Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) is a life insurance program for Service members provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. It is one of a number of low cost insurance programs that were developed to provide insurance benefits for Service members and Veterans who may not otherwise be eligible to receive insurance benefits from private companies due to risks involved in military service or a service connected disability. SGLI may be converted to Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI) after discharge or converted to a commercial policy after separation from the military.

The maximum amount of SGLI coverage increased to $500,000 from $400,000 effective March 1, 2023. Service members can purchase $500,000 of coverage for just $31 a month (this includes SGLI and TSGLI coverage.)

If you are eligible for SGLI, you are automatically signed up for $500,000 coverage on March 1, 2023. If you do not want SGLI or you want a lower coverage amount, you can change your coverage starting on March 1. 

If you did not change your coverage by March 31, a $31 monthly premium from your base pay will start being deducted. For more information on the SGLI increase, please visit: https://www.benefits.va.gov/INSURANCE/SGLI-increase-faqs.asp

Retired Army National Guard Soldiers are not eligible for SGLI; however, they are eligible for optional conversion of their full-time SGLI coverage to Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI). Click here to see the VGLI fact sheets

Retirees/separating Service members may be eligible for a free extension of the SGLI coverage they had while in service if, at the time of separation, they are covered under full-time SGLI and are totally disabled. They may apply for this SGLI Disability Extension Coverage, which can be extended for up to two years, or until the Service member is able to work, whichever comes first. Once the free coverage ends, the Service member will automatically be given VGLI for the same level of coverage carried under SGLI. Service members may apply by completing SGLV 8715, Disability Extension Application and must apply within two years from their separation date. Read more about the SGLI Disability Extension at https://www.va.gov/life-insurance/options-eligibility/sgli/#can-i-get-a-free-extension-of-.

For more information, please visit the SGLI web pages maintained by the Department of Veterans Affairs:

SGLI:
https://www.va.gov/life-insurance/options-eligibility/sgli/

TSGLI:
https://www.va.gov/life-insurance/options-eligibility/tsgli/

FSGLI:
https://www.va.gov/life-insurance/options-eligibility/fsgli/

VGLI:
https://www.va.gov/life-insurance/options-eligibility/vgli/

SGLI Disability Extension:
https://www.benefits.va.gov/INSURANCE/forms/sglidisabled.htm

Accelerated Benefits Claim:
https://www.va.gov/life-insurance/totally-disabled-or-terminally-ill/#accelerated-benefits-for-termi

Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance:
https://www.va.gov/life-insurance/options-eligibility/s-dvi/

Service members' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) Forms:
https://www.benefits.va.gov/INSURANCE/resources-forms.asp#sgli

SGLI / VGLI Handbook:
https://www.benefits.va.gov/INSURANCE/resources_handbook_ins.asp