Servicemembers' & Veterans' Group Life Insurance
VGLI Online Policy Access
Coverage and Features
-
Insurance Coverage
- SGLI
- VGLI
- Family SGLI
- SGLI Traumatic Injury Protection
VGLI - Frequently Asked Questions
Who Can You Contact With Questions About VGLI?
What Does VGLI Provide?
Accessing Your VGLI Policy Information Online
How
Much Life Insurance Do I Really Need?
Changes to the VGLI no-health period
Who is affected by the change in the VGLI no-health period?
Does the increase in the VGLI no-health period change the total time period to apply for VGLI?
Does the increase in the VGLI no-health period change the SGLI free coverage period?
Does the increase in the VGLI no-health period have any effect on converting spousal coverage or separating Servicemembers’ coverage to a permanent plan with a private insurance company?
Does the increase in the VGLI no-health period affect how long I have to increase coverage within the VGLI application period without answering any health questions?
Applying for VGLI
Who
Is Eligible For VGLI?
Who Should Apply for VGLI?
When Should I Apply For VGLI?
How do I Apply For VGLI?
When Does Your Coverage Begin?
How Long Can You Keep Your VGLI Coverage?
Can I Increase the amount of my VGLI Coverage?
Cost and Premium Payment
How Much Does VGLI Cost?
How Do You Pay Premiums?
What Happens If You Don't Pay Premiums On Time?
Naming a Beneficiary and Settlement Option
How Do You Name A Beneficiary?
Conversion to an Individual Policy
How Do You Convert VGLI To An Individual Policy?
Death Claims
How
Does A Beneficiary File A Death Claim?
How Are The Proceeds Paid?
What is an Alliance Account?
What Is Beneficiary Financial Counseling Service?
Can A Beneficiary Assign The Proceeds To Another
Person?
Accelerated Benefits for Terminally Ill Policyholders
Can A Terminally Ill Policyholder Receive Part of the Proceeds While Still Living?
Taxability of Proceeds
VGLI Forms
Who Can You Contact With Questions About VGLI?
If you are unable to obtain the information you need on this site, you should contact the Office of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (OSGLI). The OSGLI administers the SGLI and VGLI programs including the processing and payment of claims. Follow this link for OSGLI contact information.
What Does VGLI Provide?
Like SGLI, VGLI provides a maximum of $400,000 of group term life insurance for Veterans. VGLI provides for life insurance only and does not provide for disability or other supplementary benefits. VGLI has no cash, loan, paid-up or extended insurance values and does not pay dividends.
Accessing Your VGLI Policy Information Online
You can view information about your VGLI policy on this site. Follow this link to Access VGLI Policy Information Online.
How Much Life Insurance Do I Really Need?
Assessing your life insurance needs and options can difficult. We can help you assess your life insurance needs and options. Follow this link to use our helpful decision-making tools.
Changes to the VGLI No-Health Period
Who is affected by the change in the VGLI no-health period?
The change in the VGLI no-health period affects only Servicemembers who separate from service on or after November 1, 2012, as explained below.
If you separated before November 1, 2012…
You still have 120 days from separation to apply for VGLI without answering any health questions. After this period, you must answer health questions to obtain VGLI.
If you separated on or after November 1, 2012…
You have 240 days from separation to apply for VGLI without answering any health questions. After this period, you must answer health questions to obtain VGLI.
Does the increase in the VGLI no-health period change the total time period to apply for VGLI?
No. You still have a total of one year and 120 days in which to apply for VGLI.
Does the increase in the VGLI no-health period change the SGLI free coverage period?
No. Servicemembers with SGLI coverage still have 120 days of free coverage from their date of separation.
Does the increase in the VGLI no-health period have any effect on converting spousal coverage or separating Servicemembers’ coverage to a permanent plan with a private insurance company?
No. A spouse or separating Servicemember still has 120 days after separation to convert coverage to a permanent plan with one of the SGLI Program’s participating companies.
Does the increase in the VGLI no-health period affect how long I have to increase coverage within the VGLI application period without answering any health questions?
Yes. Servicemembers have 240 days from the date of separation to increase VGLI coverage up to the amount of SGLI at separation without answering health questions.
For Example: John Jones separated from the service on November 1, 2012, with $400,000 of SGLI and applied on November 15, 2012, for only $200,000 in VGLI. A few months later, John wants to increase his VGLI coverage from $200,000 to $400,000.
John Jones would have until May 29, 2013 (240 days from November 1, 2012) to apply for an additional $200,000 of VGLI (for a total of $400,00) without answering any health questions. From May 28, 2013 until the end of his 1 year and 120 day VGLI application period, John would have to answer health questions in order to be approved for VGLI.
If John Jones does not apply for additional VGLI during the 1 year and 120 day application period, he will still be eligible to obtain additional VGLI insurance every 5 years.
Follow this link to learn more about increasing VGLI coverage.
Following this link to learn how you can apply for VGLI coverage.
Who Is Eligible for VGLI?
You are eligible for VGLI if you are:
- A SGLI insured who is 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, or
- A member of the Ready Reserves insured under SGLI who is being separated or released from drilling assignment, or
- A member assigned to the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) or to the Inactive National Guard (ING) of a branch of service, or
- A member of the Public Health Service (PHS) or Inactive Reserve Corps (IRC), or
- A member who had part-time SGLI and who, while performing duty (or traveling directly to or from duty), suffered an injury or disability which renders him/her uninsurable at standard premium rates.
Who Should Apply for VGLI?
Anyone meeting the eligibility criteria under “Who is Eligible for VGLI?” should consider making VGLI part of their insurance portfolio. However, members with medical conditions that may affect their insurability should make obtaining VGLI a priority in their insurance planning. Most insurance plans use a health review to determine eligibility for insurance coverage. Certain medical conditions can make it difficult to pass this health review and obtain coverage. In the case of VGLI, eligible members can apply during the “240-day no-health” application period and be approved without any health review, regardless of the severity of their health conditions. Follow this link to learn more about the conditions that may make you uninsurable.
When Should I Apply for VGLI?
You have one year and 120 days from your date of separation from service to apply for VGLI. After this, you are no longer eligible for VGLI. There are different criteria for applying within 240 days from your date of separation or after 240 days from your date of separation as noted below:
If you submit a VGLI application within 240 days following separation from service...
- You do not need to provide proof of good health.
- Enclose the first month's premium with your application.
If you submit a VGLI application from 241 days following separation from service and one year and 120 days after separation from service...
- You need to provide proof of good health. (Your application may be disapproved if you are not in good health.)
- Enclose the first month's premium with your application.
How Do I Apply for VGLI?
There are two ways you can apply for VGLI:
- Apply for VGLI Online
You can apply for VGLI online using our online application. The online application will walk you through each step of the application process. OSGLI will instantly evaluate your application and let you know if your coverage is approved or if your application needs further review. Follow this link to apply for VGLI online. - Apply for VGLI by mail
Within approximately 45 to 60 days following your separation from service, you should receive a VGLI application from OSGLI. If you do not receive an application from OSGLI in the mail, you can download form SGLV 8714, Application for VGLI to apply. If you use this form, you need to enclose a copy of your DD 214 or other equivalent proof of service.
When Does Your Coverage Begin?
Your VGLI coverage will begin on the 121st day after your separation from service. If you receive an extension of SGLI for 2 years due to disability, VGLI coverage begins on the day following the end of the 2-year period. If you apply for VGLI after the 120-day period, your VGLI coverage will begin on the date your VGLI application, premium and proof of good health are received by OSGLI. For more detailed information, see the SGLI Handbook.
How Long Can You Keep Your VGLI Coverage?
You can keep your VGLI coverage for your lifetime, as long as you continue paying premiums.
Can I Increase the Amount of my VGLI Coverage?
You can increase your VGLI coverage by up to $25,000 on the five-year anniversary date of your coverage policy if you meet all of the following criteria:
- You have an active VGLI policy.
- You currently have less than $400,000 of VGLI.
- You will be under age 60 on your next policy anniversary date.
- You must request the increase during the 120-day period prior to the 5-year anniversary of your policy
For more information on increasing your VGLI coverage, contact the Office of Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance online at osgli.osgli@prudential.com or by calling 1-800-419-1473.
How Much Does VGLI Cost?
VGLI premium rates are based on age. There are several age brackets of premium rates. If you pay your premium on an other than monthly basis, you receive a discount. To see specific premium rates, refer to the current VGLI Premium Rate Table.
VGLI premiums decreased effective July 1, 2008. Follow this link for more information about the premium rate decrease.
How Do You Pay Premiums?
You may pay VGLI premiums directly to OSGLI by: check or
money order, allotment from military retirement pay, automatic
deduction from VA Disability Compensation Benefits (DFB), or using your debit or credit card on the web or at OSGLI's toll-free number. Your
first premium must be sent with your application directly to OSGLI,
even if you choose to pay by allotment or by DFB. After your application
has been approved, subsequent premiums will be due monthly beginning
the month after the insurance becomes effective. If you choose
to pay premiums directly, you will receive premium statements
either monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually.
What Happens If You Don't Pay Premiums On Time?
If you don't pay your premium when it is due or within a grace
period of 60 days, your VGLI coverage will lapse. If VGLI lapses
due to your failure to pay the premiums on time, you will receive
a notification of the lapse and a reinstatement form. You may
apply to reinstate your coverage at any time within 5 years of
the date of the unpaid premium. If you apply for reinstatement
within 6 months from the date of lapse, you need only to provide
evidence that your are in the same state of health on the date
of reinstatement as you were on the date of lapse. Otherwise,
you will need to provide proof of good health.
Naming a Beneficiary and Settlement Option
How Do You Name A Beneficiary?
When you apply for VGLI, you can name any person, firm,
corporation or legal entity as the beneficiary of your VGLI. To
change a beneficiary, complete, sign and submit to OSGLI: form
SGLV 8721, Beneficiary Designation - Veterans' Group Life Insurance.
Conversion to an Individual Policy
How Do You Convert VGLI To An Individual Policy?
You may, at any time, convert your VGLI coverage to an individual
policy of life insurance with a commercial company that participates
in the program. You may convert up to the amount of VGLI coverage
you have. Follow this link to our Conversion
Page to view information on how to convert to an individual
policy with a list of participating companies. You will be issued
an individual policy at the company's standard premium rate regardless
of your health. No disability or other supplemental benefits will
be provided on converted policies.
How does A Beneficiary File A Death Claim?
The
beneficiary files a claim for VGLI proceeds by submitting a form
SGLV 8283, Claim for Death Benefits, to the OSGLI. The
beneficiary should include a copy of the death certificate with
the claim.
How Are The Proceeds Paid?
The proceeds are paid to the beneficiary either
in one lump sum or in 36 equal monthly payments, according to how
the insured specified that they were to be paid. If the insured
specified that the proceeds were to be paid in one lump sum or
did not specify a method of payment, the beneficiary may choose
to receive either 36 equal monthly payments or one lump sum. However,
if the insured specified that the proceeds were to be paid in
36 equal monthly payments, the beneficiary may not choose to be paid
in one lump sum. If the proceeds are to be paid in a lump sum payment, the beneficiary will be given the option of receiving the lump sum payment through the Prudential Alliance Account, by check or Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). Beneficiaries can take advantage of no-cost, professional financial
advice through the Beneficiary Financial Counseling Service (BFCS). Follow this link for more information about BFCS.
What Is an Alliance Account?
An Alliance Account is an interest-bearing draft account established in the member's name with a draft book. The member can write drafts ("checks") for any amount up to the full amount of the proceeds. This gives the beneficiary time to make important financial decisions, while their funds are secure and earn continuous interest. 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. Follow this link to view answers to frequently asked questions about the Alliance Account.
What is Beneficiary Financial Counseling Service?
Beneficiary Financial Counseling Services (BFCS) is an extra benefit offered to beneficiaries of Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance and Veterans’ Group Life Insurance policies. As a beneficiary, you can take advantage of no-cost professional financial advice. Counseling services are provided by FinancialPoint®. For more information, please visit our Beneficiary Financial Counseling page. To take advantage of the no-cost BFCS benefit, beneficiaries may contact FinancialPoint® toll free at (866) 476-5764 or by email at BFCS@FinancialPoint.com
Can A Beneficiary Assign VGLI Proceeds To Another Person?
A beneficiary may not assign or transfer VGLI proceeds to another
person. In addition, VGLI proceeds are not subject to claims of
creditors of the insured or creditors of the beneficiary.
Accelerated Benefits for Terminally Ill Policyholders
Can A Terminally Ill Policyholder Receive Accelerated Benefits?
The SGLI and VGLI programs offer an accelerated benefits option to terminally ill policyholders. A policyholder is considered to be terminally ill if he or she has a written medical prognosis of 9 months or less to live. All terminally ill policyholders will be eligible to take up to 50% of their SGLI or VGLI coverage in a lump sum. Many commercial life insurance companies offer accelerated benefits in their policies. Accelerated benefits, paid prior to death, are, of course, not available for payment to survivors. A policyholder must submit SGLV 8284, Servicemember/Veteran Accelerated Benefit Option Form.
Are VGLI Proceeds Taxable?
VGLI proceeds
are exempt from taxation. Any installment interest or delayed
settlement interest that a beneficiary receives in addition to
the proceed is also exempt from taxation and does not need to
be reported to the IRS.
If you need a VGLI form, it may be available for download from this site. Go to the forms download page and follow the instructions on that page. Once you have downloaded the form that you need, complete it by following the directions contained on the form. The following are frequently used VGLI forms: