Life insurance is an important benefit which provides income replacement, end of life costs and financial flexibility. Beginning March 1, service members and qualifying Veterans will have access to increased life insurance coverage of up to $500,000 under two programs: Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) and Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI). This increase moves life insurance coverage more in line with the current cost-of-living.

SGLI increases for all service members

SGLI provides low-cost, group-term, life insurance coverage to eligible service members. All active duty, guard and reserve service members eligible for SGLI will automatically receive the increased coverage. This includes those who previously declined coverage or elected a lesser amount. The SGLI premium rate remains the same, so service members will receive maximum coverage for $30 a month, plus $1 for Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI) coverage. Payments are automatically deducted from service members’ paychecks, so no action is needed for those keeping the increased coverage.

Service members who do not wish to have coverage or would like a reduced amount can make these elections online through the SGLI Online Enrollment System (SOES) on milConnect. If coverage is reduced or declined by March 31, service members will not be charged for the increased coverage amount. 

VGLI members must elect additional coverage

VGLI provides life insurance coverage to eligible Veterans after they separate from service. Current VGLI members will not have their coverage increased automatically. Eligible Veterans who currently have $400,000 of coverage under VGLI can elect to purchase additional coverage in $25,000 increments. This added coverage will be available without medical underwriting during specified coverage periods. The Office of Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (OSGLI) will send eligible VGLI members information about obtaining coverage.

Service members who separate with SGLI coverage of $450,000 or $500,000 on or after March 1 can convert coverage to VGLI in an amount up to or equal to the SGLI coverage they had at separation.

Additional Information

Life insurance coverage is beneficial since it can help protect a family’s financial future. Coverage may be used to help pay off debt, cover funeral costs, pay for future education expenses, and replace lost income. Since family dynamics frequently change, it is important to review beneficiary information annually and ensure beneficiaries are aware of policy information in the event it is needed.

More information can be found online regarding SGLI increase frequently asked questions.

Topics in this story

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12 Comments

  1. William Larry baker March 15, 2023 at 09:21

    I was discharge from the army in 1992, honorable, do I qualify for coverage?

  2. Michael McKinney March 14, 2023 at 17:23

    this is all good for younger service members and vets but when I was discharged no one told me anything about life insurance, this was back in 1967. is there anything for me out there?

  3. Miguel Pineda Alvarez March 13, 2023 at 12:22

    I served as Hazardous Material officer at Submarine Base Pearl Harbor Hawaii. Am I qualified for benefits? If I am where to file claim?

  4. john sanagustin March 13, 2023 at 00:29

    still under VGLI since separated (retired)from service in 1998. will my months payment increase or changes.

  5. Allen Nosca March 11, 2023 at 20:10

    Thanks for the info about life insurance for Veterans. I am a disabled Vietnam Veteran and I couldn’t afford the high cost to renew, after my 20 year term-life policy expired. I hope the rates are lower this time.

  6. Miguel Pineda Alvarez March 9, 2023 at 23:19

    I am a veteran under IU. Can I increase my coverage and how much will it cost me?

  7. Michael Groehler March 9, 2023 at 17:46

    Thank you for the information on health
    Insurance, I will pursue it further.

  8. Marci Connick March 9, 2023 at 10:03

    I am the spouse of army service man who suffered with Agent Orange he was finally diagnosed as 100 percent disabled . My husband passed away after a long battle . Do I qualify for Life Insurance?

  9. Monte Taylor March 8, 2023 at 21:19

    How do you purchase insurance? There is no link for that at all.

  10. Joseph F Dual, Jr March 7, 2023 at 22:48

    I don’t have VGSLI as I was separated from active duty with only 24 hours notice and no VA counseling. Later when I applied I was told I was not allowed. I only have $10000 and it is not adequate. Is there anything available now ?? I am 100 percent, service connected, disability.

  11. Raul Ybarra March 6, 2023 at 16:30

    I don’t have VGLI can I buy this life insurance. I’m a disabled Vet

Comments are closed.

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