SGLI Coverage Increase to $500,000

Posted on March 4, 2023 Updated on March 3, 2023

This email is to notify you that effective today, March 1, 2023, all service members eligible for Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) coverage will have their coverage increased to $500,000, even if the coverage was previously declined or reduced. This increase is due to the enactment of Public Law 117-209, “Supporting Families of the Fallen Act”.

Please review the information below to determine the next step(s) that are right for you. Most importantly, note that you must act by March 31, 2023, to reduce or decline coverage and avoid being charged for the additional coverage starting in April 2023.

1. I had SGLI coverage and I want the higher coverage amount of $500,000.
     •  You don’t need to do anything. Your coverage will automatically increase on March 1, 2023, and you will
          see a deduction for $30, plus $1 for Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI) coverage in April.
     •  You may want to consider reviewing your SGLI beneficiaries and the shares you gave to each beneficiary.
          To do so, log on to the SGLI Online Enrollment System (SOES)
          at: https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect/.

2. I had SGLI coverage but I do not want the higher coverage amount of $500,000.
     •  You will need to certify the lesser amount of coverage you desire using the SGLI Online Enrollment System
          (SOES) at: https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect/. If you act by March 31, 2023, you will not be
          charged for the higher amount of coverage.
     •  You will be covered for $500,000 for the entire month of March 2023 even if you reduce coverage in
          March, but you will not have to pay an additional premium.
     •  Please note that you may be required to meet medical requirements should you decide to increase
          your coverage in the future.

3. I did not have SGLI coverage but I want to keep either $500,000 of coverage or a lesser amount.
     •  If you want to keep the $500,000 of coverage, you don’t need to do anything. However, we would
          advise using the SGLI Online Enrollment System (SOES) at: https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect/
          to designate beneficiaries or update existing beneficiary shares should you pass away.
     •  If you want to keep a lesser amount of SGLI coverage,
             o  You will need to certify the lesser amount you desire using the SGLI Online Enrollment
                  System (SOES) at: https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect/. If you act by
                  March 31, 2023, you will not be charged for the higher amount of coverage.
             o  You will be covered for $500,000 for the entire month of March 2023 even if you
                  reduce coverage in March, but you will not have to pay an additional premium.
             o  Please note that you may be required to meet medical requirements should you
                  decide to increase your coverage in the future. 
     •  You will now also automatically have Family SGLI coverage for your dependent children at no
          cost and Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI) coverage costing $1 month in addition
          to your SGLI premium.   
     •  You will now also be able to elect Family SGLI coverage for your spouse up to $100,000,
          or your SGLI coverage, whichever is less. To do so, log on to the SGLI Online Enrollment
          System (SOES) at: https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect/.

4. I did not have SGLI previously and I still do not want SGLI coverage.
     •  You will need to decline SGLI coverage again using the SGLI Online Enrollment System
          (SOES) at: https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect/. If you act by March 31, 2023,
          you will not be charged for the higher amount of coverage.
     •  You will be covered for $500,000 for the entire month of March 2023 even if you
          decline coverage in March, but you will not have to pay an additional premium.
     •  Please note that you may be required to meet medical requirements should you decide
          to increase your coverage in the future. 

Should you have additional questions about this increase in coverage, please visit: https://www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/sgli-increase-faqs.asp.