VA Form 29-336
Designation of Beneficiary - Government Life Insurance
Who fills it
veteran
Journey phase
Specialty Benefits
Estimated time
10-15 minutes.
When to file
At enrollment and after any life event: marriage, divorce, birth of child, death of beneficiary.
You want to designate or update who receives your VA life insurance death benefit.
Gather before you start
—VA insurance policy number
—Legal names, SSNs, DOBs, and relationships of designated beneficiaries
—Percentage split if multiple beneficiaries
Section I - Policy Identification
Blocks 1-3Policy number, insured name, SSNPII
Your VA life insurance policy number from your policy document or annual statement.
Example
(VA insurance policy number)
Common mistakes
- Not updating beneficiary after a major life event - an outdated beneficiary designation sends death benefits to the wrong person.
Section II - Primary Beneficiaries
Blocks 4-10Primary beneficiary names, SSNs, DOBs, relationships, percentagesPII
List all primary beneficiaries. Each must have their full legal name, Social Security number, date of birth, and relationship to you. If multiple, designate percentage splits totaling 100%. Primary beneficiaries receive the death benefit if surviving.
Example
e.g., Jane Smith (spouse), SSN: 123-45-6789, DOB: 05/10/1985 - 100%. OR two children each at 50%.
Common mistakes
- Percentages not totaling 100% - VA returns for correction.
- Not including SSN for each beneficiary - required for VA to contact them.
- Naming a minor child without a guardian or trust setup - minors cannot directly receive insurance proceeds; consider a Uniform Transfers to Minors Act account or trust.
Section III - Contingent Beneficiaries
Blocks 11-16Contingent beneficiary(ies) if primary predeceases youPII
Receive the death benefit if all primary beneficiaries predecease you. Optional but strongly recommended.
Example
e.g., Emily Smith (daughter), SSN: 234-56-7890, DOB: 06/15/2010 - 100%.
Common mistakes
- Not naming contingent beneficiaries - if primary predeceases you, proceeds go through probate.
Section IV - Insured Signature
Blocks 17-18Insured signature and datePII
Sign and date. Mail to VA Insurance Center, Philadelphia.
Example
(signature/date)
Common mistakes
- Not updating after divorce - ex-spouse may still receive the death benefit if the designation was not changed.
Statutory & regulatory authority
38 USC 1922B - New permanent life insurance for service-disabled vets, effective 2023.