Once your SGLI coverage extension ends, you must make your own arrangements for life
insurance. One option is Veterans' Group Life Insurance, offered by the VA.
Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) provides for the conversion of Servicemembers’ Group
Life Insurance (SGLI) to a renewable term life insurance policy. This policy is renewable
every five years, regardless of health, and can be retained for life.
You are eligible to apply for VGLI if you are insured under SGLI
and:
- You are being released from active duty or the Reserves or were released within the last year
and 120 days.
- You are a member of the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) or Inactive National Guard (ING).
- You are a reservist who suffers an injury or disability during active duty or inactive duty for
training for a period of less than 31 days and becomes uninsurable at standard premium rates.
Remember: You can apply for VGLI within the first 120 days without evidence of
good health. After the initial 120 days you have an additional year to apply, but good health
requirements must be met.
VGLI provides for the amount of SGLI coverage a member had in force at the time of separation
from active duty or reserves. VGLI is issued in multiples of
$10,000 up to a maximum
$400,000. VGLI can be converted at any time to an individual permanent
(i.e. whole life or endowment) plan with any of 54 participating commercial insurance
companies.
Applying for Veterans’ Group Life Insurance
Since SGLI coverage continues at no cost for 120 days after discharge, VGLI will not take
effect until the 121
st day. VGLI applications are mailed to eligible members on three occasions:
- Generally within 60 days after separation.
- Within 120 days after separation when the SGLI free coverage period ends.
- Before the end of the 16-month application period.
Note: VGLI applications (SGLV 8714) are mailed to the address shown on your DD
Form 214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," or equivalent separation
orders. It is your responsibility to apply within the time limits even if they do not receive an
application in the mail.
Applications for VGLI coverage should be mailed to:
The Office of Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance
P.O. Box 5000
Millville, New Jersey 08332-9928
You can download VGLI application forms and get more information by visiting the VA website
at
www.insurance.va.gov.
