Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) is a program that provides term life insurance coverage to eligible service members. If eligible, you are automatically issued the maximum SGLI coverage. Coverage is available in $50,000 increments up to the maximum of $400,000.

Service members can decline SGLI coverage, select a lesser amount than the maximum coverage, designate beneficiaries, and/or make other changes. If you have SGLI coverage, you pay a monthly premium that is automatically deducted from your base pay. The current basic SGLI premium rate is 7 cents per $1,000 of insurance. The premium includes an additional $1.00 per month for Traumatic Injury Protection coverage (TSGLI).

A service member may choose any beneficiary he/she desires. If there is no beneficiary, all proceeds are paid to the member’s spouse, if any; then to the member’s children in equal shares.

Members should keep their SGLI beneficiary forms updated, especially following a divorce or death in the family.

SGLI will not pay directly to a minor. Instead, the funds are paid into a trust for the benefit of the child. In the alternative, a court will appoint a guardian or conservator to receive and maintain the proceeds.