SGLV Form 8283
Claim for Death Benefits (SGLI/VGLI)
Who fills it
survivor
Journey phase
Survivor Benefits
Estimated time
20-30 minutes.
When to file
As soon as possible after the death. There is no strict deadline, but earlier filing results in faster payment.
You are the designated SGLI or VGLI beneficiary and the insured has died.
Gather before you start
—Death certificate (certified copy)
—SGLV 8286 (SGLI election) or VGLI policy number confirming designation
—Your identification (beneficiary name, SSN, address)
—Bank account information for direct deposit
Attach with the form
—Certified death certificate
—DD-214 or service documentation (for SGLI)
—Proof of beneficiary designation if needed
Section I - Claimant Identification
Blocks 1-5Beneficiary name, SSN, DOB, address, relationship to insuredPII
Your information as the SGLI/VGLI beneficiary. Must match the designation on file.
Example
(your legal name, SSN, relationship)
Common mistakes
- Not knowing your beneficiary designation status - VGLI policy documents and SGLV 8286 show who is designated.
Section II - Insured Information
Blocks 6-10Insured name, SSN, date of death, SGLI/VGLI policy/coverage amountPII
The deceased service member or veteran. Include the date of death and the SGLI or VGLI coverage amount for which you are claiming.
Example
(insured legal name, SSN, date of death, coverage amount)
Common mistakes
- Not knowing the coverage amount at time of death - check the SGLV 8286 for SGLI or annual VGLI statement for VGLI amount.
Section III - Death Documentation
Block 11Cause and circumstances of death
Provide the cause of death as shown on the death certificate. Most causes of death are covered. Note: suicide IS covered by SGLI/VGLI (unlike some private policies); SGLI/VGLI coverage is very broad.
Example
(cause of death per death certificate)
Common mistakes
- Not claiming because of suicide cause of death - SGLI/VGLI covers suicide deaths; claim should be filed.
Section IV - Payment Information
Blocks 12-13Bank account for direct deposit of death benefitPII
VA pays SGLI/VGLI death benefits by direct deposit to the beneficiary's bank account.
Example
(bank routing and account numbers)
Common mistakes
- Incorrect bank information - causes payment return and delay.
Section V - Claimant Certification
Blocks 14-15Beneficiary signature and datePII
Sign and date. Mail to Prudential Insurance Company (SGLI/VGLI administrator): OSGLI, P.O. Box 70173, Philadelphia PA 19176.
Example
(your signature/date)
Common mistakes
- Mailing to VA instead of Prudential - SGLI/VGLI is administered by Prudential on behalf of VA.
Statutory & regulatory authority
38 USC 1977 - VGLI conversion eligibility for separated SMs.