SGLV Form 8721
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Family Coverage Election (FSGLI)
You are on active duty and want to elect, change, or waive FSGLI coverage for your spouse or children.
- Who fills it
- service-member-active
- Journey phase
- Specialty Benefits
- Estimated time
- 15-20 minutes.
- When to file
- When you marry, have/adopt a child, or want to change existing FSGLI coverage.
Official VA form page: https://www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/fsgli.asp
Gather before you start
- ▸Spouse name, SSN, DOB
- ▸Desired spouse coverage amount (up to $100,000)
- ▸Dependent children information
Attach with the form
Section I - Service Member Identification
Blocks 1-3Name, SSN, branch, rankPII
Your active-duty identification.
(legal name, SSN, branch)
Common mistakes
- ×Not filing after marriage - new spouses are not automatically enrolled in FSGLI.
Section II - Spouse Coverage
Blocks 4-7Spouse name, SSN, DOB, coverage amountPII
Elect coverage for your spouse in $10,000 increments up to $100,000 (not to exceed your own SGLI amount). Premiums are based on the spouse's age. Children's $10,000 coverage is automatic at no additional charge with any FSGLI enrollment.
e.g., Jane Smith (spouse), SSN: 123-45-6789, DOB: 05/10/1985; elect $100,000 FSGLI.
Common mistakes
- ×Not knowing spouse coverage is limited to SM's own SGLI amount - if SM has $300,000 SGLI, spouse maximum is $300,000 (still capped at $100,000 absolute maximum).
- ×Forgetting to update when spouse's age crosses a pricing boundary - premiums increase at age bands.
Authority
- 38 USC 1967 - Who may obtain SGLI coverage.
Section III - Dependent Children
Block 8Elect $10,000 dependent children coverage (free)
Dependent children receive $10,000 FSGLI at no additional cost whenever FSGLI is in place. All dependent children are covered; individual child designation is not required.
e.g., Elect children's coverage (included at no cost with spouse FSGLI).
Common mistakes
- ×Not electing FSGLI for spouse because of premium costs without knowing children's coverage is separate and free.
Section IV - Certification
Blocks 9-10Service member signature and datePII
Sign and submit through unit S1.
(signature/date)
Common mistakes
- ×Not updating when spouse dies or divorce occurs - FSGLI premiums continue to be deducted until waived.
Statutory and regulatory authority
- 38 USC 1965 - SGLI definitions and authority.
- 38 USC 1967 - Who may obtain SGLI coverage.