VA Form 29-0188
Application for VA Life Insurance (VALife)
You have any service-connected disability rating (even 0%) and want affordable permanent life insurance without medical underwriting.
- Who fills it
- veteran
- Journey phase
- Specialty Benefits
- Estimated time
- 20-30 minutes.
- When to file
- Within 2 years of receiving your VA SC disability rating (any percentage). After the 2-year window, you may not be eligible without underwriting.
Official VA form page: https://www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/valife.asp
Gather before you start
- ▸VA disability rating decision
- ▸Social Security number
- ▸Desired coverage amount (up to $40,000)
- ▸Beneficiary information
- ▸Payment information for premium
Attach with the form
- ▸VA rating decision if not on file
Section I - Veteran Identification
Blocks 1-5Name, SSN, DOB, address, phonePII
Your identifying information. VALife is managed by the Veterans Benefits Administration Insurance Center in Philadelphia.
(legal name, SSN, DOB, address)
Common mistakes
- ×Waiting more than 2 years after receiving your SC rating - the 2-year window is strict; after it closes, VALife requires medical underwriting.
- ×Not knowing 0% SC ratings qualify - even a 0% service-connected rating qualifies for VALife.
Section II - Coverage
Block 6Coverage amount desired (up to $40,000)
Choose a coverage amount from $10,000 to $40,000 in $10,000 increments. Premiums are fixed for life based on your age when you enroll. Younger enrollment = lower lifetime premium. Coverage is permanent whole life with no expiration.
e.g., $40,000 maximum coverage
Common mistakes
- ×Not enrolling at the maximum amount at young ages - premiums are age-locked; the monthly premium for $40,000 at 30 is far lower than at 50.
- ×Confusing VALife with VGLI - VGLI is for transitioning SMs only; VALife is for SC veterans specifically.
Authority
- 38 USC 1922B - New permanent life insurance for service-disabled vets, effective 2023.
Section III - Beneficiary Designation
Block 7Primary and contingent beneficiary(ies)
Name who receives the death benefit. Primary beneficiary receives if surviving. Contingent beneficiary receives if primary predeceases you. You can split among multiple beneficiaries by percentage.
e.g., Primary: Jane Smith (spouse, 100%). Contingent: Emily Smith (daughter, 50%), Michael Smith (son, 50%).
Common mistakes
- ×Naming only a primary beneficiary without a contingent - if the primary beneficiary predeceases you, proceeds go through probate.
- ×Naming your estate as beneficiary - insurance proceeds pass outside probate only if named individuals are designated.
Section IV - Premium Payment
Block 8Payment method and bank information for automatic premiumPII
VALife premiums can be paid monthly via electronic funds transfer. Set up automatic payment to prevent lapse. Premium rates are published at benefits.va.gov/insurance.
(bank routing/account numbers for automatic payment)
Common mistakes
- ×Not setting up automatic payment - policy lapses if premiums are missed.
- ×Not keeping beneficiary information updated after marriage, divorce, or death of named beneficiary.
Section V - Certification
Blocks 9-10Veteran signature and datePII
Sign and date. Apply online at benefits.va.gov/insurance/valife.asp if possible.
(signature/date)
Common mistakes
- ×Missing the 2-year enrollment window - set a reminder when you receive your rating decision.
Statutory and regulatory authority
- 38 USC 1922B - New permanent life insurance for service-disabled vets, effective 2023.