SGLV Form 8286
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Election and Certificate
You are on active duty and need to elect/change SGLI coverage or update your beneficiary designation.
- Who fills it
- service-member-active
- Journey phase
- Specialty Benefits
- Estimated time
- 15-20 minutes.
- When to file
- During active duty whenever coverage or beneficiary needs updating. Must be completed at accession (enlistment) and updated as circumstances change.
Official VA form page: https://www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/forms/sglv_8286.pdf
Gather before you start
- ▸Desired coverage amount (up to $500,000)
- ▸Beneficiary information (name, SSN, relationship, percentage)
- ▸FSGLI election for spouse and children (VA Form 8721)
Attach with the form
Section I - Service Member Identification
Blocks 1-4Name, SSN, branch, rank, unitPII
Your active-duty identification information.
(legal name, SSN, branch, rank)
Common mistakes
- ×Not updating after a name change (marriage) - the SGLI must match legal name.
Section II - Coverage Election
Blocks 5-6SGLI coverage amount elected or waiver
Elect coverage in $50,000 increments up to $500,000. All SM are automatically enrolled at maximum $500,000 unless they waive or reduce. IMPORTANT: Waiving SGLI is generally a very bad financial decision - premiums are very low ($30/month for $500,000) and this coverage is extraordinarily difficult to replace if you leave service.
e.g., $500,000 full coverage (recommended)
Common mistakes
- ×Reducing or waiving SGLI to save the monthly premium - the savings are minimal vs. the coverage value.
- ×Not knowing SGLI continues 120 days after separation at no charge before you must elect VGLI or let it lapse.
Authority
- 38 USC 1967 - Who may obtain SGLI coverage.
Section III - Beneficiary Designation
Blocks 7-12Primary and contingent beneficiariesPII
Designate beneficiaries with legal names, SSNs, relationships, and percentage splits. Update whenever life circumstances change.
(beneficiary names, SSNs, percentages)
Common mistakes
- ×Not updating after marriage or divorce - ex-spouse remains the beneficiary if not changed.
- ×Naming minor children without trust arrangements - minors cannot directly receive insurance proceeds.
Section IV - Service Member Signature
Blocks 13-14Service member signature and datePII
Sign and submit through your unit S1/Personnel office.
(signature/date)
Common mistakes
- ×Not keeping a copy of your SGLI election form - important for VGLI conversion after separation.
Statutory and regulatory authority
- 38 USC 1965 - SGLI definitions and authority.
- 38 USC 1967 - Who may obtain SGLI coverage.