Did you know that if you have been recently placed on the Temporary Disability Retirement List (TDRL), your Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI), coverage will end 120 days after the date you were placed on the TDRL? Servicemembers are placed on TDRL when their branch of service decides they are temporarily unable to perform military duties. In some cases those on TDRL will return to the military and in other cases they may be discharged on the Permanent Disability Retirement List (PDRL). However, you can get similar coverage through Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI), but you must apply within one year and 120 days (485 days total) from the date you were placed on the TDRL.
VA offers several coverage levels of life insurance to fit your individual needs and insure you have all the necessary coverage. So why is life insurance important at all? To put it simply, life insurance ensures those who depend on your paycheck are taken care of financially in the case of your death.
If you apply for VGLI within 240 days of your TDRL placement, then you can get VGLI without having to provide proof of good health—even if you have a serious injury or medical condition. In addition, if you have a disability incurred in military service that prevents you from working, then you may be eligible for up to two years of life insurance at no cost through the SGLI Disability Extension Benefit.
Don’t miss out by waiting to see if you’re placed on the Permanent Disability Retirement List (PDRL) before you apply for VGLI or the SGLI Disability Extension. It may be too late, so take advantage of this benefit today!
Kristan Hoffman is a project manager at VA’s Insurance Center.
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It seems that it takes a very long time for them to get back to you regarding your pension application. I want to call, but I am afraid. Do you receive a retroactive lump sum payment, or does it begin when the application is approved? Thanks
Stacey, VA will pay a retroactive lump sum payment to cover the period from the date you filed to the date of your award. Monthly payments will start the first day of the month following your award date. Don’t be afraid to call 1-800-827-1000.
where can I call to find out if I am still covered under the extension? I do not know if it ran out!! I was never informed. Please email a contact. Thank you.
Still waiting to hear on my disability application. While the clinics have been wonderful, when I called to check on my disability at the direction of a VA supervisor, the lady on the phone went off on me and said she didn’t talk with Veterans and who the heck did I think I was calling her. Still waiting . . .
OK I am becoming aware that I am a likely candidate for GSW. Was put on 60% already in Feb 2011 without knowing it was GSW. If it is GWS, how can I qualify now if I get an increase from 60%?
Jeff
If you were placed on the TDRL in February 2011 by your military service and are still on the TDRL, you should contact your service for addresing the issue of Gulf War Syndrome during your next follow-up examination. If instead you are referring to receiving a VA rating in February 2011, you should contact 1-800-827-1000 for assistance in addressing the issue of Gulf War Syndrome in your rating.
still waiting on my apeal after 10 years. I am dying from my injuries, I would like to get my rating before that !