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VA NEWS

VA Increases Maximum Life Insurance

Coverage for Veterans and Service

Members by $100,000

WASHINGTON — Beginning March 1, VA is increas- eligible service members are automatically signed up for
ing the maximum amount of life insurance coverage avail- while serving; VGLI, which Veterans can transition to
able to Veterans and service members from $400,000 to from SGLI or apply for within 1 year and 120 days of
$500,000 for Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) leaving the service; VA Life, a new option that provides up
and Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI). This to $40,000 of whole life insurance for all Veterans, age 80
increase in coverage reflects the current cost of living and or under, with service-connected disabilities rated from
helps ensure that the families of Veterans and service 0-100%; and more.
members will have the financial support they deserve after
their loved ones pass away. Under this increase, the SGLI premium rate will remain
the same, meaning that service members will receive max-
Veterans who are under age 60 and currently enrolled imum coverage for $30 per month, plus $1 for Traumatic
in VGLI will be able to purchase additional coverage in Injury Protection (TSGLI) coverage. Service members
$25,000 increments up to $500,000. All active duty, who separate from service with SGLI coverage at the new
guard, and reserve service members eligible for SGLI will higher amount can convert their coverage to VGLI. Service
automatically receive the increased coverage on March 1. members who do not wish to keep the increased SGLI

“All Veterans and service members deserve to know that when
they pass away, their families will be taken care of,” said VA

Secretary Denis McDonough. “This increase in coverage will

help our country keep that promise, ensuring that the families

of these heroes will get the financial support they need.”

“All Veterans and service members deserve to know that coverage amount can elect a reduced coverage amount
when they pass away, their families will be taken care of,” or decline coverage online through the SGLI Online
said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “This increase in Enrollment System (SOES) on milConnect. If coverage
coverage will help our country keep that promise, ensur- is reduced or declined by March 31, service members will
ing that the families of these heroes will get the financial not be charged for the increased coverage amount.
support they need.”
This increase in life insurance is a part of the Supporting
VA currently serves nearly 6 million Veterans, service Families of the Fallen Act. For more information about
members, and their families with more than $1.2 trillion life insurance options, Veterans and servicemembers can
of insurance. Life insurance options include SGLI, which visit VA’s life insurance portal.

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