of coverage elected at the first 

reduction. 

Example 1: The maximum coverage increased to $400,000 effective September 1, 2005. 

Member elects to decrease coverage to $300,000 on December 5, 2005. Member's spouse will 

be notified. 

Member elects to decrease coverage further to $200,000 on January 10, 2006. Member's 

spouse will be notified again. 

Example 2: Member has $400,000 of coverage. Member elects to decrease coverage to 

$300,000 on December 31, 2005. Member's spouse will be notified. 

Member elects to increase coverage to $350,000 on February 1, 2006. Member's spouse will 

NOT be notified in this instance because while the amount is still below the maximum it is above 

the previous election amount. 

b. The member's spouse will be notified by the Department of Defense at the last address of record of the 

spouse. 

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c. The failure to notify a spouse of the election for reduced insurance does not affect the validity of the 

election. 

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CHAPTER 4. RESTORATION AND REQUEST FOR COVERAGE 

4.01 AUTOMATIC RESTORATION 

a. Maximum coverage, previously declined or reduced, is automatically restored without 

evidence of good health when a member re-enters on duty (in the same or another uniformed 

service). 

b. The member's insurance coverage and beneficiary designation are automatically restored as 

of the date the member is restored to duty with pay, if coverage was terminated because of: 

(1) Absence without leave; 

(2) Confinement by civil authorities under a sentence adjudged by a civilian 

court; or 

(3) Confinement by military authorities under a court-martial sentence involving 

total forfeiture of pay and allowances. 

4.02 REQUEST FOR INSURANCE 

a. If a member elects to cancel or reduce SGLI coverage and later wants to obtain or increase 

his or her SGLI coverage, a written request must be made through that member's uniformed 

service. Application should be made on form SGLV 8285, Request for Insurance, in accordance 

with instructions attached to the form. (See appendix A)

b. The form SGLV 8285 should be completed and signed by the member in the presence of an 

authorized representative of his or her uniformed service, who should then complete the 

certification below the member's signature. In accordance with the instructions on the form, if 

all medical questions are answered "NO" the form should be filed in the members' personnel file 

and action initiated to withhold premium payments effective the date the form is received by 

the branch of service. 

c. If any of the medical questions are answered "YES" the form should be sent to the OSGLI for 

review and decision. Premium deductions should not be made until the decision is received from 

the OSGLI. 

d. Both the member and the uniformed service concerned will be advised of the acceptance or 

rejection of the application by the OSGLI. 

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CHAPTER 5. ACCELERATED BENEFITS OPTION 

5.01 GENERAL 

a. The Accelerated Benefit Option permits terminally-ill members covered under the SGLI and 

VGLI programs to receive a portion of the face value of their insurance coverage before they 

die. Such payments are made by lump sum only and paid by check. 

b. A member is eligible to receive an Accelerated Benefit if he or she has a valid written 

prognosis form a physician of 9 months or less to live. 

c. The amount of Accelerated Benefit available to a member is up to 50% of the face value of 

the member's insurance coverage. If a member elects less than the maximum, the amount 

requested must be in increments of $5,000. The Accelerated Benefit paid to the member will be 

the amount requested. 

d. The portion of the face value of insurance which is not paid in a lump sum as an accelerated 

benefit remains payable to the member's designated beneficiary(ies) upon his or her death. 

Monthly deductions for SGLI and premiums for VGLI shall be reduced in a manner consistent 

with the percentage reduction in the face value of the insurance as a result of payment of the 

Accelerated Benefit. 

e. Members insured under the SGLI program who elect an Accelerated Benefit and who 

thereafter convert their SGLI coverage to VGLI are eligible only for a reduced amount of VGLI 

coverage based on the amount of the Accelerated Benefit they received. 

f. The amount of the Accelerated Benefit received by the Servicemember or Veteran shall not be 

considered income or resources for purposes of determining eligibility for or the amount of 

benefits under any Federal or federally-assisted program or for any other purpose. 

5.02 REQUEST FOR ACCELERATED BENEFITS 

a. Only the insured member may apply for an Accelerated Benefit. No one else can apply on the 

member's behalf. 

b. The application form entitled "Claim for Accelerated Benefits" is available by request by 

writing the Office of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance, 80 Livingston Avenue, Roseland, 

New Jersey 07068-1733 or calling the office toll-free at 1-800-419-1473. The application is also 

available for downloading on our forms page. 

c. The application contains one part to be completed by the insured and a second part to be 

completed by the insured's physician. In addition, the branch of service for active duty 

Servicemembers must complete part of the form. The member must submit the completed 

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application form to the Office of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance, 80 Livingston Avenue, 

Roseland, New Jersey 07068-1733. 

5.03 EFFECTIVE DATE 

a. The election to receive the Accelerated Benefit becomes effective at the time the member 

cashes or deposits the Accelerated Benefit. 

b. A member may cancel his or her request for benefits prior to cashing or depositing the 

Accelerated Benefit by informing OSGLI in writing of the request to cancel and by returning the 

check if the member has received it. If a member wants to change the amount of benefits 

requested or decides to reapply after canceling the request, he or she may file another 

application. 

c. If a member dies prior to cashing an Accelerated Benefit payment, the payment must be 

returned to OSGLI. 

d. Once an election becomes effective (by cashing or depositing the Accelerated Benefit 

payment), it can not be revoked. A member is not eligible for additional Accelerated Benefits. 

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CHAPTER 6. BENEFICIARIES 

6.01 DESIGNATIONS OF BENEFICIARY (IES) - GENERAL 

Any insured under SGLI may designate as principal beneficiary or contingent beneficiary any 

person, firm, corporation or legal entity (including the insured's estate), individually or as a 

trustee. 

6.02 PREPARATION OF SGLV 8286 

a. Members covered under SGLI should complete form SGLV 8286 whenever they make a 

beneficiary designation or change a previous designation. 

b. The following are guidelines to be used in the preparation of the form: 

(1) Members should be encouraged to name a specific beneficiary. 

(2) If a member does not want to designate a specific beneficiary but prefers 

the proceeds to be paid in the order of precedence, the member should enter 

"By Law" in the appropriate space on the form. 

(3) When designating a married woman as beneficiary, her own first and middle 

names, and her husband's last name should be shown. 

(4) If a member designates more than one beneficiary, the member should 

specify in fractions, percentages, or monetary amounts the share to be paid to 

each; otherwise, they will share equally in the proceeds. A member may also 

designate a contingent beneficiary on form SGLV 8286. In making such a 

designation, the member must clearly identify each beneficiary as the principal 

or contingent, with the principal beneficiary always listed first. NOTE: A 

contingent beneficiary is a person or persons designated to receive the 

insurance proceeds if the principal beneficiaries die before the insured dies. 

c. When completed and dated, the form SGLV 8286 must be submitted to the member's 

uniformed service because a beneficiary designation is not effective until it is received by the 

uniformed service. The uniformed service should immediately date and certify it as received. It 

should promptly be placed in the member's personnel file. Only the latest beneficiary 

designation in the member's personnel file will be considered valid. 

d. SGLI and VGLI are federal programs and operate under federal law. Under federal law, the 

insured has the absolute right to name and change the beneficiary at any time. State divorce 

decrees, separation agreements or other state or municipal court documents are not binding on 

the determination of a beneficiary and cannot effectively change an insured's beneficiary 

designation. NOTE: Do not forward SGLV 8286 to any VA office or the OSGLI. 

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6.03 UNCLEAR OR UNUSUAL BENEFICIARY DESIGNATIONS 

a. There are many instances when the member should clearly designate a specific beneficiary or 

beneficiaries to ensure that the proceeds are distributed to the persons or persons whom the 

insured intended to be the beneficiary(ies). Some examples are: 

(1) When a member has a parent who has remarried but both natural parents 

are living; or 

(2) When a member is divorced and remarried, but has children living with the 

first spouse; or 

(3) When a member has no immediate next of kin and wants a distant relative 

or friend to receive the proceeds. 

b. When a member is likely to be survived by dependents or parents and designates some other 

person or entity as beneficiary, a responsible representative of the uniformed service should 

advise the member to submit a signed memorandum indicating that the member understands 

the designation is unusual and that the person named by the member as the beneficiary is the 

person he or she intends to receive the proceeds. 

c. Whenever there is any question or doubt as to a beneficiary, the uniformed service should 

encourage the member to complete form SGLV 8286, Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance 

Election and Certificate, in order to clearly identify the person(s) to whom the proceeds of the 

insurance should be paid. 

d. While the selection of a beneficiary is a matter of free election for the insured and the insured 

should never be forced to designate otherwise, under Public Law 109-13 if a Servicemember is 

married the Department of Defense must provide written notification to their spouse of a 

change of designation. Even with this provision the member should choose to name any 

beneficiary he/she desires. However, if disregarding dependents or parents in designating 

beneficiaries, it is desirable that the member document their intent on the designation form. 

6.04 DESIGNATIONS OF BENEFICIARIES WHO ARE MINORS 

a. The law allows payment of SGLI to be made directly to a minor surviving spouse. 

b. If the beneficiary is a child, the insurance proceeds will be paid to the child's guardian. 

c. The appointment of a guardian is often time consuming and costly and, for that reason, may 

delay the payment of proceeds. The amount of the proceeds can be materially reduced by the 

payment of court costs, attorney fees and expenses incurred by the guardian. To avoid such 

complications and expense, a member may choose to consult with an attorney to designate a 

pre-appointed trustee of the minor beneficiary. 

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6.05 DESIGNATION CHANGE OR CANCELLATION 

a. An insured member may, at any time, change or cancel a previous designation. 

b. If a married member designates as beneficiary someone other than a spouse or child, the 

spouse will be notified that a change has occurred, except in the following circumstances: 

(1) the spouse has been previously notified of the change in beneficiary; and 

(2) the spouse was not a beneficiary in the election prior to the current 

beneficiary change 

The member's spouse will be notified by the Department of Defense of any such election at the 

last address of record of the spouse. The failure to notify a spouse of the election not to be 

insured does not affect the validity of the election. 

Example 1: Married member names his mother the sole beneficiary of his SGLI 

policy. The member's spouse will be notified of the election. 

The married member subsequently changes the beneficiary on his policy to his 

brother. The member's spouse will not be notified of the election. 

c. The following rules apply when the law governing SGLI is amended to increase the amount of 

insurance coverage: 

• An insured should submit a new beneficiary designation. 

• If an insured was covered for the maximum amount under a prior law, the prior 

beneficiary designation and equal monthly payment payment option filed by the 

member will be effective until changed and the proceeds will be distributed in the same 

proportionate amount as the portion designated for such beneficiary under the prior law. 

 Example: 

Coverage Designation Amount Paid 

$250,000 50% spouse 

 

50% child 

Spouse: $125,000

Child: 

$125,000 

$400,000 50% spouse 

 

50% child 

Spouse: $200,000

Child: 

$200,000 

 

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d. A beneficiary designation will remain in effect until properly changed by the member or 

automatically canceled. (See paragraph 6.07) Termination of one period of duty and reentry 

into another period of duty will not automatically cancel the designation unless there is a break 

in service. (See paragraph 1.02(i)) for definition of break in service.) 

e. A designation change or cancellation will take effect only if it is in writing, signed by the 

insured and received prior to the date of death of the insured by the uniformed service. 

f. If such designation change or cancellation is made during a period of extended coverage 

following separation or release, such change will take effect only if received by the OSGLI prior 

to the insured's death. 

6.06 BENEFICIARY (IES) NOT DESIGNATED 

Members should be encouraged to name a specific beneficiary. If a member does not designate 

a beneficiary, the insurance will automatically be paid in the following order of precedence: 

a. The surviving spouse of the member; if none, 

b. The child or children of the member, in equal shares, with the share of any deceased children 

to be distributed among the descendants of that child; if none, 

c. The parents in equal shares or all to the surviving parent; if none, 

d. A duly appointed executor or administrator of the insured's estate; if none, 

e. Other next of kin. NOTE: An insured's biological parents are not always who the individual 

intended to receive the proceeds, and in cases such as abandonment, they are not recognized 

as legal parents. Claim disputes involving the recognition of "rightful" parents can be avoided by 

discouraging the use of "By Law" designations and listing the parents by name. 

6.07 AUTOMATIC TERMINATION OF BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION 

A designation of beneficiary made by a member insured under SGLI for full-time or part-time 

coverage will automatically be canceled under the following rules: 

a. When the insurance terminates following separation or release from all duty or the obligation 

to perform duty in a uniformed service; 

b. When the member re-enters on duty or assumes an obligation to perform duty in another 

uniformed service; or 

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c. When the member reenters on duty in the same uniformed service more than one calendar 

day after separation or release from all duty in that uniformed service. NOTE: If a prior 

designation is terminated for any of the reasons shown above and the member wants the 

insurance proceeds paid to a designated beneficiary, a completed new form SGLV 8286 must be 

submitted to the member's uniformed service. 

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CHAPTER 7. ELECTION OF METHOD FOR PAYMENT OF PROCEEDS 

7.01 GENERAL 

a. An insured member may elect that the proceeds of SGLI be paid to the beneficiary in a lump 

sum payment or in 36 equal monthly payments. If the insured member elects a lump sum 

payment, the beneficiary (ies) will be given the option of receiving the lump sum payment 

either through the Prudential Alliance Account or by check*, by checking either Lump Sum – 

Alliance Account®, or Lump Sum – Check in Part IV – Method of Payment on SGLV 8283, Claim 

for Death Benefits. 

* Alliance is not available for payments less than $5,000, payments to individuals residing 

outside the United States and its territories, and certain other payments. These will be paid by 

check. 

An Alliance Account is an interest bearing draft account established in the beneficiary’s(ies’) 

name(s) with a draft book. The beneficiary can write drafts (“checks”) for any amount up to the 

full amount of the proceeds. There are no monthly service fees or per check charges and 

additional checks can be ordered at no cost, but fees apply for some special services including 

returned checks, stop payment orders and copies of statements/checks. 

The funds in an Alliance Account begin earning interest immediately and will continue to earn 

interest until all funds are withdrawn. Interest is accrued daily, compounded daily and credited 

every month. The interest rate may change and will vary over time subject to a minimum rate 

that will not change more than once every 90 days. You will be advised in advance of any 

change to the minimum interest rate via your quarterly Alliance Account statement or by calling 

Customer Support at (877) 255-4262. 

Open Solutions Inc. is the Service Provider of the Prudential Alliance Account Settlement Option, 

a contractual obligation of The Prudential Insurance Company of America, located at 751 Broad 

Street, Newark, NJ 07102-3777. Check clearing is provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and 

processing support is provided by First Data Payment Services (FDPS). Alliance Account 

balances are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). 

Alliance Account funds are backed by the financial strength of The Prudential Insurance 

Company of America and State Guaranty Associations. Open Solutions Inc., JPMorgan Chase 

Bank, N.A., and First Data Payment Services are not Prudential Financial companies. 

b. An insured may also change the method of settlement at any time without the consent of the 

beneficiary. 

c. If the insured elects a lump sum payment or makes no election, the beneficiary may choose 

either the lump sum settlement or payment in 36 equal monthly payments. 

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d. If the insured elects 36 equal monthly payments, the beneficiary may not elect a lump sum 

settlement. 

7.02 ELECTION OR CHANGE OF METHOD OF PAYMENT 

a. Insured members should use form SGLV 8286, Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance 

Election and Certificate, to elect a method of payment or to change a previous election. The 

member should indicate the option selected in the appropriate column on the form; i.e., either 

36 months or lump sum. NOTE: If the election is for a reduced amount of insurance, the 

member should complete the entire form. 

b. The form SGLV 8286 when completed, signed and dated should be submitted to the 

uniformed service concerned. 

c. If the election or change is being made during the period the insurance remains in force 

following separation or release from duty, the form should be sent to the OSGLI. 

7.03 EFFECTIVE DATE OF ELECTION OR CHANGE 

An election or change is effective the date the form SGLV 8286 is received in the uniformed 

service concerned or the date such a change is received at the OSGLI, whichever is applicable. 

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CHAPTER 8. DEATH CLAIMS 

8.01 GENERAL 

a. All claims for death benefits for any member who dies while insured under SGLI must be 

submitted to the OSGLI, 80 Livingston Avenue, Roseland, New Jersey 07068-1733. 

b. Upon receipt by the OSGLI of proof that an insured member has died, OSGLI will pay to the 

proper beneficiary the amount for which the member is insured under the group policy. The 

form SGLV 8283, Claim for Death Benefits (see Appendix A) is provided for the purpose of 

claiming the proceeds. Payment will be made to the member's designated beneficiary surviving 

at the time of the member's death; or if no beneficiary was designated, the proceeds will be 

paid in order of precedence as provided by law. (See paragraph 6.06 for the order of 

precedence.) 

c. Under no circumstances can more than $400,000 group life insurance (plus interest) be paid 

in settlement of a death claim. This is emphasized for the situation when a member reenters on 

active duty, active duty for training or inactive duty training during a period of coverage 

following an earlier period of such duty. 

d. Any determination as to eligibility of a claimant as beneficiary or any request for evidence 

required in support of a claim will be made by the OSGLI. This office must also receive proof 

that a claimant is entitled to payment. If, for example, the payment in the order of precedence 

is made to parents and one parent is deceased, a certified copy of the death certificate for the 

deceased parent should be furnished. NOTE: If form SGLV 8283 was not furnished to the 

beneficiary, one may be obtained from the OSGLI, or any VA office. If the beneficiary has no 

tangible evidence of SGLI coverage, see paragraph 8.05. 

8.02 PROOF OF DEATH AND VERIFICATION OF INSURANCE IN FORCE 

When a claim is filed for insurance, proof of death and verification of the amount of insurance in 

force will be established by one of the following types of evidence: 

a. If death of a member occurs while on active duty, active duty for training, inactive duty 

training or in an active duty status as a Ready Reservist/National Guard member, DD Form 

1300, Report of Casualty, or its equivalent, will be issued by the deceased member's uniformed 

service and sent directly to the OSGLI. The beneficiary need not supply proof of death. 

b. If a member insured under full-time coverage dies within the period the insurance remains in 

force following termination of duty, a certified copy of the death certificate and a copy of DD 

214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or Form NGB 22,Certificate of Release 

from the National Guard must accompany the form SGLV 8283 and be submitted to the OSGLI. 

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c. If an insured under part-time coverage dies within the 120-day period following a period of 

duty during which a disability was incurred or aggravated, a certified copy of the death 

certificate and a statement from the attending physician concerning the disability and period of 

duty must be sent with the form SGLV 8283 to the OSGLI. 

8.03 PREPARATION OF SGLV 8283 

a. In filing a claim for the insurance proceeds, form SGLV 8283 must be completed by the 

designated beneficiary or, in the absence of such designation, by the primary beneficiary as 

listed in the order of precedence. (See paragraph 6.06 for the order of precedence.) 

b. Information (printed or typed) should be furnished on the form SGLV 8283 as explained on 

the form. All claimants must complete items 1 through 4, and numbers 5 and 6, if known. 

(1) A claimant who is the designated beneficiary need complete only items 7, 8, 

9 and 10 of part I and all of part IV. 

(2) If a spouse was not designated as beneficiary and no other beneficiary was 

designated, the surviving spouse should complete all items of parts I and IV. 

(3) Other claimants should complete items 7, 8, 9, and 10 of part I and all of 

parts II, III and IV. 

c. It is essential that all requested information be furnished. The omission of answers or 

incomplete answers or the failure to furnish the necessary or requested information may delay 

settlement of the claim. NOTE: VA has no authority to seek the appointment of a fiduciary 

(trustee or trusteeship) for SGLI purposes. It is important to remember that any settlement of 

claims is strictly a matter between the person filing the claim and the OSGLI. 

8.04 CONTACTING THE BENEFICIARY WHEN DEATH OCCURS 

a. When an insured member dies, the uniformed service will examine the member's personnel 

file to learn if a beneficiary for SGLI has been designated by the insured. If no designation was 

made, the uniformed service representative should carefully review the file to learn the next of 

kin or survivor as shown in the official record and determine if such person would qualify as the 

eligible beneficiary according to the order of precedence. 

b. If the insured has not designated a beneficiary and the person(s) listed in the official records 

is for some obvious reason not eligible, or there is some doubt concerning that person's 

eligibility as beneficiary or next of kin, the uniformed service should: 

(1) Complete the DD Form 1300 or an equivalent form and make the notation 

that no form SGLV 8283 was furnished. 

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(2) If there is no record of form SGLV 8286, list the name and address of the 

next of kin as shown on DD Form 1300, or equivalent from, and forward the 

report to the OSGLI. When there is some uncertainty or unusual circumstances 

involved, a statement of the pertinent facts should be attached. 

8.05 WHEN SURVIVOR HAS NO PROOF OF SGLI COVERAGE 

a. Occasionally a beneficiary or survivor will ask a uniformed service or a VA office for 

assistance in filing a death claim and will not have a DD Form 214 as tangible evidence of 

insurance coverage. 

b. If the uniformed service is asked to assist, the service should inform the OSGLI of the 

amount of insurance and the last named beneficiary or next of kin of record including any other 

elections by the insured. If the insurance is in force and there is no doubt regarding the 

beneficiary, form SGLV 8283 should be provided to the beneficiary for completion and 

submission to the OSGLI. 

c. When VA is asked to assist in filing a death claim and the survivor has no evidence of the 

group insurance, VA will assist the survivor in completing the form SGLV 8283. The claim form 

and copy of the death certificate will be forwarded to the OSGLI by VA with a letter explaining 

the circumstances involved, including any other pertinent facts supplied by the survivor, or from 

VA files which will be helpful to the OSGLI in verifying the deceased member's insurance. 

8.06 PAYMENT OF PROCEEDS 

a. If a principal beneficiary, otherwise entitled to payment of the insurance proceeds, does not 

make a claim for the proceeds within 1 year following the death of the insured, or if payment to 

such person within that period is prohibited by Federal law or regulation, payment may be made 

to the contingent beneficiary or in the order of precedence as set forth in paragraph 6.06 as if 

the person had died before the insured. Any such payment shall bar recovery by any other 

person. 

b. If, within 2 years after the death of the member, no claim has been made by any person 

entitled, and neither VA nor the OSGLI has received any notice that such a claim will be made, 

payment may be made to any claimant that may be equitably entitled to the proceeds as 

determined by VA; and such payment will be a bar to recovery by another person. 

c. If the insured member elects a lump sum payment, the beneficiary (ies) will be given the 

option of receiving the lump sum payment either through the Prudential Alliance Account or by 

check.* 

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* Alliance is not available for payments less than $5,000, payments to individuals residing 

outside the United States and its territories, and certain other payments. These will be paid by 

check. 

An Alliance Account is an interest bearing draft account established in the beneficiary’s(ies’) 

name(s) with a draft book. The beneficiary can write drafts (“checks”) for any amount up to the 

full amount of the proceeds. There are no monthly service fees or per check charges and 

additional checks can be ordered at no cost, but fees apply for some special services including 

returned checks, stop payment orders and copies of statements/checks. 

The funds in an Alliance Account begin earning interest immediately and will continue to earn 

interest until all funds are withdrawn. Interest is accrued daily, compounded daily and credited 

every month. The interest rate may change and will vary over time subject to a minimum rate 

that will not change more than once every 90 days. You will be advised in advance of any 

change to the minimum interest rate via your quarterly Alliance Account statement or by calling 

Customer Support at (877) 255-4262. 

Open Solutions Inc. is the Service Provider of the Prudential Alliance Account Settlement Option, 

a contractual obligation of The Prudential Insurance Company of America, located at 751 Broad 

Street, Newark, NJ 07102-3777. Check clearing is provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and 

processing support is provided by First Data Payment Services (FDPS). Alliance Account 

balances are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). 

Alliance Account funds are backed by the financial strength of The Prudential Insurance 

Company of America and State Guaranty Associations. Open Solutions Inc., JPMorgan Chase 

Bank, N.A., and First Data Payment Services are not Prudential Financial companies. 

d. Beneficiaries who receive a lump sum payment can take advantage of no cost professional 

financial advice through the Beneficiary Financial Counseling service. More information about 

BFCS can be found in Chapter 9 of this handbook. 

e. If the proceeds are to be paid in 36 equal monthly payments, the first payment will be 

payable as of the date of death. The amount of each payment will be computed so as to include 

interest on the unpaid balance at the then effective rate. 

f. If the insured designated that proceeds are to be paid in 36 equal payments to the principal 

beneficiary and that beneficiary dies before the full 36 payments have been paid, the remaining 

payments will be paid to the contingent beneficiary as the payments become due. If the 

contingent beneficiary dies before receiving all payments, or if there is no contingent beneficiary 

and the principal beneficiary dies before receiving all the payments, the unpaid payments, less 

the interest which would have accrued, will be paid in one sum to the estate of the beneficiary 

last receiving payment (principal or contingent). NOTE: The address of the Casualty Office for 

each branch of service is provided in Appendix B. 

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CHAPTER 9. BENEFICIARY FINANCIAL COUNSELING SERVICES 

9.01 GENERAL 

a. All beneficiaries of SGLI, TSGLI or VGLI proceeds are eligible to receive Beneficiary Financial 

Counseling Services provided through an independent professional services firm. Under this 

benefit, beneficiaries receive free, personalized, objective financial advice if they choose to take 

advantage of the service. 

b. The beneficiary will receive a detailed personalized financial plan and toll-free access to 

additional financial counseling for two years, as well as additional financial counseling resources. 

Beneficiaries who have an Alliance account will have access to these services for as long as they 

have funds in their account. 

c. Beneficiary Financial Counseling is provided at no extra cost to the insured (i.e. premiums will 

not increase) or the beneficiary. In addition, the independent firm will not sell any products to 

the beneficiary and counselors receive no commission for their services. 

d. Upon the death or traumatic injury of the insured, the Office of Servicemembers' Group Life 

Insurance will provide information to the beneficiary/insured on how to contact the firm to take 

advantage of this benefit. 

e. You may find more information on Beneficiary Financial Counseling at 

http://www.insurance.va.gov/sgliSite/BFCS/BFCS.htm 

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CHAPTER 10. FAMILY COVERAGE 

10.01. GENERAL 

a. Family Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (FSGLI) is a program extended 

to the spouses and unmarried dependent children of members insured under the 

SGLI program. FSGLI provides up to a maximum of $100,000 of insurance 

coverage for spouses, not to exceed the amount of SGLI the insured member 

has in force, and $10,000 for dependent children. Spousal coverage is issued in 

increments of $10,000. 

b. FSGLI coverage is provided under a group life insurance policy purchased 

from a commercial life insurance company by VA. FSGLI is administered by the 

OSGLI (see paragraph 1.01b for address) and is supervised by VA. 

c. FSGLI provides life insurance protection only. It does not provide disability or 

other supplementary benefits. In addition, FSGLI has no cash, loan, paid-up or 

extended insurance values and does not pay dividends. 

d. Service members with FSGLI coverage have access to up to 50% of the face 

value of the spousal coverage through the Accelerated Benefits Option (ABO). In 

order to qualify for the ABO, the spouse must have a medical prognosis of life 

expectancy of nine months or less. Only the Servicemember can apply for 

accelerated benefits and the benefit will be paid only to the Servicemember. 

e. If an insured member declines Family coverage for a spouse or elects an 

amount less than the maximum amount available, the member may later apply 

for coverage or an increase in coverage up to the $100,000 maximum, or the 

amount of SGLI held by the insured member, whichever is less. Proof of spouse 

insurability (proof of good health) will be required in these cases. 

f. FSGLI is a Servicemembers' benefit, and the member is the beneficiary of the 

policy. 

g. A Servicemember married to another Servicemember can be insured under 

both the FSGLI and SGLI programs at the same time, for a maximum coverage 

amount of $500,000. 

10.02 PERSONS ELIGIBLE TO BE INSURED 

a. Persons eligible to be insured in the FSGLI program are the current spouses 

and the dependent children of Servicemembers covered under the SGLI 

program who are 

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(1) serving full time on active duty 

 or 

(2) serving as a Ready Reservist or National Guard member 

who, under the law, is eligible for full-time SGLI coverage. 

Note: Persons who are on active duty for training or inactive duty for training 

are not eligible for the FSGLI program. 

b. Dependent children are defined as follows: 

(1) All unmarried natural born children and legally adopted 

children under the age of 18 

(2) All unmarried stepchildren under the age of 18 who are 

members of the Servicemembers household. 

(3) Any unmarried dependent child who, after attaining the age 

of 18 and until completion of education or training (but not after 

attaining the age of 23), is pursuing a course of instruction at an 

approved educational institution. 

(4) Any unmarried dependent child who has been declared 

permanently incapable of self-support before the age of 18. 

10.03 EFFECTIVE DATE OF INSURANCE 

a. Spousal coverage will be effective as follows: 

For members who... Spousal coverage will be effective... 

are married on the date of entry on 

duty (active, Ready Reserve or 

National Guard), 

the date of entry on duty. 

marry while on duty (active, Ready 

Reserve or National Guard), the date of the marriage. 

previously elected to have their 

spouse insured for less than the 

maximum amount, 

the date an application electing to increase FSGLI 

spousal coverage is received by the members branch of 

service, provided the spouse meets good health 

requirements; 

OR 

if the application was forwarded to OSGLI for review, the 

date the application was received by the service. 

However, premium deductions will not begin until OSGLI 

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For members who... Spousal coverage will be effective... 

has approved the application. 

have applied and been approved for 

SGLI coverage after previously 

declining coverage, 

the date an application electing to increase FSGLI 

spousal coverage is received by the members branch of 

service, provided the spouse meets good health 

requirements; 

OR 

if the application was forwarded to OSGLI for review, the 

date the application was received by the service. 

However, premium deductions will not begin until OSGLI 

has approved the application. 

Have applied and been approved for 

an increase in SGLI coverage that 

entitles them to an increase in 

FSGLI coverage, 

the date an application electing to increase FSGLI 

spousal coverage is received by the members branch of 

service, provided the spouse meets good health 

requirements; 

OR 

if the application was forwarded to OSGLI for review, the 

date the application was received by the service. 

However, premium deductions will not begin until OSGLI 

has approved the application. 

b. Dependent child coverage will be effective as follows: 

For children who... Coverage will be effective... 

are dependents of the member when the member enters on 

duty (active, Ready Reserve or National Guard), the date of entry on duty. 

are born or legally adopted while the member is on duty 

(active, Ready Reserve or National Guard), 

the date of birth or date of 

adoption. 

become stepchildren due to a member's marriage while the 

member is on duty (active, Ready Reserve or National 

Guard), 

the date a stepchild begins living 

in the member's household. 

(1) If the member had previously declined SGLI coverage, dependent children 

are automatically insured on the date an application to elect SGLI coverage is 

received by the uniformed service, provided the member meets good health 

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requirements. If the application is forwarded to OSGLI for review, dependent 

children are insured on the date the application is approved by OSGLI. 

10.04 COST OF INSURANCE 

a. For all members entitled to SGLI coverage, the necessary amount will be 

deducted from the member's service pay or otherwise collected from the 

member by the uniformed service. 

b. Coverage for dependent children is provided at no cost to the member. 

c. Spousal premiums are based on the age of the spouse and the amount of 

coverage. (See Appendix C for the current FSGLI Premium Rate Table.) 

Premiums will increase as the spouse reaches each successive age bracket. 

10.05 TERMINATION OF INSURANCE 

a. FSGLI coverage for both spouses and dependent children will terminate 120 

days after The member separates from service. 

10.06 REDUCTION AND CANCELLATION OF INSURANCE 

a. Spousal Coverage- an insured Servicemember may elect to reduce or cancel 

spousal coverage at any time. If the member elects to reduce the amount of 

spousal coverage, the reduced amount of coverage will remain in effect until 

coverage is canceled or a request for an increase in coverage is made. Where 

spouse coverage is canceled, it will terminate as follows: 

(1) 120 days after the date of an election made in writing by the 

member to terminate the coverage or; 

(2) the earliest of either: 

(a) 120 days after the date of the member's 

death; 

(b) 120 days after the date the member's SGLI 

coverage terminates (see Chapter 2); 

(c) 120 days after the termination of the 

marriage. 

b. Dependent Child Coverage - Dependent child coverage may not be reduced 

for any reason while the Servicemember is insured. Dependent child coverage 

automatically terminates when the insured member is no longer insured or 

when the dependent child no longer qualifies as a dependent under paragraph 

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10.02 above. Where dependent child coverage is terminated it will terminate as 

follows: 

The earliest of either: 

(1) 120 days after the date of the member's death; 

(2) 120 days after the date the member's SGLI coverage 

terminates (see Chapter 2); 

(3) 120 days after the termination of the dependent's status as 

an insurable dependent of the member. 

10.07 REQUEST FOR COVERAGE 

a. If a member elects to cancel or reduce FSGLI spousal coverage and later 

wants to obtain or increase his or her FSGLI spousal coverage, the member 

must make a written request through that member's uniformed service. The 

member should complete form SGLV 8285A, Request for Insurance, in 

accordance with instructions attached to the form. (See appendix A)

b. Parts I and II of SGLV 8285A should be completed and signed by the member 

and the member's spouse. The form should then be submitted to the members 

Commanding Officer, equivalent or designee, who should then complete the 

certification in Part III. In accordance with the instructions on the form, if all 

medical questions are answered "NO" the form should be filed in the members' 

personnel file and action initiated to withhold premium payments effective the 

date the form is received by the branch of service. 

c. If any of the medical questions are answered "YES" the form should be sent 

to the OSGLI for review and decision. Premium deductions should not be made 

until the decision is received from the OSGLI. 

d. Both the member and the uniformed service concerned will be advised of the 

acceptance or rejection of the application by the OSGLI. 

10.08 ACCELERATED BENEFITS OPTION 

a. The Accelerated Benefit Option permits a Servicemember to receive up to 

50% of the spousal SGLI coverage for a spouse who has been diagnosed by 

his/her physician as being terminally ill. Only the Servicemember can apply for 

this benefit. 

b. Additional details regarding procedures for applying for this benefit, as well as 

general information, may be found in Chapter 5 of this handbook. 

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10.09 CONVERSION 

a. A dependent spouse of a Servicemember may convert his/her SGLI policy to 

a private life insurance company, under the same provisions as provided in 

section 10.05, when the policy is terminated. The decision to convert the policy 

is the dependent spouse's and the policy may be converted to an individual 

policy of insurance, under the same conditions as conversion of a VGLI policy to 

an individual policy. Conversion takes place upon written application made to 

the participating company, as selected by the spouse and upon payment of the 

required premiums. A spouse may not convert the policy to a VGLI policy. 

Where the insurable dependent is a child, that policy may not be converted to 

another individual policy of insurance. 

10.10 CLAIMS 

a. General Information 

(1) All claims for death benefits for any spouse or dependent 

child who dies while insured under FSGLI must be submitted to 

the OSGLI, 80 Livingston Avenue, Roseland, New Jersey 07068-

1733. 

(2) The casualty branch must certify the death of an insured 

spouse or dependent child using Form SGLV-8700. When the 

OSGLI receives the certification of death, OSGLI will pay to the 

member the amount for which the spouse or dependent child is 

insured under the group policy. The form SGLV 8283A, Claim for 

Family Coverage Death Benefits is provided for the purpose of 

claiming the proceeds. Payment will be made to the member at 

the time of the member's death; or if the member and the 

spouse or dependent child die simultaneously, the proceeds will 

be paid in order of precedence as provided by law. (See 

paragraph 6.06 for the order of precedence.) 

(3) Under no circumstances can more than $100,000 FSGLI 

(plus interest) be paid in settlement of a death claim. 

(4) In the event the member and the dependent or spouse die 

simultaneously, any determination as to eligibility of a claimant 

as beneficiary or any request for evidence required in support of 

a claim will be made by the OSGLI. This office must also receive 

proof that a claimant is entitled to payment. If, for example, the 

payment in the order of precedence is made to parents and one 

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parent is deceased, a certified copy of the death certificate for 

the deceased parent should be furnished. 

NOTE: If form SGLV 8283A was not furnished to the beneficiary, 

the form may be downloaded from our forms page. 

b. Payment of Proceeds 

(1) Spousal SGLI Insurance Proceeds 

a) If the proceeds are to be paid in a lump sum 

payment, the member will be given the option of 

receiving the lump sum payment either through 

the Prudential Alliance Account or by check*, by 

checking under “My Preferred method of 

payment is” either Alliance Account®, or Single 

Payment by Check in Block 11a – Spousal 

benefit, in Part III, Information Concerning 

Payment of Insurance Benefits on SGLV 8283A, 

Claim for Family Coverage Death Benefits. 

Alliance is not available for payments less than 

$5,000, payments to individuals residing outside 

the United States and its territories, and certain 

other payments. These will be paid by check. 

*An Alliance Account is an interest bearing draft 

account established in the beneficiary’s(ies) 

name with a draft book. The beneficiary can 

write drafts (“checks”) for any amount up to the 

full amount of the proceeds. There are no 

monthly service fees or per check charges and 

additional checks can be ordered at no cost, but 

fees apply for some special services including 

returned checks, stop payment orders and 

copies of statements/checks. 

The funds in an Alliance Account begin earning 

interest immediately and will continue to earn 

interest until all funds are withdrawn. Interest is 

accrued daily, compounded daily and credited 

every month. The interest rate may change and 

will vary over time subject to a minimum rate 

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that will not change more than once every 90 

days. You will be advised in advance of any 

change to the minimum interest rate via your 

quarterly Alliance Account statement or by 

calling Customer Support at (877) 255-4262. 

Open Solutions Inc. is the Service Provider of 

the Prudential Alliance Account Settlement 

Option, a contractual obligation of The Prudential 

Insurance Company of America, located at 751 

Broad Street, Newark, NJ 07102-3777. Check 

clearing is provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, 

N.A. and processing support is provided by First 

Data Payment Services (FDPS). Alliance 

Account balances are not insured by the 

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation 

(FDIC). Alliance Account funds are backed by 

the financial strength of The Prudential 

Insurance Company of America and State 

Guaranty Associations. Open Solutions Inc., 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and First Data 

Payment Services are not Prudential Financial 

companies. 

b) Members who receive a lump sum payment 

can take advantage of no cost professional 

financial advice through the Beneficiary Financial 

Counseling service. More information about 

BFCS can be found in Chapter 9 of this 

handbook. 

c) If the proceeds are to be paid in 36 equal 

monthly payments, the first payment will be 

payable as of the date of death. The amount of 

each payment will be computed so as to include 

interest on the unpaid balance at the then 

effective rate. 

(2) Dependent Child SGLI Insurance Proceeds 

a) The proceeds will be paid in a lump sum 

payment. The member will be given the option 

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of receiving the lump sum payment either 

through the Prudential Alliance Account or by 

check*, by checking either Lump Sum – Alliance 

Account®, or Lump Sum – Check in Block 11b – 

Dependent child benefit, in Part III, Information 

concerning Payment of Insurance Benefits, on 

SGLV 8283a, Claim for Family Coverage Death 

Benefits. Alliance is not available for payments 

less than $5,000, payments to individuals 

residing outside the United States and its 

territories, and certain other payments. These 

will be paid by check. 

*An Alliance Account is an interest bearing draft 

account established in the beneficiary’s(ies) 

name with a draft book. The beneficiary can 

write drafts (“checks”) for any amount up to the 

full amount of the proceeds. There are no 

monthly service fees or per check charges and 

additional checks can be ordered at no cost, but 

fees apply for some special services including 

returned checks, stop payment orders and 

copies of statements/checks. 

The funds in an Alliance Account begin earning 

interest immediately and will continue to earn 

interest until all funds are withdrawn. Interest is 

accrued daily, compounded daily and credited 

every month. The interest rate may change and 

will vary over time subject to a minimum rate 

that will not change more than once every 90 

days. You will be advised in advance of any 

change to the minimum interest rate via your 

quarterly Alliance Account statement or by 

calling Customer Support at (877) 255-4262. 

Open Solutions Inc. is the Service Provider of 

the Prudential Alliance Account Settlement 

Option, a contractual obligation of The Prudential 

Insurance Company of America, located at 751 

Broad Street, Newark, NJ 07102-3777. Check 

clearing is provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, 

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N.A. and processing support is provided by First 

Data Payment Services (FDPS). Alliance 

Account balances are not insured by the 

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation 

(FDIC). Alliance Account funds are backed by 

the financial strength of The Prudential 

Insurance Company of America and State 

Guaranty Associations. Open Solutions Inc., 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and First Data 

Payment Services are not Prudential Financial 

companies. 

b) If the proceeds are to be paid in 36 equal 

monthly payments, the first payment will be 

payable as of the date of death. The amount of 

each payment will be computed so as to include 

interest on the unpaid balance at the then 

effective rate. 

(2) Dependent Child SGLI Insurance Proceeds 

a) the proceeds will be paid in a lump sum 

payment. The member will receive the insurance 

proceeds through an Alliance Account. An 

Alliance Account is an interest bearing draft 

account with an account book similar to a 

checking account. Insurance proceeds are 

deposited in the member 's name and the 

member can write drafts for any amount up to 

the full amount of the proceeds. The amount of 

interest earned is at a competitive rate and is 

guaranteed by Prudential. Through the Alliance 

Account, the member has immediate access to 

any or all of their money. 

10.11 LEGISLATIVE HISTORY 

a. Public Law 107-14, effective November 1, 2001, established Family SGLI 

coverage for members of the uniformed services who are eligible for full-time 

SGLI coverage. This law allows for elected SGLI insurance coverage of the 

member's spouse for up to $100,000, in $10,000 increments, and automatic 

coverage of the member's dependent children for $10,000 for the time that they 

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have full-time SGLI coverage. It also allows the dependent spouse the 

opportunity to convert SGLI Family coverage to a private life insurance policy. 

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CHAPTER 11. TRAUMATIC INJURY PROTECTION UNDER SGLI 

11.01 General Information 

a. The Traumatic Injury Protection under Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance program 

(TSGLI) provides coverage to any Servicemember insured under SGLI who sustains a serious 

traumatic injury that results in certain prescribed losses. TSGLI provides between $25,000 and 

$100,000 of coverage depending on the loss incurred. 

b. TSGLI coverage is automatic for those Servicemembers insured under SGLI. The member 

cannot decline TSGLI coverage unless he or she also declines SGLI. 

c. TSGLI coverage is a "rider" provided under a group life insurance policy purchased from a 

commercial life insurance company by VA. TSGLI is administered by OSGLI (see paragraph 

1.01b for address) and is supervised by VA. 

d. TSGLI has no cash, loan, paid-up or extended insurance values and does not pay dividends. 

e. TSGLI is the Servicemember's benefit and the member is the automatic beneficiary of the 

policy. 

f. TSGLI coverage is not payable to: 

• Spouses and children covered under FSGLI 

• Veterans covered by SGLI: 

o a. During the 120-day post-separation period; 

o b. During the 2-year SGLI disability extension; 

• Veterans covered under VGLI 

g. Certain injuries and conditions are excluded from coverage. See appendix F for more 

information on these exclusions. 

11.02 Persons Eligible to be Insured 

a. Effective December 1, 2005, every member who has SGLI (See section 1.03, Persons Eligible 

To Be Insured) will also have TSGLI. This includes active duty members, reservists, National 

Guard members, funeral honors duty and one-day muster duty. 

b. Also eligible is any Servicemember who experienced a traumatic injury between October 7, 

2001 through and including November 30, 2005 if the member sustained a loss as a direct 

result of injuries incurred: 

• while deployed outside the United States on orders in support of Operation Enduring 

Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom, OR 

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• while serving in a geographic location that qualified the Servicemember for the Combat 

Zone Tax Exclusion under 26 U.S.C. 211. 

11.03 Effective Date of Insurance 

a. With the exception of those eligible for retroactive coverage, the earliest effective date of 

TSGLI coverage is December 1, 2005. 

b. For those individuals insured under SGLI prior to December 1, the effective date of TSGLI 

coverage is December 1, as long as the member’s SGLI remains in effect on that date. 

c. For those members who enter service after December 1, 2005 or elect SGLI coverage after 

December 1, 2005, the effective date of coverage is the date the member enters service or the 

date the member elects coverage, respectively. 

d. For members who previously declined SGLI coverage and therefore do not have TSGLI, the 

effective date of TSGLI coverage is the date an application electing SGLI coverage is received by 

the member's branch of service. If it is necessary for such application to be forwarded to the 

OSGLI for review, the effective date of coverage will be the date the application for SGLI 

coverage is approved. 

11.04 Cost of Insurance 

a. The cost of TSGLI is shared by the member and the Government. The member pays the 

premium, which is intended to cover only the civilian incidence of such injuries, and the 

Government pays the cost of all traumatic injury claims in excess of the level of traumatic injury 

claims that would result from civilian experience. 

b. For all members entitled to TSGLI coverage, the necessary amount will be deducted from the 

member's service pay or otherwise collected from the member by the uniformed service. 

c. The table below outlines the rates for various categories of SGLI coverage. 

Duty Status Premium 

Active duty members $1.00 per month

Reservists or National Guard members w/full time coverage $1.00 per month

Reservists or National Guard members w/part time coverage $1.00 per year 

Funeral honors duty no charge 

1 day muster duty no charge 

Note: Premiums effective December 1, 2005. These rates are determined by VA and are subject 

to change based on claims experience. 

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d. The law, Title 38 of the United States Code, section 1969, requires the uniformed services to 

remit amounts equal to the deduction which should have been made for members who are 

provided full-time or part-time coverage and who are not receiving pay. DoD is responsible for 

seeking reimbursement from the member for the cost of coverage provided to those not 

receiving pay. 

11.05 Termination of Insurance 

a. TSGLI coverage terminates at midnight of the last day of the month that the member is no 

longer covered under SGLI or at midnight of the date of the member's separation from service, 

whichever occurs first. 

b. TSGLI coverage is not in effect during the 120-day post-separation period or during a 2-year 

SGLI disability extension. 

c. TSGLI cannot be converted to Veterans' Group Life Insurance or to commercial coverage. 

11.06 Claims 

a. To file a claim, SGLV 8600, Application for TSGLI Benefits, must be completed in its entirety 

and submitted to OSGLI. The form consists of two parts: 

1. The member or the member's guardian or power of attorney or military trustee must 

complete the first part of the form to provide basic identifying information, select how 

they would like to receive payment, and authorize the release of medical information to 

the branch of service and OSGLI. 

2. A medical professional must complete the second part of the form, indicating whether 

the member sustained a traumatic injury or injuries and a scheduled loss as a direct 

result of the injury or injuries that would make the member eligible for the TSGLI 

benefit. 

b. The branch of service must then certify that the member is covered and that the injury 

qualifies the member for payment under TSGLI. All claims for traumatic injury benefits must 

then be submitted to OSGLI, 80 Livingston Avenue, Roseland, New Jersey 07068-1733. The 

TSGLI Certification worksheet is provided for the purpose of certifying the claim. 

c. When OSGLI receives the fully completed TSGLI certification form indicating that the member 

is entitled to payment, OSGLI will pay to the member, the member’s guardian, power of 

attorney, military trustee, or the member’s SGLI beneficiary, if applicable, the amount that 

corresponds to the scheduled loss that results from the traumatic injury. 

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d. If a member suffers more than one scheduled loss as a result of a single traumatic event, 

payment will be made for the scheduled loss with the highest benefit amount. 

e. In the case of multiple traumatic events occurring within a seven-day period, the member will 

receive the benefit under the schedule for the multiple losses up to $100,000, the maximum 

amount payable for a single traumatic event. 

f. If a member suffers more than one scheduled loss from separate traumatic events occurring 

more than seven full days apart, the scheduled losses will be considered separately and a 

benefit will be paid for each loss up to the maximum amount according to the schedule. 

Note: SGLV 8600 is not furnished to the member, one may be obtained from OSGLI or from this 

web site at www.insurance.va.gov/sgliSite/forms/forms. 

11.07 Payment of Proceeds 

a. The member will receive the insurance proceeds by designating either: Payment Option 1 - 

Prudential’s Alliance Account®*, or Payment Option 2 -Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), under 

Payment Options, Part A, Section 4 of SGLV 8600, Servicemembers Group Life Insurance 

Traumatic Injury Protection Program (TSGLI) – Application for TSGLI Benefits. 

*An Alliance Account is an interest bearing draft account established in the beneficiary’s(ies’) 

name(s) with a draft book. The beneficiary can write drafts (“checks”) for any amount up to the 

full amount of the proceeds. There are no monthly service fees or per check charges and 

additional checks can be ordered at no cost, but fees apply for some special services including 

returned checks, stop payment orders and copies of statements/checks. 

The funds in an Alliance Account begin earning interest immediately and will continue to earn 

interest until all funds are withdrawn. Interest is accrued daily, compounded daily and credited 

every month. The interest rate may change and will vary over time subject to a minimum rate 

that will not change more than once every 90 days. You will be advised in advance of any 

change to the minimum interest rate via your quarterly Alliance Account statement or by calling 

Customer Support at (877) 255-4262. 

Open Solutions Inc. is the Service Provider of the Prudential Alliance Account Settlement Option, 

a contractual obligation of The Prudential Insurance Company of America, located at 751 Broad 

Street, Newark, NJ 07102-3777. Check clearing is provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and 

processing support is provided by First Data Payment Services (FDPS). Alliance Account 

balances are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). 

Alliance Account funds are backed by the financial strength of The Prudential Insurance 

Company of America and State Guaranty Associations. Open Solutions Inc., JPMorgan Chase 

Bank, N.A., and First Data Payment Services are not Prudential Financial companies. 

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b. TSGLI claimants can take advantage of no cost professional financial advice through the 

Beneficiary Financial Counseling service. You can find more information about BFCS in Chapter 9

of this handbook. 

c. In the event the member is legally incapacitated, the member's guardian, power of attorney 

or military trustee will be paid the benefit on behalf of the member. 

d. In the event the member dies before receiving payment of the TSGLI benefit, the payment 

will be made to the member's SGLI beneficiary via the Alliance Account. 

11.08 Legislative History 

a. Public Law 109-13, signed into law May 11, 2005, established Traumatic Injury Protection for 

members of the uniformed services who are insured by SGLI. This law provides automatic 

traumatic injury protection in an amount between $25,000 and $100,000 to Servicemembers 

insured through Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance under section 1967(a)(1) of title 38. 

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CHAPTER 12. VETERANS' GROUP LIFE INSURANCE 

12.01. General Information 

a. Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) is a program of post-separation insurance which 

provides for the conversion of SGLI to renewable term coverage. VGLI provides up to a 

maximum of $400,000 of insurance coverage. 

b. Persons insured in the VGLI program, like SGLI, are insured under the provisions of a group 

life insurance policy purchased from a commercial life insurance company by VA. The program is 

administered by the OSGLI (see paragraph 1.01b for address) and is supervised by VA. 

c. The group coverage does not contain any restriction on or require any additional premium for 

military service. It provides for life insurance but not disability or other supplementary benefits. 

VGLI has no cash, loan, paid-up or extended insurance values and does not pay dividends. 

d. At the end of each term period, the insured has the right to renew coverage for another term 

period. A member may convert such insurance to an individual policy with any one of the 

participating companies at any time. 

e. VGLI is issued in $10,000 increments up to a maximum of $400,000, but not for more than 

the amount of SGLI the member had in force at the time of separation. If an individual declines 

VGLI or elects for an amount less than the amount of SGLI held while on duty, he or she may 

later apply for VGLI or for an increase in coverage up to the amount of SGLI held, without 

evidence of good health, if application is made to the OSGLI within 120 days of release from 

active duty. Application for insurance or an increase in the amount of coverage may also be 

made for up to one year from the end of the 120-day SGLI extension, however, evidence of 

good health may be required. 

f. Individuals who separate from active duty, re-enlist, and effect other changes in their duty 

status, will become eligible for both SGLI and VGLI coverage and in some cases will become 

insured under both programs. An individual can be insured under both programs at the same 

time, provided the coverage does not exceed $400,000, the maximum allowed under the law. 

Listed below is an explanation of when double coverage may occur and what the member must 

do to avoid it. 

(1) When Double Coverage Occurs 

If a member currently insured under VGLI reenters on active duty or active duty 

for training, he or she becomes automatically covered under SGLI. 

To avoid double coverage the member can: 

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(a) stop payment of VGLI premiums and elect to be covered under SGLI. These 

members are entitled to reapply for VGLI upon release or separation, provided 

their duty was performed under a call or order specifying a period of duty 31 

days or longer. If the period of duty is less than 31 days, the member is not 

eligible to apply for a new VGLI period. However, the member can apply to have 

his or her VGLI reinstated as outlined in paragraph 12.11. 

(b) elect to become insured again under SGLI upon entering a new period of 

duty and may convert any or all of their VGLI to a commercial policy within 60 

days after becoming insured under the SGLI program. If a person dies within 

the 60-day period and before converting, VGLI will be payable in an amount 

which, when added to the SGLI, does not exceed the maximum coverage 

allowed under the law. 

12.02 Persons Eligible to be Insured 

Persons eligible to be insured in the VGLI program are: 

a. SGLI insureds who are being released from active duty or active duty for training under a call 

or order to duty that does not specify a period of less than 31 days; 

b. Members of the Ready Reserves/ National Guard insured under SGLI who are separated, 

retired, or released from assignment. 

c. Individuals who are assigned to the IRR of a branch of service or to the Inactive National 

Guard (ING). This includes members of the United States Public Health Service Inactive Reserve 

Corps (IRC). The individual must be able to provide orders showing that he or she is currently 

assigned to the IRR or ING; or 

d. Members who have part-time SGLI and who, while performing duty, suffer an injury or 

disability which renders them uninsurable at standard premium rates. This includes travel 

directly to and from duty. NOTE: Members who join the Ready Reserves/National Guard after 

release from active duty are eligible to continue their SGLI coverage for as long as they remain 

in the Ready Reserves/National Guard. They are eligible to convert their active duty SGLI 

coverage to VGLI coverage. As noted in paragraph 12.01(f), "an individual can be insured under 

both programs, at the same time, provided the combined coverage does not exceed $400,000." 

(In most instances, these individuals will probably choose to carry the SGLI coverage since it 

costs less than VGLI coverage.) 

12.03 Time Allowed to Apply for VGLI 

a. Members with full-time SGLI coverage. 

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Members who have full-time SGLI coverage will be contacted by the OSGLI, usually within 45-

60 days following release or separation from duty. The OSGLI will send the Veteran a preprinted application for VGLI showing the necessary service data with information about 

continuing group coverage under the VGLI program. The application is sent to the Veteran's last 

address of record provided by the Department of Defense. A member who wishes to purchase 

VGLI and who does not receive this information may obtain a non-pre-printed form SGLV 8714, 

Application for VGLI, from any VA office, by writing to the OSGLI, or online in Appendix A. 

(1) No Health Review Application Period 

To apply for VGLI without any health review, the member should submit an 

application with the required premium to the OSGLI within 120 days after 

separation. If the pre-printed form from OSGLI is not used, form SGLV 8714 

should be submitted and must be accompanied by a copy of DD Form 214, or 

other equivalent proof of service. 

(2) Health Review Application Period 

If the member does not submit the premium and application within 120 days, 

they may still be granted VGLI if they submit to OSGLI within 1 year after the 

Veteran's SGLI coverage is terminated (that is, one year after the end of the 

120 day period): 

• SGLV 8714 and required premium; 

• proof of service or assignment; and 

• proof of good health. 

(3) SGLI Total Disability Extension 

If the member is totally disabled on the date of separation from service, 

coverage under the SGLI group policy may continue without charge for 2 years 

after the separation date or until the insured ceases to be totally disabled, 

whichever is the earlier date. The member must apply to OSGLI for this 

extension (See Form SGLV 8715 in Appendix A). 

(4) Conversion from SGLI Total Disability Extension to VGLI 

The member will be automatically billed for VGLI premiums at the end of the 

SGLI Total Disability Extension. If the member does not submit the required 

premium for VGLI within the 2-year period that SGLI is extended after the 

separation date, the coverage may still be granted provided Form SGLV 8714, 

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evidence of insurability and the initial premium are submitted within 1 year from 

after the member's SGLI coverage is terminated. 

(5) Definition of Total Disability 

Total disability is defined as any one of the following: 

(a) Any impairment of mind or body which continuously renders it impossible for 

the insured to follow any substantially gainful occupation 

(b) The permanent loss or loss of use of both feet, or both hands, or both eyes, 

or one foot and one hand, or one hand and one eye; 

(c) The total loss of hearing in both ears; 

(d) The organic loss of speech. Organic loss of speech means the physiological 

loss of the ability to express oneself (both voice and whisper) through the 

normal organs of speech. When such loss exists, the fact that some speech can 

be produced through the use of an artificial appliance will be disregarded. 

NOTE: Members having any of the disabilities listed under subparagraphs 

12.03a(5)(b),(c) and (d) above, are considered totally disabled regardless of 

employment. Members having other disabilities are considered totally disabled 

only when the disability would prevent the member from engaging in 

substantially gainful employment. If the member is able to engage in such 

employment, whether he or she does so or not, the member is no longer totally 

disabled. Members having the types of disabilities which do not prevent 

employment, or which are likely to improve so that employment is possible, 

should not postpone exercising their right to obtain VGLI. 

(6) VA Rating Not Required for SGLI Total Disability Extension Eligibility 

A member is eligible to apply for an extension based on total disability even if 

he or she has not received a total disability rating from a VA regional office. 

b. Members with part-time SGLI coverage 

(1) Members with part-time SGLI coverage do not have the privilege of 

continuing group coverage under VGLI, unless SGLI is continued in force after 

the period of duty terminates as a result of disability incurred or aggravated 

during such duty. 

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(2) If a member believes that he or she qualifies for VGLI coverage and such 

coverage is desired, the member should write to the OSGLI well before the end 

of the 120-day eligibility period. That office will furnish the necessary 

information on how to obtain VGLI coverage. 

c. IRR and ING members 

(1) Members of the IRR and ING have one year and 120 days from the date 

they become members of these organizations to apply for VGLI. 

(2) Individuals applying within 120 days of becoming a member of either 

organization should submit a completed form SGLV 8714, Application for 

Veterans' Group Life Insurance, the initial premium and orders evidencing 

membership in the IRR and ING to the OSGLI. 

(3) If an application and initial premium are not submitted within 120 days of 

becoming a member of either organization, VGLI may still be granted provided a 

completed form SGLV 8714, the initial premium, proof of membership and 

evidence of insurability are submitted to the OSGLI within one year of the 

expiration of the 120-day period. 

12.04 Effective Date 

a. For members who have full-time SGLI coverage, the effective date for VGLI will be: 

(1) The 121st day after such separation or release provided the initial premium 

is mailed or otherwise delivered to the OSGLI on or before the 120th day after 

separation or release; 

(2) The day following the end of the 2-year period, if the member is totally 

disabled on the date of separation, or the day following the date that total 

disability ends, whichever is earlier, but in no event will VGLI become effective 

prior to the 121st day after separation. An acceptable application and the initial 

premium must be received in OSGLI prior to the end of the 2-year period 

following separation. 

(3) The date an acceptable application and premium is received at the OSGLI 

within 1 year following termination of SGLI. (See paragraph 12.03.) 

b. For members who have part-time SGLI coverage and during such period of duty suffer an 

injury or disability which renders them uninsurable at standard premium rates, VGLI coverage 

will be effective the 121st day after such separation or release. The initial premium and proof of 

disability must be submitted before the 121st day after such release or separation. 

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c. For individuals entering the IRR or ING, the effective date will be the date an acceptable 

application and premium are received in the OSGLI. The application and premium must be 

received within a year and 120 days after their entry into this status. 

12.05 Payment of Premiums 

a. Premium payments for VGLI may be made directly to the OSGLI by direct remittance or by 

allotment from military retirement pay, or as a Deduction From VA Disability Compensation 

Benefits (DFB). 

b. The first premium must be sent directly with the application to the OSGLI even if the 

applicant desires to pay by allotment or by DFB. Upon approval of the application, subsequent 

premiums will be due monthly commencing the month after the insurance becomes effective or 

on the last day of the following month if that month does not have a date corresponding to the 

effective date. 

c. An individual may pay VGLI premiums in advance. Members who pay other than monthly 

receive a discount. The table below gives an example of the discount received by an insured 

aged 30-34 with $400,000 coverage whose monthly premium rate is $40.00. 

Payment 

Option 

Premium 

(before 

discount) 

Discount 

Rate 

Premium (after 

discount) 

Annual 

Savings 

Monthly $40.00 0.00% $40.00 $0.00 

Quarterly $120.00 2.50% $117.00 $12.00 

Semi-annually $240.00 3.75% $231.00 $18.00 

Annually $480.00 5.00% $456.00 $24.00 

d. Upon approval of the application, the OSGLI will send each insured a certificate of coverage. 

Individuals who have elected to pay directly will receive premium statements either monthly, 

quarterly, semi-annually or annually. (See Appendix D for the current VGLI Premium Rate 

Tables.) 

12.06 Application for VGLI When a Member is Incompetent 

In the case of an incompetent member, the application for VGLI may be made by a guardian, 

committee, conservator or curator. In the absence of such a court-appointed representative, the 

application may be submitted by the member's spouse, mother, father, or anyone acting on his 

or her behalf. In such event, this person should state on the VGLI application the circumstances 

under which the application is submitted. 

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12.07 Beneficiaries and Method of Payment of Insurance Proceeds 

a. The rules regarding beneficiary designation and the method of payment of insurance 

proceeds, and Beneficiary Financial Counseling for VGLI are the same as those for members 

insured in the SGLI program. (See Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, and Chapter 9). 

b. When SGLI is converted to VGLI following separation from service, a new beneficiary 

designation should be made. If the designation is made during a period of time when SGLI is 

still in effect, the applicant may elect to have the VGLI beneficiary designation become effective 

immediately to change the SGLI designation. If this election is not made, the VGLI designation 

will be effective on the first day of VGLI coverage. 

However, any designation of beneficiary or beneficiaries for SGLI filed with a uniformed service, 

until changed, will be considered a designation of beneficiary or beneficiaries for VGLI but not 

for more than 60 days after the effective date of the insured's VGLI, unless at the end of such 

60-day period the insured is incompetent. 

If the insured is incompetent, such designation may continue in force until the disability is 

removed but not for more than 5 years after the effective date of the insured's VGLI. If the 

insured did not designate a beneficiary for VGLI and death occurs more than 60 days after the 

VGLI coverage is effective, the proceeds will be paid under the order of precedence in the law 

(See paragraph 6.06.) 

c. To designate a beneficiary for an incompetent applicant, the individual completing the 

application must submit guardianship papers which authorize the individual to designate 

beneficiaries on insurance policies. Such a document must be current and in force. 

12.08 Accelerated Benefits Option 

An Accelerated Benefits Option is available to all terminally-ill insureds under the VGLI program. 

The rules regarding the program are the same for both the SGLI and VGLI programs and are 

found in Chapter 5. 

12.09 Conversion to an Individual Policy 

a. SGLI coverage in force on the date of release or separation from duty or assignment to the 

Ready Reserves/National Guard may be converted to an individual policy of life insurance with a 

commercial company that participates in the program. The conversion privilege must be 

exercised within the 120-day period following separation or release from duty or such 

assignment. If SGLI is converted to VGLI, this VGLI coverage can also be converted to a 

commercial policy that participates in the program at any time after the effective date of VGLI 

so long as VGLI premiums are paid up to the date of the conversion. 

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b. VGLI insurance in force can, at any time, be converted to an individual policy of life insurance 

with a commercial company that participates in the program. A member may either convert his 

or her coverage to an individual policy or renew it, but cannot take both actions. 

c. OSGLI can provide information on how to convert VGLI coverage to an individual policy of life 

insurance with a list of participating companies. This information may be obtained on the 

conversion page of this web site, or by contacting the OSGLI. 

d. The individual policy will be issued at the standard premium rate regardless of health. The 

policy can be written on any permanent plan offered by the company. It cannot be issued for an 

amount greater that the amount of VGLI. It will provide life insurance, but no disability or other 

supplemental benefits. 

e. In the case of an incompetent member, the application for conversion may be made by his or 

her guardian, committee, conservator or curator. In the absence of such a court-appointed 

representative, the application may be submitted by the member's spouse, mother, father, or 

anyone acting on his or her behalf. In such event, this person should state on the conversion 

application the circumstances under which the application is submitted. The proceeds of such 

converted policy may be payable only to the member's spouse, children, mother or father, or 

any other person with an insurable interest. 

12.10 Death Claims 

A death certificate must be furnished for all VGLI claims. All death claims for persons insured 

under the VGLI program must be made to the OSGLI. (See paragraph 12.11 for address.) 

12.11 Lapse and Reinstatement 

a. VGLI coverage will lapse unless the premium is paid when due or within the grace period of 

60 days. 

b. If VGLI lapses for failure to pay timely premiums, OSGLI will send the insured notification of 

the lapse and a reinstatement application form at the last known address of record. The insured 

may apply for reinstatement at any time within five years of the date of the unpaid premium. If 

the reinstatement application is submitted within six months of the date of lapse, the insured 

need only provide evidence that he or she in is in the same state of health on the date of 

reinstatement as he or she was on the date of the unpaid premium. If the reinstatement 

application is submitted more than six months after the date of the unpaid premium, the 

insured must meet good health requirements. The completed reinstatement application should 

be submitted to: 

Office of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance 

P.O. Box 41618 Philadelphia, PA 19176-9913 

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12.12 Renewal 

a. VGLI coverage that is in force will automatically be renewed at the expiration of each 

coverage period. The premium rate for the new period will be based on the insured's age at the 

time of renewal and the rate schedule in effect at that time. The premium rate schedule is 

subject to change. If coverage has lapsed for non-payment of premiums, this coverage must be 

reinstated, in accordance with paragraph 12.11(b), before renewal will be considered. 

b. The maximum amount of coverage that may be renewed is limited to the amount of VGLI in 

force at the end of the current VGLI period. If the amount of VGLI has previously been reduced, 

the insured may, within 5 years of the reduction, reinstate the reduced amount of insurance and 

continue this coverage for the renewal period. The five-year period for reinstatement applies 

even if it runs into a new term period. For example, if an individual reduced his or her coverage 

at the beginning of the third year of a term period, he or she may reinstate the reduced amount 

during the first two years of the next term period. Medical evidence of good health will be 

required for this reinstatement. 

c. Individuals insured under VGLI who are members of the IRR or ING may renew their VGLI if: 

(1) Their coverage is in force; and 

(2) They are members of the IRR or ING at the time of renewal. 

12.13 VGLI LEGISLATIVE HISTORY 

a. The Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) program was created by Public Law 93-289, The 

Veterans Insurance Act of 1974. The law was enacted May 24, 1974, and was effective August 

12, 1974. It allowed Veterans, upon separation, to convert their SGLI to a 5-year nonrenewable term policy called VGLI. 

b. Public Law 99-166 was enacted December 3, 1985, and became effective January 1, 1986. It 

extended VGLI coverage to members of the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) and Inactive 

National Guard (ING). It also provided that, if individuals remained in the IRR or ING through 

the 5-year period, they were entitled to renew their VGLI for additional 5-year periods. There 

was no limit on the number of times they could renew provided they remain in the IRR or ING. 

At the end of the term period, these insureds had the right to convert their insurance to a 

permanent plan life insurance policy with one of the companies that participated in the program 

rather than renewing it. 

c. Public Law 102-568, effective December 1, 1992 provided that VGLI in effect on or after the 

effective date of the law is renewable for additional 5-year periods for all VGLI insureds. 

d. Public Law 104-275, effective October 9, 1996, merged Retired Reservists SGLI into the VGLI 

program and extended VGLI coverage to members of the Ready Reserves who have SGLI 

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coverage and who are released from a drilling assignment. It also provided that individuals with 

VGLI coverage may, at any time, convert their VGLI coverage to an individual commercial 

policy, rather than only at the end of a 5-year renewal period. 

e. Public Law 105-368, effective February 9, 1999, established an Accelerated Benefit Option for 

terminally-ill SGLI and VGLI insureds. Under this option, a terminally-ill member may receive in 

a lump sum payment a portion of the face value of the insurance as an accelerated benefit. 

f. Public Law 106-419 increased the maximum amount of SGLI and VGLI coverage from 

$200,000 to $250,000, effective April 1, 2001. 

g. Public Law 109-13 increased the maximum amount of SGLI and VGLI coverage from 

$250,000 to $400,000, effective September 1, 2005. 

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CHAPTER 13. MISCELLANEOUS 

13.01 Administrative Decisions 

a. Determinations by VA are conclusive under the policy with respect to the following: 

(1) The status of any person as a member as defined in chapter 1, or as a Veteran and whether 

or not a person is insured for SGLI or VGLI at any point of time. 

(2) The fact and date of a member's separation or release from active duty or active duty for 

training. 

(3) The fact, date, and hours of a member's performance of inactive duty for training. 

(4) Whether a member eligible for part-time coverage suffered disability or death while on 

active duty, active duty for training or inactive duty training or while proceeding directly to or 

returning directly from such duty so as to be insured at death or for 120 days after the date of 

the termination of such duty. 

(5) The fact and dates with respect to a member's absence without leave; confinement by civil 

authorities under a sentence adjudged by a civil court; or confinement by military authorities 

under a court-martial sentence involving total forfeiture of pay and allowances. 

(6) The enforcement of the provisions as set forth in paragraph 1.10 with respect to any 

member or Veteran. 

(7) Whether an individual is a member of or is eligible for assignment to the Individual Ready 

Reserve or the Inactive National Guard. 

b. Questions involving the above as well as those involving coverage of classes of members and other questions 

concerning SGLI and VGLI are properly referred to: 

Assistant Director for Insurance (29) 

Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office & Insurance Center 

P. O.Box 8079 

Philadelphia, PA 19101 

13.02 Advisory Council on Servicemembers' and Veterans' Group Life Insurance 

a. The law provides an Advisory Council consisting of the Secretary of the Treasury as Chairperson, the 

Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary 

of Homeland Security and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget as members. 

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b. The Council meets at the call of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs once a year, or more often, to review the 

SGLI and VGLI programs and to advise the Secretary on matters of policy concerning both programs. 

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CHAPTER 14. RECORDS AND FORMS 

14.01 THE MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS 

a. Appropriate records showing the names and amount of insurance in force for those members 

who are insured in the SGLI program should be maintained by each uniformed service 

concerned and be available if required by the Secretary. 

b. The uniformed services should also retain all individual instructions, notifications and other 

declarations or elections submitted by its insured members and should make proper 

certifications as required. Particularly important are the elections by members to cancel or 

decline insurance. Such records are to be maintained in the member's personnel folder during 

his or her full period of duty, and should be retained in the records maintained by the uniformed 

service following the member's separation or release from duty. 

c. Once a claim has been filed with the OSGLI, the claims records will be retained by the OSGLI. 

The OSGLI will retain all records for those individuals who have VGLI coverage. This includes 

applications, records involving maintenance of the account and all claims records. 

14.02 Forms 

a. The uniformed service is expected to retain a sufficient quantity of insurance forms to meet 

anticipated unit needs. 

b. Each service can acquire forms through electronic generation at the forms download page on 

this site. Forms are available in Adobe Portable Document Format (pdf) and can be accessed 

using Adobe Acrobat Reader 6.0 or above. The forms are approved for Local Reproduction 

Authorized (LRA) and are to be reproduced without alteration. 

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APPENDICES 

APPENDIX A: SGLI and VGLI Forms 

1. SGLV 8283, Claim for Death Benefits (SGLI/VGLI) 

2. SGLV 8283A, Claim for Family Coverage Death Benefits (SGLI)

3. SGLV 8284, Servicemember/Veteran Accelerated Benefits Option Form

4. SGLV 8284A, Servicemember Family Coverage Accelerated Benefits Option Form 

5. SGLV 8285, Request for Insurance (SGLI) 

6. SGLV 8285A, Request for Family Coverage for Spouse (SGLI) 

7. SGLV 8286, Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Election & Certificate* 

8. SGLV 8286A, Family Coverage Election (SGLI) 

9. SGLV 8700, Report of Death of Family Member

10. SGLV 8714, Application for Veterans' Group Life Insurance

11. SGLV 8721, Beneficiary Designation Form (VGLI) 

12. Application for SGLI Disability Extension

13. SGLV 8600 Application for TSGLI Benefit

APPENDIX B: Addresses for Branch of Service Casualty Offices 

 Active Duty Reserves/National Guard 

Army 

US Army Human Resources Command 

Casualty Operations Division 

Attn: AHRC-PEC 

200 Stovall Street 

Alexandria, VA 22331 

U.S. Army Human Resources Command 

ATTN: AHRC-PSP-A 

9700 Page Boulevard 

St. Louis, MO 63132-1547 

Navy 

Bureau of Naval Personnel Casualty 

Section, PERS-623 

5720 Integrity Drive 

Millington, TN 38055-0621 

Bureau of Naval Personnel Casualty 

Section, PERS-623 

5720 Integrity Drive 

Millington, TN 38055-0621 

Marine Corps 

Commandant, U.S. Marine Corps 

HQ, U.S. Marine Corps 

Manpower and Reserve Affairs 

Casualty Section (MRC) 

3280 Russell Road 

Quantico, VA 22134-5143 

Commandant, U.S. Marine Corps 

HQ, U.S. Marine Corps 

Manpower and Reserve Affairs 

Casualty Section (MRC) 

3280 Russell Road 

Quantico, VA 22134-5143 

Air Force & Air 

Reserves/National 

Guard 

Department of the Air Force Attn: 

AFPC/DPWCS 

550 C Street West, Suite 14 

Randolph Field AFB 

HQ ARPC-DPSSE 

Entitlements & Casualty Branch 

6760 East Irvington Place #4000 

Denver, CO 80280-4000 

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San Antonio, TX 78150-6001 

Coast Guard 

Commandant (G-WPM-2) 

U.S. Coast Guard 

2100 Second Street, NW 

Washington, DC 20593-0001 

 

Public Health Service 

Public Health Service 

Attn: Division of Commissioned Personnel

Parklawn Building 

5600 Fishers Lane 

Rockville, MD 20852 

 

NOAA 

NOAA 

Commissioned Personnel Division 

1315 East-West Highway 

Room 12100 

Silver Spring, MD 20910-3285 

 

 

APPENDIX C: Premium Rate Tables for VGLI 

VGLI Premium Rate Chart 

Monthly Premium Rates - effective July 1, 2008 

Amount 

of 

Insurance 

 Age 

29 & 

Below 

 Age 

30-34 

 Age 

35-39 

 Age 

40-44 

 Age 

45-49 

 Age 

50-54 

 Age 

55-59 

 Age 

60-64 

 Age 

65-69 

 Age 

70-74 

 Age 75 

& Over 

$400,000 $32.00 $40.00 $52.00 $68.00 $88.00 $144.00 $268.00 $432.00 $600.00 $900.00 $1,800.00 

390,000 31.20 39.00 50.70 66.30 85.80 140.40 261.30 421.20 585.00 877.50 1,755.00 

380,000 30.40 38.00 49.40 64.60 83.60 136.80 254.60 410.40 570.00 855.00 1,710.00 

370,000 29.60 37.00 48.10 62.90 81.40 133.20 247.90 399.60 555.00 832.50 1,665.00 

360,000 28.80 36.00 46.80 61.20 79.20 129.60 241.20 388.80 540.00 810.00 1,620.00 

350,000 28.00 35.00 45.50 59.50 77.00 126.00 234.50 378.00 525.00 787.50 1,575.00 

340,000 27.20 34.00 44.20 57.80 74.80 122.40 227.80 367.20 510.00 765.00 1,530.00 

330,000 26.40 33.00 42.90 56.10 72.60 118.80 221.10 356.40 495.00 742.50 1,485.00 

320,000 25.60 32.00 41.60 54.40 70.40 115.20 214.40 345.60 480.00 720.00 1,440.00 

310,000 24.80 31.00 40.30 52.70 68.20 111.60 207.70 334.80 465.00 697.50 1,395.00 

300,000 24.00 30.00 39.00 51.00 66.00 108.00 201.00 324.00 450.00 675.00 1,350.00 

290,000 23.20 29.00 37.70 49.30 63.80 104.40 194.30 313.20 435.00 652.50 1,305.00 

280,000 22.40 28.00 36.40 47.60 61.60 100.80 187.60 302.40 420.00 630.00 1,260.00 

270,000 21.60 27.00 35.10 45.90 59.40 97.20 180.90 291.60 405.00 607.50 1,215.00 

260,000 20.80 26.00 33.80 44.20 57.20 93.60 174.20 280.80 390.00 585.00 1,170.00 

250,000 20.00 25.00 32.50 42.50 55.00 90.00 167.50 270.00 375.00 562.50 1,125.00 

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240,000 19.20 24.00 31.20 40.80 52.80 86.40 160.80 259.20 360.00 540.00 1,080.00 

230,000 18.40 23.00 29.90 39.10 50.60 82.80 154.10 248.40 345.00 517.50 1,035.00 

220,000 17.60 22.00 28.60 37.40 48.40 79.20 147.40 237.60 330.00 495.00 990.00 

210,000 16.80 21.00 27.30 35.70 46.20 75.60 140.70 226.80 315.00 472.50 945.00 

200,000 16.00 20.00 26.00 34.00 44.00 72.00 134.00 216.00 300.00 450.00 900.00 

190,000 15.20 19.00 24.70 32.30 41.80 68.40 127.30 205.20 285.00 427.50 855.00 

180,000 14.40 18.00 23.40 30.60 39.60 64.80 120.60 194.40 270.00 405.00 810.00 

170,000 13.60 17.00 22.10 28.90 37.40 61.20 113.90 183.60 255.00 382.50 765.00 

160,000 12.80 16.00 20.80 27.20 35.20 57.60 107.20 172.80 240.00 360.00 720.00 

150,000 12.00 15.00 19.50 25.50 33.00 54.00 100.50 162.00 225.00 337.50 675.00 

140,000 11.20 14.00 18.20 23.80 30.80 50.40 93.80 151.20 210.00 315.00 630.00 

130,000 10.40 13.00 16.90 22.10 28.60 46.80 87.10 140.40 195.00 292.50 585.00 

120,000 9.60 12.00 15.60 20.40 26.40 43.20 80.40 129.60 180.00 270.00 540.00 

110,000 8.80 11.00 14.30 18.70 24.20 39.60 73.70 118.80 165.00 247.50 495.00 

100,000 8.00 10.00 13.00 17.00 22.00 36.00 67.00 108.00 150.00 225.00 450.00 

90,000 7.20 9.00 11.70 15.30 19.80 32.40 60.30 97.20 135.00 202.50 405.00 

80,000 6.40 8.00 10.40 13.60 17.60 28.80 53.60 86.40 120.00 180.00 360.00 

70,000 5.60 7.00 9.10 11.90 15.40 25.20 46.90 75.60 105.00 157.50 315.00 

60,000 4.80 6.00 7.80 10.20 13.20 21.60 40.20 64.80 90.00 135.00 270.00 

50,000 4.00 5.00 6.50 8.50 11.00 18.00 33.50 54.00 75.00 112.50 225.00 

40,000 3.20 4.00 5.20 6.80 8.80 14.40 26.80 43.20 60.00 90.00 180.00 

30,000 2.40 3.00 3.90 5.10 6.60 10.80 20.10 32.40 45.00 67.50 135.00 

20,000 1.60 2.00 2.60 3.40 4.40 7.20 13.40 21.60 30.00 45.00 90.00 

10,000 0.80 1.00 1.30 1.70 2.20 3.60 6.70 10.80 15.00 22.50 45.00 

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APPENDIX D: Premium Rate Table for Spousal Coverage 

Monthly Premium Rates - Effective July 1, 2006 

Age of Spouse 

Amount of Insurance 

Under 35 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60 & Over 

$100,000 $5.50 $7.00 $9.00 $14.00 $27.00 $40.00 $52.00 

$90,000 $4.95 $6.30 $8.10 $12.60 $24.30 $36.00 $46.80 

$80,000 $4.40 $5.60 $7.20 $11.20 $21.60 $32.00 $41.60 

$70,000 $3.85 $4.90 $6.30 $9.80 $18.90 $28.00 $36.40 

$60,000 $3.30 $4.20 $5.40 $8.40 $16.20 $24.00 $31.20 

$50,000 $2.75 $3.50 $4.50 $7.00 $13.50 $20.00 $26.00 

$40,000 $2.20 $2.80 $3.60 $5.60 $10.80 $16.00 $20.80 

$30,000 $1.65 $2.10 $2.70 $4.20 $8.10 $12.00 $15.60 

$20,000 $1.10 $1.40 $1.80 $2.80 $5.40 $8.00 $10.40 

$10,000 $0.55 $0.70 $0.90 $1.40 $2.70 $4.00 $5.20 

APPENDIX E : Premium Rates for SGLI and TSGLI Coverage 

 Basic SGLI Traumatic Injury Coverage 

Full-Time $.070 per $10,000 per month 

This equates to a monthly premium of: 

$3.50 for $50,000 of coverage 

$7.00 for $100,000 of coverage 

$10.50 for $150,000 of coverage 

$14.00 for $200,000 of coverage 

$17.50 for $250,000 of coverage 

$21.00 for $300,000 of coverage 

$24.50 for $350,000 of coverage 

$28.00 for $400,000 of coverage 

$1.00 per month 

You must have Basic SGLI coverage to obtain Traumatic Injury coverage.

Part-Time $.070 per $10,000 per year 

This equates to an annual premium of: 

$3.50 for $50,000 of coverage 

$7.00 for $100,000 of coverage 

$10.50 for $150,000 of coverage 

$14.00 for $200,000 of coverage 

$17.50 for $250,000 of coverage 

$21.00 for $300,000 of coverage 

$24.50 for $350,000 of coverage 

$28.00 for $400,000 of coverage 

Funeral Honors Duty Premium: 

$.25 per $100,000 

1 Day Muster Premium: 

$.25 per $100,000 

$1.00 per year 

Funeral Honors Duty Premium: 

Free - No charge 

1 Day Muster Premium: 

Free - No charge 

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APPENDIX F: Conditions Excluded from TSGLI Coverage 

The TSGLI benefit will not be paid if a scheduled loss is due to a traumatic injury: 

Caused by: 

• The member's attempted suicide, while sane or insane 

• An intentionally self-inflicted injury or an attempt to inflict such injury 

• Medical or surgical treatment of an illness or disease 

• Willful use of an illegal or controlled substance, unless administered or consumed on the 

advice of a medical doctor; or 

Sustained while a member was committing or attempting to commit a felony. 

Additionally, the benefit will not be paid for a scheduled loss resulting from: 

• A physical or mental illness or disease, whether or not caused by a traumatic injury, other than a 

pyogenic (wound) infection or physical illness or disease caused by biological, chemical, or radiological 

weapons or accidental ingestion of a contaminated substance; or 

• A mental disorder whether or not caused by a traumatic injury. 

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