The Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI) program was established in 1951 to meet the insurance needs of certain Veterans with service-connected disabilities. Veterans may choose from a number of plans as well as term insurance that best meets their particular needs. Policies are issued for a maximum face amount of $10,000. Those who qualify for S-DVI and are granted a waiver of premium may be eligible for Supplemental S-DVI with a face amount of up to an additional $30,000.

S-DVI program stopped taking new applications on December 31, 2022.

The VA launched a new life insurance program in January 2023 called Veterans Affairs Life Insurance (VALife), which provides guaranteed acceptance whole life insurance coverage to Veterans age 80 and under, with any level of service-connected disability. Some Veterans age 81 and older may also be eligible.

Can I apply for VALife if I have S-DVI?

If you have S-DVI, you can apply for VALife. If you apply before December 31, 2025, you can keep S-DVI during the initial two year enrollment period for VALife. Your S-DVI (including policies with premium waivers) will end when your full VALife coverage starts. You must pay premiums for both policies during the two-year waiting period.

If you apply for VALife on or after January 1, 2026, your S-DVI (including policies with premium waivers) will end the day we approve your VALife application. You will need to pay only VALife premiums during the two-year waiting period. But you will not have full coverage during this time.

Do I have to switch to VALife?

No, you may remain in the S-DVI program.

Note: VALife does not offer premium waivers. If you have a waiver for S-DVI premiums, your waiver will not transfer to VALife. 

S-DVI is a post-separation life insurance program. Army National Guard Service members on drill status are not eligible for S-DVI as it is intended for Veterans with service-connected disabilities.

For more information, please visit the S-DVI webpage maintained by the Department of Veterans Affairs:
https://www.va.gov/life-insurance/options-eligibility/s-dvi/

Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance RH Information and Premium Rates:
https://www.benefits.va.gov/INSURANCE/forms/VAP29-9.pdf

Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI) Fact Sheet:
https://www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/insurance/SDVI.pdf