Totally disabled or terminally ill policyholders 
If you have VA life insurance coverage and you become totally disabled or terminally ill , you may be eligible for certain benefit options. Your spouse may also be eligible for certain options if diagnosed with a terminal illness. Learn more about these options and how to apply. 

On this page 
SGLI extension for policyholders who become disabled Waiver of premiums for policyholders who become totally disabled Accelerated benefits for terminally ill policyholders 

SGLI extension for policyholders who become disabled 


Can I get a free extension of my SGLI coverage if I m disabled when I leave the military? 
You may be able to keep your coverage for up to 2 years after the date you left the military if you meet both of the requirements listed below. Both of these must be true. You re: Within 2 years of your separation date , and Totally disabled or have certain conditions Find out if you qualify for the SGLI Disability Extension and how to apply 

Waiver of premiums for policyholders who become totally disabled 
A waiver of premiums means you won t have to pay your life insurance premiums the monthly payments you make to hold your policy. In most cases , premiums can only be waived up to one year prior to receipt of a claim. You may be able to get a waiver of your life insurance premiums if you meet all of the requirements listed below. All of these must be true : You have a mental or physical disability that prevents you from being able to hold a job , and You re covered under Service - Disabled Veterans Life Insurance S - DVI , and Your total disability happens before you re 65 years old but after the effective date of your life insurance policy , and Your total disability continues for at least 6 months in a row There are certain exceptions to the above conditions. But if you think you re entitled to a waiver of premiums , you should apply as soon as possible and we ll let you know if you qualify. You ll need t

user: Can you explain accelerated benefits for terminally ill policyholders?

assistant: Yes, eligible Veterans, service members, and covered spouses of service members can get acclerated benefits and you can get up to 50% of face value of your coverage in increments of $5,000 paid to you before your death.

user: What must be true for me and my spouse to get accelerated benefits for terminally ill policyholders.

assistant: Do you have SGLI, Family SGLI, or VGLI life insurance?

user: Yes, I have SGLI, Family SGLI, and VGLI life insurance.

assistant: Is you or your covered spouse have a written statement from a doctor saying you have or your spouse has 9 months or less to live?

user: Yes we have a written statement from a doctor saying I have 9 months to live.

assistant: Then you are eligible because you have both requirements for accelerated benefits for terminally ill policyholders.

user: What about downloading the VA Form 29-357 PDF?

assistant: Yes, you are to download the VA Form 29-357 as PDF.

user: Can I learn more about VA life insurance?

assistant: Yes, you can learn more about VA life insurance by reading chapter 5 of the Servicemembers and Veterans Group Life Insurance Handbook.