The Serviceman’s Group Life Insurance, better known as SGLI, is group term life insurance currently available to all members of the U.S. Army. SGLI is a group life insurance policy purchased by the VA from a commercial life insurance company, and is partially subsidized by the federal government.
Servicemembers on active duty, active duty for training or inactive duty for training and members of the Reserves are automatically covered for $250,000, the maximum amount of coverage, unless they opt out in writing. A soldier can elect lower coverage or no coverage by completing VA Form SGLV-8286. SGLI premiums are currently $.065 per $1,000 of insurance, regardless of the member’s age. View rates for different coverage amounts.
Each member should complete a copy of form SGLV-8286, Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Election and Certificate 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.
Insurability is guaranteed when first given the opportunity to elect SGLI. After that, soldiers who want to increase their coverage may be subject to insurability determinations.
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.
The SGLI program is administered by the Office of Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (OSGLI). The office can by contacted by:
Toll-free telephone: 1-800-419-1473
Toll-free fax:
Death and accelerated benefits claims only: 1-877-832-4943
All other inquiries: 1-800-236-6142
E-mail: osgli.osgli@prudential.com
Regular Mail:
Office of Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance
290 West Mt. Pleasant Avenue
Livingston, New Jersey 07039
Visit the VA website for more information on this benefit.