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Frequently Asked Questions about the Service Group Members Group Life Insurance
What Does SGLI Provide?
SGLI provides group term life insurance. When you die, money will be paid to the person (persons) you designate to receive the
insurance. The beneficiary can use this money to pay expenses related to your death or invest the money to help replace your
salary. Since SGLI is term insurance, it does not have cash or loan values and it does not pay dividends.
When Does Coverage Begin?
You are automatically covered for the maximum amount of insurance ($400,000) on your first day of active duty or active duty for
training, unless you decline or reduce your coverage. If you are performing duty for a period of less than 31 days, part -time
coverage begins on the first day of the period of duty, including travel. If you previously declined and later apply for SGLI, your
coverage will be effective on the date the application form is received by your branch of service. (For detailed information
regarding restoration of coverage, see the SGLI/VGLI Handbook; Chapter 4 )
During What Periods Are You Covered?
Full Time Coverage…Active Duty
If you are a full-time member on active duty, you are covered 365 days of the year. Your coverage is in effect during the period of
active duty or inactive duty training and for 120 days following separation of release from duty. Full Time Coverage…Reserve Duty
If you are a Reservist and have been assigned to a unit in which you are scheduled to perform at least 12 periods of inactive
duty that is creditable for retirement purposes, full-time coverage is in effect 365 days of the year. You are also covered for 120
days following separation or release from duty.
How Much SGLI Can You Have?
The maximum amount of SGLI coverage you may have is $400,000. You may elect to be insured for lesser amounts in
increments of $50,000. If you choose to decline or reduce your SGLI coverage, you must complete and file a form SGLV 8286,
Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance and Certificate, with your uniformed service. If you have the maximum amount of SGLI,
you have the right to retain any other Government or private insurance. However, you may not have more than $400,000 of
combined SGLI and VGLI coverage.
How Do You Obtain or Increase SGLI Coverage?
If you declined or reduced your SGLI coverage and later want to obtain or increase the coverage, you must complete and sign a
form SGLV 8285, Request for Insurance, in the presence of an authorized representative of your uniformed service. You must
answer all medical questions. The representative will certify and file the application in your personnel file. Your coverage will
become effective immediately, providing a review of your medical conditions is not required by OSGLI. Monthly premiums will be
deducted from your pay.
How Do You Reduce or Cancel Your SGLI Coverage?
To reduce or cancel your SGLI, you must complete and file a form SGLV 8286, Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Election
and Certificate, with your uniformed service. If you reduce or cancel SGLI on the first day of duty, your election will be effective
immediately. If you make an election after the first day of duty, it will be effective at the end of that month. If you are reducing or
canceling part-time coverage, your election will be effective at the end of the last day of the period of duty you are serving.
Cost and Premium Payment
How Much Does SGLI Cost?
The monthly cost of SGLI is $26.00 for $400,000 of coverage. If you choose to be insured for less than the maximum $400,000,
the cost is $3.25 per month per $50,000. This amount will be automatically deducted from your service pay. The premium for
part-time coverage is $26.00 per year for $400,000 of coverage. Members of the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) will be charged
$1.00 for $400,000 of coverage for 1-day call-ups.
($50,000 coverage increments effective 9/1/2005)