You now have longer to apply for VGLI, the Veterans' Group Life Insurance program, after leaving the service.
The Department of Veterans Affairs is again extending the eligibility window that recently discharged veterans have to enroll in the Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI) program after leaving the service by 90 days.
Normally, you have one year and 120 days from your discharge date to apply for VGLI. After that, you are no longer eligible for the popular life insurance program. But due to the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the VA will extend the time period that eligible veterans can enroll in VGLI by 90 days, and if they enroll within 330 days from their date of discharge, no medical examination is needed.
The new period of eligibility for enrollment is:
- 330 days after discharge to submit an application and pay the first month's premium with no health exam required.
- One year and 210 days (about 18 months) after discharge to enroll if you submit proof of good health with your application and pay the premium.
This extended enrollment and eligibility period will end Dec. 11, 2021; originally the enrollment extension was scheduled to end on June 11, 2021.
"As a result of the economic situation, former members, who otherwise may be eligible for VGLI coverage, currently may not be able to afford VGLI coverage or to provide evidence of insurability," the VA said.
So, it has extended the period of VGLI eligibility to allow veterans who may be facing financial issues to regain financial stability while they remain eligible to enroll in the government-sponsored life insurance program.
VGLI is a life insurance program that allows veterans to convert their Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) coverage to renewable term insurance. Service members with full-time SGLI coverage are eligible for VGLI when they leave the military. VGLI, like SGLI, is overseen by the VA, but is administered by the Office of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance.
VGLI coverage is issued in multiples of $10,000, up to a maximum of $400,000. However, your VGLI coverage amount can't be more than the SGLI coverage you had on active duty.
SGLI and VGLI May Not Be Enough
SGLI and VGLI may not be enough to cover your family's needs. Explore life insurance options with our free tool, which compares rates and matches you to the coverage your family needs.
