Application for Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI)

Your identifying information. The separation date is critical for determining whether you are within the no-underwriting window (within 240 days).

(legal name, SSN, separation date from DD-214, SGLI amount)

Common mistakes

• ×Missing the 240-day window and then missing the 1-year-120-day absolute deadline entirely - VGLI cannot be obtained after that.
• ×Not knowing VGLI coverage amounts can be any amount up to the SGLI amount at separation - does not have to be the full prior amount.

VGLI coverage can be up to the amount of SGLI at separation (maximum $500,000). Premiums are based on age group (5-year bands). Unlike SGLI, VGLI premiums increase every 5 years as you age. Consider VA life insurance options (VALife if SC) which may be more affordable than VGLI at older ages.

e.g., $400,000 coverage; premium approximately $32/month at age 35.

Common mistakes

• ×Not comparing VGLI premiums to private insurance - at younger ages VGLI may be more expensive than comparable private coverage.
• ×Not knowing about VALife (29-0188) as an alternative if SC-rated - VALife may have lower premiums for the same coverage.

Authority

• 38 USC 1977 - VGLI conversion eligibility for separated SMs.

Designate who receives the VGLI death benefit. Same format as SGLI designation.

(beneficiary names, SSNs, percentages)

Common mistakes

• ×Not updating beneficiary after SGLI-to-VGLI conversion - separate designation required.

Sign and date. Apply online at insurance.va.gov/vgli if possible.

(signature/date)

Common mistakes

• ×Waiting too long after separation - set a reminder to apply within 60-120 days of separation for no-underwriting conversion.