Updated April 13, 2022

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI)

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance, also known as SGLI, is a term life insurance policy offered to: Active-duty military National Guard Reservists Members of the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic […]

Table of Contents

    Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance, also known as SGLI, is a term life insurance policy offered to:

    • Active-duty military
    • National Guard
    • Reservists
    • Members of the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
    • Members of the Public Health Service
    • Cadets
    • Midshipmen
    • Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) members

    SGLI is offered to most as full-time coverage, except for Reserve members, who qualify for part-time coverage instead. SGLI monthly premiums are automatically taken out of the service member’s basic pay.

    SGLI Premiums

    In 2021, the basic SGLI premium rate was 6 cents per $1,000 of insurance coverage. Payment rates are subject to change each year due to inflation, cost-of-living adjustments, federal law and program changes.

    Premiums are based on the amount of coverage chosen rather than by the insured’s health or age.

    You can customize your SGLI coverage. The system allows you to adjust levels of coverage and your beneficiaries. Most will make these changes via the MilConnect portal (see below).

    SGLI Coverage Amounts

    You can purchase SGLI in $50,000 increments, up to a maximum of $400,000. When service members are deployed to a combat zone, their SGLI will automatically increase to the maximum coverage amount of $400,000.

    The Supporting Families of the Fallen Act, introduced in Sept. 2021, would increase the maximum coverage amount to $500,000. The Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) voted favorably on this legislation Dec. 15, 2021, and it can now be considered before the full Senate.

    SGLI Premium Rates

    Effective July 1, 2019:
    Coverage amount (in U.S. $)Monthly premium rate (in U.S. $)TSGLI premium (in U.S. $)Total monthly premium deduction (in U.S. $)
    $400,000 $24$1$25
    $350,000 $21$1$22
    $300,000 $18$1$19
    $250,000 $15$1$16
    $200,000 $12$1$13
    $150,000 $9$1$10
    $100,000 $6$1$7
    $50,000 $3$1$4

    SGLI Eligibility

    You are automatically enrolled in and covered under full-time SGLI if you are any of the following:

    • Active-duty member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Marines or Coast Guard
    • Commissioned member of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) or the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS)
    • Cadet or midshipman of the U.S. military academies
    • Member, cadet or midshipman of the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) engaged in authorized training and practice cruises
    • Member of the Ready Reserve or National Guard and scheduled to perform at least 12 periods of inactive training per year
    • A service member who volunteers for a mobilization category in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR)

    SGLI for Those Retiring or Separating

    Those covered by SGLI who are retiring or separating from the military have an additional 120 days of free SGLI effective from their retirement or separation date. SGLI extensions are offered to those retiring or separating who are considered totally disabled at the time they leave military service. Such extensions can run as long as 24 months. After that, the retired or separated service member will need to find an alternative life insurance solution.

    Part-time coverage is offered to Reserve members who do not qualify for full-time coverage, with the caveat that part-time coverage does not permit the 120 days of free coverage once the Reservist leaves military service.

    SGLI Coverage for Ready Reserve or National Guard Members in Non-Pay Status

    Those in the Ready Reserve or National Guard who are drilling for points, not pay, may still be covered by SGLI if they are scheduled to perform at least 12 periods of inactive training per year.Your branch of service will determine how you will pay your premiums during the non-pay period.

    Converting SGLI to a Commercial Policy

    Those leaving military service may be able to convert their SGLI coverage to an individual insurance policy within 120 days from separation. See the VA website for participating service providers.

    The SGLI Online Enrollment System

    The SGLI Online Enrollment System (SOES) allows service members to view and customize their SGLI coverage. This applies to most SGLI policyholders, including members of the Armed Forces and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

    Those who work in the Public Health Service must submit SGLI changes by submitting Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Election and Certificate (SGLV 8286) to your unit’s personnel officer.

    Those who use MilConnect are required to have or obtain a DS Login. You must either have a common access card or be one of the following:

    1. Current or previous service member (active duty, Guard, Reservist, retiree or veteran)
    2. Spouse or former spouse who receives Department of Defense benefits
    3. Eligible family member over 18 years old receiving DoD benefits
    4. DoD civilian
    5. DoD contractor

    SGLI Forfeiture

    There are only a few instances where Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance coverage would be forfeited.

    According to the VA, these include cases “when an insured member is guilty of mutiny, treason, spying or desertion.”

    SGLI coverage or dividends may also be forfeited in cases where the service member “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.”

    VA.gov adds that SGLI is not 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.”

    SGLI Options

    SGLI Options: Traumatic Injury Protection Program (TSGLI)

    Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection is an automatic traumatic injury coverage program offered to those already covered under the SGLI program. TSGLI offers “short-term financial assistance to severely injured service members and veterans to assist them in their recovery from traumatic injuries,” according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

    This type of coverage is for combat injuries but is not limited to them. TSGLI also covers service members for injuries incurred on or off duty.

    SGLI Options: Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI)

    Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance offers term life insurance to qualifying military spouses and dependents of those eligible for coverage under SGLI. Spouses require a premium, but dependent children are covered at no charge to the service member.

    SGLI Options: Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI)

    Veterans’ Group Life Insurance allows veterans to continue life insurance coverage as long as the premiums are paid. Veterans are eligible to apply for the same maximum coverage offered under Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance that they carried when they separated from the military.

    Other Options: Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance

    The Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI) program was established in 1951 to assist those with VA-rated service-connected disabilities. S-DVI is available in a variety of plans that include term insurance options. S-DVI has a maximum coverage amount of $10,000.

    VA Assistance With Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance and Online Will Preparation

    Beneficiaries of the Servicemembers’ Life Insurance options, including veterans and service members who receive TSGLI, can receive free financial counseling. Services available include online will preparation and financial plan creation..

    Financial counseling services are offered through FinancialPoint and can be accessed through their website.

    Service members who do not receive TGSLI may be able to access financial counseling through command financial specialists or financial readiness counselors.

    SGLI Facts You Should Know

    There are plenty of half-truths and myths about SGLI coverage. For example, some mistakenly believed that SGLI will not pay in cases where the service member was killed on duty while wearing privately obtained body armor.

    The VA official site states, “SGLI claims are paid regardless of body armor or helmet type. Wearing body armor or a helmet is not a requirement for an SGLI claim to be paid.”

    Another SGLI myth is that the policy won’t pay surviving beneficiaries if the service member dies in an accident while not wearing a seat belt. This is false SGLI will still pay the claim.

    Some mistakenly believe there are war exclusions or terrorism exclusions that would prevent payment of SGLI to a beneficiary, but there are no such exclusions. SGLI claims are also paid no matter where the service member dies. There are no blackout areas or no-go zones.

    There are also myths about SGLI coverage for Reservists and members of the National Guard — some aren’t sure whether their SGLI coverage applies only to drill periods and active duty or not.

    According to the VA, “If you are a Reservist or a National Guard member 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 SGLI coverage is in effect 365 days of the year. You are also covered for 120 days following separation or release from duty.”

    • Veteran.com Team

      Written by Veteran.com Team

      The editorial team here at Veteran.com works to help the U.S. military community discover the many military benefits available to them. Our team is supported by our Veteran Review Board and its Standard of Care, which all content on Veteran.com is reviewed to meet.

    Updated March 16, 2021

    Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Disability Extension (SGLI-DE)

    SGLI enrollment is automatic for those who join the United States military, but those who want to take advantage of options such as SGLI-DE must apply to enroll. SGLI-DE is […]

    Table of Contents

      SGLI enrollment is automatic for those who join the United States military, but those who want to take advantage of options such as SGLI-DE must apply to enroll. SGLI-DE is not automatic.

      The SGLI Disability Extension is offered to service members rated totally disabled at time of discharge. SGLI-DE allows the retiring or separating service member to keep their SGLI coverage for up to 24 months at no cost.

      Qualifying For SGLI-DE

      What does “totally disabled” mean? According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, “you must have a disability that prevents you from being gainfully employed” or have any of the following list of qualifying conditions regardless of your actual employment status:

      • Permanent loss of use of both hands
      • Permanent loss of use of both feet
      • Permanent loss of use of both eyes
      • Permanent loss of use of one hand and one foot
      • Permanent loss of use of one foot and one eye
      • Permanent loss of use of one hand and one eye
      • Total loss of hearing in both ears
      • Organic loss of speech, which is defined by the VA as a condition where the patient has lost the ability to express themselves “through normal organs for speech” regardless of mechanical or electronic assistance

      Applying For SGLI-DE

      As mentioned at the start of this article, SGLI-DE is not automatic and must be signed up for using a form called SGLV 8715, SGLI Disability Extension Application, Complete the form and submit it to the address listed on the application.

      Those who are approved for this extension of SGLI coverage will be notified “20 months after your separation date” to inform you that the extended benefit ends soon and that the veteran has the option to convert to Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI).

      Approximately two months before the end of your SGLI-DE, you will be sent a billing statement for Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI). If you choose to make the payments for VGLI, that coverage “will begin the day after your SGLI Disability Extension ends, according to VA.gov, assuming you send in the first payment.

      Those who choose not to make the first payment are not enrolled in VGLI. If you want to enroll in VGLI but do not get a billing statement 60 days before your SGLI-DE ends, call 800-419-1473 as soon as possible.

      Those who choose to pay for VGLI will continue being covered as long as the payments are made.

      Making SGLI-DE Claims

      There are multiple scenarios where next-of-kin/family members might need to submit a claim–there may be a need for an advance payment for a veteran who is terminally ill, for example.

      Others may need short-term financial help for veterans recovering from an injury. And then there are the procedures for typical claims for death benefits under SGLI-DE. Which forms should beneficiaries complete and submit to begin such claims?

      Claiming Death Benefits

      To file a claim for death benefits, surviving family members must complete a Claim For Death Benefits using SGLV 8283. Those who need to complete this form are encouraged to also accept “free, independent, third party financial counseling offered through Beneficiary Financial Counseling Service” according to VA.gov.

      The number for this free financial counseling is 1-888-243-7351 and this call may also be used to help you complete the claim form for Death Benefits.

      When claiming SGLI Death Benefits, you will need to provide the following information:

      • Full name of the deceased service member or veteran
      • Social Security Number of deceased
      • Date of death
      • Branch of service
      • Duty status on date of death
      • Date of discharge or separation
      • Next-of-kin’s full name, relationship to deceased, date of birth, and Social Security Number

      Advance SGLI Payments For Terminally Ill Veterans

      Those who need to request an advance payment in cases where a servicemember is terminally ill must fill out SGLV 8284, Claim for Accelerated Benefits.

      At the time of this writing, accelerated benefits are available for the veteran “to receive up to 50% of your SGLI or VGLI benefit if you have been diagnosed by your physician as being terminally ill (as defined in Public Law 105-368) with nine (9) months or less to live.” However, next-of-kin should know that only the insured is permitted to apply for this accelerated benefit.

      The amount of insurance proceeds payable to your beneficiaries when the veteran dies is reduced by the amount of the accelerated benefit paid prior to the veteran’s death and future SGLI premiums may be lowered to reflect the reduced amount of SGLI coverage according to the official site.

      Claiming Short-Term Financial Support

      TSGLI, Traumatic Injury Protection, was created to help service members and their families with financial burdens associated with recovering from a severe injury.

      These benefit payments range from $25,000 to $100,000, paid according to a list of qualifying conditions and coverage levels. Those who need short-term financial help while recovering from qualifying injuries must complete SGLV 8600, Application for TSGLI Benefits.

      SGLI-DE Payouts

      Those filing SGLI claims should know that death benefits under the program must be paid out in order as follows:

      1. To the beneficiary named in writing by the insured
      2. If none, the insurance is payable to the widow or widower of the insured
      3. If none, it is payable to the child or children in equal shares with the share of any deceased child distributed among the descendants of that child
      4. If none, it is payable to parent(s) in equal shares
      5. If none, it is payable to a duly appointed executor or administrator of the insured’s estate
      6. If none, to other next of kin

      Getting Assistance With SGLI-DE

      Do you need help or have questions about SGLI or SGLI-DE? Call the Office of Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (OSGLI) at 800-419-1473.

      • Veteran.com Team

        Written by Veteran.com Team

        The editorial team here at Veteran.com works to help the U.S. military community discover the many military benefits available to them. Our team is supported by our Veteran Review Board and its Standard of Care, which all content on Veteran.com is reviewed to meet.

      Updated April 8, 2022

      Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI)

      Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI), is a life insurance coverage option offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs to military spouses and dependent children of service members who are […]

      Table of Contents

        Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI), is a life insurance coverage option offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs to military spouses and dependent children of service members who are covered under full-time Servicemembers Group Life Insurance or SGLI.

        Basic FSGLI Benefits

        This life insurance plan offers coverage up to a maximum of $100,000 for the spouse and $10,000 of life insurance coverage for each dependent child. The FSGLI coverage for children is free.

        What does free coverage for dependents entail? FSGLI is provided for dependent children at no cost until the child is 18 years old. Coverage can be extended under certain circumstances which may include the child becoming a full-time student after age 18, or in cases where a dependent child has become permanently and totally disabled before the age of 18.

        Who Is Eligible For FSGLI

        Spouses and/or dependent children of service members who meet one of the requirements listed below may be eligible for FSGLI. The service member must be:

        • On active duty and covered by full-time SGLI, or
        • A member of the National Guard or Ready Reserve covered by full-time SGLI

        The VA official site advises dual-military couples that a spouse may qualify to get FSGLI “as the spouse of someone with SGLI coverage no matter if your own status is active duty, retired, or civilian.”

        Signing Up For FSGLI

        • For civilian spouses, the VA automatically insures you under FSGLI with the life insurance premiums deducted from the service member’s pay.
        • For military spouses married on or after Jan. 2, 2013, the service member must sign up the spouse–no automatic enrollment applies.

        The VA official site advises that service members in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Marines, Coast Guard, or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, signups must be accomplished through the SGLI Online Enrollment System which is accessed via milConnect. The service member can log in with their CAC or DS Logon.

        Signing up with a spouse who is part of the Public Health Service, requires the service member to fill out a Spouse Coverage Election and Certificate (SGLV 8286A). This form should be turned in to the unit Personnel Officer.

        Making FSGLI Claims

        To make a claim for a death benefit under FSGLI, the service member is required to submit a Report of Death of Family Member, SGLV Form 8700 and file a Claim for Family Coverage Death Benefits, SGLV form 8283A.

        Claims may also be made to request an advance payment for a spouse who is terminally ill. This is known as a Claim For Accelerated Benefits, SGLV form 8284A.

        All these forms should be completed and submitted to the address below:

        OSGLI
        PO Box 70173
        Philadelphia, PA 19176-0173

        Converting Spouse FSGLI To An Individual Policy

        Under FSGLI the spouse is permitted under qualifying circumstances to convert to “a permanent, individual insurance policy” within 120 days from the date of the service member’s separation from the military, a divorce, death, or a written statement announcing a desire to end FSGLI or the service member’s own SGLI coverage.

        The VA advises that if any of those conditions apply, the spouse becomes “solely responsible for all aspects of the policy, including premium payments.”

        Converting requires a series of steps beginning with selecting a participating life insurance company from the VA’s list of companies you can select to convert FSGLI.

        You will also need to do the following:

        • Apply at the local sales office of the company you selected from the VA list
        • Give a copy of the most recent Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) to the agent, showing the deduction for spousal SGLI
        • Provide proof of coverage

        What kind of proof is acceptable? Any of the following:

        • The servicemember’s separation document (Form DD214 or equivalent)
        • The Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage between spouse and service member
        • The service member’s FSGLI spousal declination
        • The service member’s SGLI declination
        • The service member’s proof of death (DD1300: Report of Casualty, or a civilian death certificate)
        • Veteran.com Team

          Written by Veteran.com Team

          The editorial team here at Veteran.com works to help the U.S. military community discover the many military benefits available to them. Our team is supported by our Veteran Review Board and its Standard of Care, which all content on Veteran.com is reviewed to meet.

        Updated March 17, 2021

        Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI)

        Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI) is a feature of the term life insurance program known as Servicemembers Group Life Insurance or SGLI. TSGLI is protection offered in […]

        Table of Contents

          Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI) is a feature of the term life insurance program known as Servicemembers Group Life Insurance or SGLI. TSGLI is protection offered in the form of “short-term financial support” according to the VA official site, for those who experience a traumatic injury.

          SGLI and TSGLI are offered to:

          • Active-duty military
          • National Guard
          • Reservists
          • Members of the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
          • Members of the Public Health Service
          • Cadets
          • Midshipmen
          • Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) members

          SGLI requires payment of a monthly premium automatically taken out of the servicemember’s basic pay. You cannot be covered under TSGLI without having SGLI coverage first.

          TSGLI Premiums

          When you are signed up for SGLI at the start of your military career, you are automatically enrolled in TSGLI. When your SGLI coverage begins, the insurance premium automatically deducted from your base pay will include a flat one dollar flat rate premium for TSGLI.

          TSGLI Benefits

          Those who receive traumatic injuries that qualify for TSGLI support (see below) are offered “$25,000 to $100,000 in short-term financial support to help in your recovery from a traumatic injury” according to the VA official site.

          The dollar amounts you see here are always subject to change; check the VA official site to learn the current year’s TSGLI payout amounts and other data.

          These benefits may be paid for injuries received on or off-duty.

          Who Qualifies For TSGLI

          As mentioned above, eligibility for TSGLI is dependent on having SGLI. If you experienced a traumatic injury you may be covered if all the following are true:

          • You have a VA-rated issue considered a direct result of the traumatic event or injury, and
          • You had the traumatic injury “before midnight on the day that you left the military”, and
          • You suffered a “scheduled loss” within two years of the traumatic injury, and
          • You have “survived for a period of not less than 7 full days” from the traumatic injury event. This seven-day period begins on the date and time of the traumatic injury and ends 168 full hours later, and
          • Were an active-duty military member, a Reservist, a National Guard member, on funeral-honors duty, or on one-day muster duty

          TSGLI Definitions

          The qualifying criteria listed above requires a bit of further explanation–what is considered a traumatic event, for example? What is a traumatic injury? Knowing how these are defined under the program can make determining your eligibility simpler.

          • Traumatic Event: Defined for the purposes of approving or denying TSGLI claims, a traumatic event is “the application of external force, violence, chemical, biological, or radiological weapons, accidental ingestion of a contaminated substance, or exposure to the elements that cause damage to your body”.
          • Traumatic Injury: Defined as “the physical damage to your body that results from a traumatic event”.
          • Qualifying Loss/Scheduled Loss: A “qualifying loss” is defined as “a traumatic injury that is listed on the TSGLI Schedule of Losses, which lists all covered losses and payment amounts.” A “scheduled loss” is one that shows up in the TSGLI Schedule of Losses. The TSGLI office for your branch of military service is responsible for determining whether your injury is a qualifying loss under the TSGLI guidelines.

          TSGLI Exclusions

          There are conditions excluded from TSGLI coverage. In most cases the exclusion isn’t necessarily related to the injury itself but rather how it was received. None of the following can be true of your injury if you want to qualify for TSGLI.

          • The injury must not be self-inflicted or the result of an attempt at self-harm
          • The injury cannot involve the use of an illegal drug or a controlled substance that was given or taken without the participation of a licensed care provider
          • The injury must not be the result of medical or surgical treatment of an illness or disease
          • The injury must not have happened during the commission of a crime
          • The injury must not be the result of a physical or mental illness or disease

          It is important to note that the final requirement that the injury not be the result of mental illness does NOT include illness or disease caused by a wound infection; a chemical, biological, or radiological weapon; or “accidentally swallowing a contaminated substance.”

          Retroactive TSGLI Options

          Some may be eligible to receive retroactive TSGLI payments for a past traumatic injury. This applies to those injured between Oct. 7, 2001 and Nov. 30, 2005 and who meet ALL of the TSGLI requirements mentioned in the Who Qualifies For TSGLI section above.

          Filing A TSGLI Claim

          While you may be entered for coverage under SGLI, if you need to file a TSGLI claim the process requires action from you–these claims are not automatic. You’ll be required to fill out and submit the Application For TSGLI Benefits (SGLV Form 8600) provided by the VA official site. You can submit by fax, email, or regular mail. Addresses to send the completed form by U.S. postal mail are included on the form itself.

          You will need to submit this paperwork for both “regular” and retroactive TSGLI claims.

          Appealing A TSGLI Decision

          If you were denied TSGLI benefits and want to appeal, the first thing to do is to re-read your denial letter, which will tell you whether or not you should complete and submit the TSGLI Appeal Request Form, and how long you may have to file an appeal.

          You can get more information from the VA official site about TSGLI appeals, but in general be prepared to submit supporting evidence to prove you are entitled to be paid a TSGLI claim.

          • Veteran.com Team

            Written by Veteran.com Team

            The editorial team here at Veteran.com works to help the U.S. military community discover the many military benefits available to them. Our team is supported by our Veteran Review Board and its Standard of Care, which all content on Veteran.com is reviewed to meet.

          Updated December 24, 2022

          Military Life Insurance

          Life insurance is an important part of family planning and military life insurance is no exception. There are different types of military life insurance you may have access to during […]

          Table of Contents

            Life insurance is an important part of family planning and military life insurance is no exception. There are different types of military life insurance you may have access to during your military career and afterward. The key to knowing what coverage you need? Knowing your own financial goals and needs, and understanding the different policies and when you can access them.

            Military Life Insurance Options

            What Is Military Life Insurance?

            Military life insurance is offered by the federal government to qualifying military members, providing coverage that pays the next of kin in the event of the servicemember’s death. This type of life insurance is offered as term life insurance.

            There is no “whole life” insurance option offered. Whole life is a type of insurance that builds a cash value over time and allows you (eventually) to borrow against it. Term life does not do this–instead you pay for coverage that is paid out to your surviving family members.

            There are several types of military life insurance options (see above). The first, SGLI, is a program you are automatically entered into when joining the military. It has a payout limit of $400,000 at the time of this writing, though amounts are subject to change depending on current regulations, federal law, and other variables. This coverage applies for the entire time you serve in uniform.

            When you get ready to retire or separate from the military you have the option to convert your SGLI into a version offered to veterans, or you can choose to convert into a civilian life insurance program instead.

            How To Make Changes To SGLI

            You may be automatically enrolled in SGLI but other coverages may require you to opt-in. Don’t assume the other life insurance options you see here are automatic–they are not.

            And in the case of SGLI, even though you are enrolled when you enlist or get commissioned you will be required to name your beneficiaries and do other tasks to make sure your policy is paid according to your wishes. To do so you will need to access the SGLI Online Enrollment System via MilConnect.

            What You Need To Know About Military Life Insurance

            Of all the programs listed here, only one applies to family members–FSGLI. This type of insurance offers up to $100,000 of insurance coverage for spouses. The caveat with this coverage? You can’t insure your spouse for more than you are insured for yourself.

            If you choose a lower increment of SGLI coverage, your FSGLI must be equal to or lesser than the amount you’re covered for as a service member. Children are automatically covered in these policies and the costs of both SGLI and FSGLI are deducted from your military pay.

            Remember, as a veteran you are not required to continue your military life insurance. You don’t have to sign up for VGLI–you can opt for no coverage, or you can opt for converting your SGLI to a civilian policy with the life insurance provider of your choice.

            • Veteran.com Team

              Written by Veteran.com Team

              The editorial team here at Veteran.com works to help the U.S. military community discover the many military benefits available to them. Our team is supported by our Veteran Review Board and its Standard of Care, which all content on Veteran.com is reviewed to meet.

            Updated December 22, 2020

            Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI)

            Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI) is an option offered to the families of veterans with qualifying service-connected disabilities who meet the eligibility criteria described below. That eligibility includes being a […]

            Table of Contents

              Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI) is an option offered to the families of veterans with qualifying service-connected disabilities who meet the eligibility criteria described below. That eligibility includes being a homeowner–VMLI is a bit more complex than some of the other SGLI and SGLI-adjacent insurance options.

              This particular type of insurance does not pay benefits to the veteran or family, but rather directly to the lender who issued your mortgage loan.

              Who Qualifies For Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance

              VMLI is basically “mortgage protection”. That means it’s a type of insurance offered to the families of veterans with severe service-connected disabilities. These veterans must have adapted a home to fit their needs using a specific VA program (see below). To qualify for VMLI all of the following must be true:

              • The veteran has “a severe disability that we’ve concluded was caused—or made worse—by your service” according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
              • The veteran must have applied for and been approved for a Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant which is offered to vets with qualifying disabilities to buy, build, or adapt a home to make it more accessible. These adaptations can include but are not limited to installing ramps, wider doorways, etc.
              • The veteran or family must have the title of the home, and have an existing mortgage.
              • The veteran must be under 70 years of age.

              An Important Caveat

              VMLI coverage is only offered for primary residences. You cannot get VMLI for investment properties, summer homes, timeshares, or other occasional-occupancy type property. The same occupancy rules applicable to VA mortgages is generally the rule of thumb for this type of mortgage insurance coverage.

              Before You Apply For VMLI

              In order to be considered for this type of mortgage life insurance, the veteran is required to first apply for a Specially Adapted Housing Grant or SAH. If you have not done so, take this step first. Who generally qualifies for SAH? Those who have any of the qualifying conditions listed below:

              • The loss of more than one limb
              • The loss of use of more than one limb
              • The loss or loss of use of a lower leg combined with lasting issues associated with disease or injury
              • Blindness in both eyes having only light perception combined with the loss or loss of use of a leg
              • Severe burns that meet SAH criteria
              • The loss or loss of use of one leg or foot occurring after Sept. 11, 2001, resulting in the inability to walk or balance without assistance

              Your loan servicer or loan guaranty agent may be able to tell you if you qualify for VMLI, or you can apply using the Application for Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance (VA Form 29-8636).

              If you have already applied for and received SHA, ask your loan servicer or call the Department of Veterans Affairs for more assistance on applying for VMLI.

              VMLI Benefits

              VMLI provides up to $200,000 in mortgage life insurance coverage. This coverage is not paid to a beneficiary such as a family member or spouse; instead it is paid directly to the bank servicing your mortgage.

              The amount paid will vary; it depends on how much was still owed on the mortgage loan. The maximum benefit is capped at $200,000.

              That means the amount of your insurance coverage decreases over the lifetime of the loan. As the amount you still owe on the home loan decreases, your coverage goes down, too. VMLI coverage terminates when you have paid the loan in full.

              Unlike certain life insurance products, VMLI does not carry a cash value and you cannot borrow against it. There are no dividends paid. All applicants are required to submit forms prior to their 70th birthday.

              VMLI Premiums

              VMLI premiums are established using the applicant’s age, current mortgage balance, the number of payments required to fully pay off the mortgage, and the amount of coverage you need. You can use a payment calculator at the VA official site to get an estimate of the amount you’ll pay for this coverage.

              What To Do If Your Mortgage Changes

              As mentioned earlier, the property you insure with VMLI must be your primary residence. If you sell your home, transfer it to another person via a loan assumption, transfer your mortgage, move, or make other changes you are required to notify the Department of Veterans Affairs.

              If you liquidate your home, do a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, short sale, or arrange a private sale as a foreclosure avoidance tactic, you must notify the VA.

              The same is true if you refinance your mortgage regardless of the type of refi loan or the motivation behind it. Notify the VA in writing by submitting information to the following address:

              Department of Veterans Affairs

              Regional Office and Insurance Center
              PO Box 7208 (VMLI)
              Philadelphia, PA 19101

              When contacting the Department of Veterans Affairs, be sure to include all relevant information including the case number assigned to your government-backed mortgage where applicable (VA, FHA, USDA), the amount of your loan, and any other identifying information that is relevant to your mortgage and your application for VMLI.

              • Veteran.com Team

                Written by Veteran.com Team

                The editorial team here at Veteran.com works to help the U.S. military community discover the many military benefits available to them. Our team is supported by our Veteran Review Board and its Standard of Care, which all content on Veteran.com is reviewed to meet.

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