Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI): A Complete Guide

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Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI) provides life insurance coverage for the spouses and dependent children of eligible U.S. servicemembers. This coverage is directly linked to the servicemember’s own Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) policy.

Understanding FSGLI is crucial for military families planning for their financial security. This guide covers eligibility requirements, benefits, costs, enrollment procedures, coverage management, termination conditions, conversion options, and how to file claims.

What is Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance?

Definition and Purpose

Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI) is a group term life insurance program established in November 2001. It provides life insurance coverage for the spouses and dependent children of servicemembers who are covered under the full-time Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program.

The purpose of FSGLI is to extend affordable life insurance protection to military families, recognizing the unique challenges of military service. Since its inception, the program has provided significant financial support to families during times of loss.

Administration

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) oversees the FSGLI program. While the VA sets policy and provides supervision, the Office of Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (OSGLI) handles day-to-day administration, including applications, policy management, and claims processing. OSGLI operates under a contract with Prudential, a commercial life insurance company.

This distinction matters because families needing specific assistance with claims or policy questions will typically interact with OSGLI rather than the VA directly.

Nature of Coverage

FSGLI provides term life insurance coverage, meaning it’s temporary rather than permanent. Coverage remains in effect only as long as eligibility requirements are met (primarily, the servicemember maintaining SGLI) and, for spousal coverage, premiums are paid.

Coverage generally continues for 120 days after a qualifying termination event, such as the servicemember separating from service, unless the spouse uses the conversion option. FSGLI is one part of a broader suite of life insurance programs offered or supervised by the VA to support servicemembers, Veterans, and their families.

Who is Eligible for FSGLI?

Eligibility for FSGLI depends entirely on the servicemember’s status and their SGLI coverage.

Servicemember Requirement

The foundation for FSGLI eligibility is that the servicemember must be covered by full-time SGLI. This requirement applies to:

• Active Duty servicemembers covered by full-time SGLI
• Members of the National Guard or Ready Reserve who are covered by full-time SGLI

Because FSGLI depends on SGLI, any action taken by the servicemember that results in the loss, reduction below minimums, or declination of their SGLI coverage will directly impact or terminate the FSGLI coverage for their spouse and children. Maintaining SGLI is therefore essential for maintaining FSGLI.

Spouse Eligibility

Generally, the legal spouse of an eligible servicemember (one with full-time SGLI) qualifies for FSGLI coverage. This eligibility applies regardless of the spouse’s own employment or military status – they can be active duty, retired, a civilian, or in the Guard/Reserve.

However, there is a critical exception regarding enrollment:

• Military Spouses Married On or After January 2, 2013: If a servicemember is married to another servicemember, and the marriage occurred on or after January 2, 2013, the military spouse is not automatically enrolled in FSGLI. The servicemember must actively enroll their military spouse.
• Civilian Spouses (and Military Spouses Married Before Jan 2, 2013): These spouses are typically enrolled automatically for FSGLI coverage, assuming the servicemember has SGLI and the spouse is registered in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).

Dependent Child Eligibility

Dependent children of servicemembers covered under full-time SGLI are eligible for FSGLI coverage. The definition of a “dependent child” for FSGLI purposes is broad, including unmarried children who fall into one of these categories:

• A natural born child
• A legally adopted child
• A stepchild who is a member of the servicemember’s household
• An unmarried child between the ages of 18 and 22 (up to their 23rd birthday) who is enrolled as a full-time student at an approved educational institution
• An unmarried child who became permanently incapable of self-support (due to a physical or mental disability) before reaching age 18
• A stillborn child, provided the death occurred before expulsion, extraction, or delivery (and not for abortion purposes) and the fetal weight was 350 grams or more, or other criteria related to gestational age might apply

The inclusion of stillborn children under these specific conditions acknowledges the profound loss families may experience and provides support.

Enrolling Family Members in FSGLI

The process for enrolling family members in FSGLI varies depending on whether they are a spouse or child, and the spouse’s status.

The Role of DEERS

The Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) plays a critical role in the FSGLI program, particularly for automatic enrollment and premium deductions. It is the official source for dependent information, including spouse’s date of birth needed for premium calculations.

It is crucial for servicemembers to ensure their family members are correctly and promptly registered in DEERS. Failure to register a spouse or dependent, or having outdated information (like an incorrect birth date), can disrupt the automatic processes.

While coverage may technically be in effect from the date of eligibility (e.g., marriage), delays in DEERS registration can prevent automatic premium deductions for spousal coverage, potentially leading to the servicemember accruing a debt for missed premiums that will be collected retroactively. Maintaining accurate DEERS records is essential for the smooth operation of FSGLI benefits.

Automatic Enrollment

• Dependent Children: Eligible dependent children are automatically enrolled for FSGLI coverage as soon as the servicemember has SGLI. There is no cost for this coverage.
• Civilian Spouses: If a servicemember has full-time SGLI and their spouse is a civilian registered in DEERS, the spouse is automatically enrolled in FSGLI. Automatic coverage typically begins on the date the servicemember marries while in service, or the date they enter active duty or the Ready Reserve if already married, provided they have SGLI.

Manual Enrollment (When Necessary)

• Military Spouses (Married on or after Jan 2, 2013): As previously noted, military spouses married on or after this date are not automatically enrolled.
• Process: The servicemember must take action to enroll their eligible military spouse. This is done using the SGLI Online Enrollment System (SOES).
• Accessing SOES: SOES is accessed through the milConnect portal. The servicemember needs to sign in using their Common Access Card (CAC) or DS Logon. Once logged in, they should navigate to the Benefits or Life Insurance section and select the SOES option (sometimes labeled “Manage my SGLI”) to manage SGLI and enroll their spouse in FSGLI.

FSGLI Coverage Amounts and Costs

FSGLI provides specific coverage amounts for spouses and children, with different cost structures.

Spouse Coverage Amount

• Spouses can be covered for up to a maximum of $100,000
• Coverage is available in increments of $10,000 (e.g., $10,000, $20,000, up to $100,000)
• The amount of FSGLI spousal coverage cannot exceed the amount of SGLI coverage the servicemember has elected for themselves. For instance, if a servicemember chooses only $50,000 of SGLI coverage, the maximum FSGLI coverage their spouse can have is also $50,000, even though the program maximum is $100,000. This linkage means decisions about the servicemember’s SGLI level directly cap the potential FSGLI benefit for the spouse.

Dependent Child Coverage Amount

• Each eligible dependent child is automatically covered for $10,000
• This coverage is provided entirely free of charge to the servicemember

Spouse Premium Costs

The servicemember is responsible for paying the premiums for their spouse’s FSGLI coverage. Child coverage, as noted, is free. Spousal premiums are determined by two factors:

• The amount of coverage selected for the spouse (in $10,000 increments)
• The spouse’s age

Premiums are structured in age brackets, and the cost increases as the spouse moves into older brackets. Typically, the higher premium rate takes effect the first day of the month following the spouse’s birth month that places them into the next age bracket.

The premium structure makes FSGLI particularly cost-effective for younger spouses. For example, based on rates effective March 2025, $100,000 of coverage costs $4.50 per month for a spouse under 35. However, the cost rises significantly with age, reaching $45.00 per month for the same $100,000 coverage for a spouse aged 60 or older.

This steep increase means that while FSGLI is often an excellent value early in a military career, families may want to compare its cost to private insurance options as the spouse ages and premiums climb.

Current FSGLI Spouse Monthly Premium Rates (Effective March 19, 2025)

Source: VA.gov

Note: The VA has announced premium discounts for SGLI and FSGLI effective July 1, 2025. Check official VA sources for the most up-to-date rates after that date.

Premium Deductions

For spouses correctly registered in DEERS, the monthly premium for FSGLI coverage is typically deducted automatically from the servicemember’s pay. If the spouse is not in DEERS, these automatic deductions won’t occur, but the servicemember remains responsible for the premiums, which may be collected retroactively.

Managing FSGLI Spouse Coverage

The servicemember holds the responsibility for managing the FSGLI coverage for their spouse. Dependent child coverage is automatic and generally cannot be altered by the servicemember.

Actions Available

Servicemembers have the ability to make several changes to their spouse’s FSGLI coverage after initial enrollment:

• Reduce Coverage: Lower the amount of spousal coverage (in $10,000 increments)
• Decline Coverage: Cancel the spousal coverage entirely
• Restore Coverage: Reinstate spousal coverage if it was previously reduced or declined (proof of good health may be required depending on circumstances)

How to Make Changes

The preferred and primary method for managing FSGLI spousal coverage is online:

• SOES via milConnect: Servicemembers should use the SGLI Online Enrollment System (SOES), accessible through the milConnect portal. This centralized system allows servicemembers to view their current SGLI and FSGLI coverage, beneficiaries, and make necessary changes like reducing, declining, or restoring spousal FSGLI. Using SOES provides a single point of access for these important life insurance decisions.
• Paper Form (Alternative): If a servicemember does not have access to SOES, they can make changes to FSGLI spousal coverage using paper Form SGLV 8286A, Family Coverage Election. This form is specifically designed for managing FSGLI spouse coverage levels. It can be downloaded from the VA website.

When Does FSGLI Coverage End?

FSGLI coverage is not permanent and terminates under specific circumstances. There is typically a 120-day period following a termination event during which coverage remains active, and this window is also critical for spouses wishing to convert their coverage.

Termination Events for Spouses

FSGLI spousal coverage generally ends 120 days after one of the following events occurs:

• The servicemember submits a written election to terminate their own SGLI coverage (using Form SGLV 8286)
• The servicemember submits a written election to terminate the FSGLI spouse coverage specifically (using Form SGLV 8286A)
• The servicemember’s SGLI coverage terminates for other reasons (most commonly, upon separation or discharge from active duty or the Ready Reserve/National Guard)
• The date of the final divorce decree dissolving the marriage between the servicemember and the spouse
• The date of the servicemember’s death

Termination Events for Children

FSGLI coverage for dependent children generally ends 120 days after one of the following events occurs:

• The servicemember submits a written election to terminate their own SGLI coverage
• The child no longer meets the definition of an eligible dependent (e.g., reaches age 18 and is not a full-time student, gets married). Coverage for full-time students typically ends at age 23
• The servicemember’s SGLI coverage terminates (e.g., upon separation from service)
• The date of the servicemember’s death

The 120-day timeframe following these events is crucial. It provides a brief continuation of coverage but, more importantly for spouses, it represents the limited window to apply for conversion to an individual policy without needing to prove good health. Missing this deadline means losing that valuable conversion right.

Converting FSGLI Coverage After Separation or Other Life Events

When FSGLI coverage terminates due to certain life events, spouses have an option to continue life insurance coverage, but children do not.

Spouse Conversion Option

Spouses whose FSGLI coverage terminates due to the servicemember’s separation from service, divorce, the servicemember’s death, or the servicemember terminating SGLI/FSGLI coverage have the right to convert their FSGLI coverage into an individual, commercial life insurance policy.

Key Benefit – Guaranteed Acceptance: The most significant advantage of this conversion option is that it is granted without the spouse needing to provide proof of good health. This guarantees that a spouse can obtain coverage even if they have developed health conditions that might make them uninsurable or insurable only at very high rates on the open market.

Policy Type Limitation: This conversion right comes with a notable restriction: the new individual policy must be a permanent type of insurance, such as a whole life policy. Term life insurance, variable life, or universal life policies are not eligible options for FSGLI conversion.

While acceptance is guaranteed, the spouse must choose from the permanent policy offerings of the participating commercial insurer, and premiums will be based on the insurer’s standard rates for the spouse’s age at the time of conversion. This often means higher premiums compared to the term coverage under FSGLI, representing a trade-off for the guaranteed acceptance.

Conversion Timeframe

The application to convert FSGLI spousal coverage must be submitted to a participating insurance company within 120 days following the date of the qualifying termination event (e.g., date of separation, date of divorce). This 120-day window is strictly enforced.

How to Convert

1. Choose a Company: The spouse must select a commercial insurance company from the list of firms participating in the SGLI/FSGLI conversion program. A list can typically be found on the VA’s website or requested from OSGLI.
2. Apply Directly: The spouse applies directly to the chosen company’s local sales office or agent.
3. Provide Documentation: The spouse will need to provide the insurance company with documentation verifying their FSGLI coverage and the termination event. This typically includes:
   • Proof of FSGLI coverage (e.g., the servicemember’s final Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) showing the FSGLI deduction)
   • Proof of the termination event (e.g., the servicemember’s Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214), the final divorce decree, the servicemember’s death certificate (DD Form 1300 or civilian certificate), or the SGLI/FSGLI declination form signed by the servicemember)

Child Coverage Conversion

FSGLI coverage for dependent children cannot be converted into an individual policy upon termination. When a child loses eligibility (e.g., ages out) or the servicemember’s SGLI terminates, the $10,000 FSGLI coverage for that child simply ends after the 120-day period.

There is no continuation option through the FSGLI program itself. Families desiring continued life insurance coverage for their children beyond FSGLI eligibility must secure it through private insurance options independently.

Filing an FSGLI Claim

In the unfortunate event of the death of a spouse or child covered by FSGLI, the following process applies for claiming the life insurance benefits.

Who Files the Claim

The beneficiary of FSGLI coverage is automatically the servicemember whose SGLI coverage enabled the FSGLI policy. Therefore, if a covered spouse or dependent child passes away, the servicemember is the individual who files the claim.

Should the servicemember pass away before the FSGLI benefit for a previously deceased dependent can be paid, the payment will be made to the person(s) entitled to receive the servicemember’s own SGLI benefit.

Required Form

The specific form used to file an FSGLI claim is SGLV 8283A, Claim for Family Coverage Death Benefits.

This form can be downloaded directly from the VA website. Note that there may be slightly different versions depending on whether a casualty officer is assisting with the claim or the servicemember is filing directly.

The form requires detailed information about the deceased family member (name, SSN, relationship, date of death), the claimant servicemember (name, address, SSN, contact info), and the claimant’s preference for how the insurance benefit should be paid. Accuracy is important, as incomplete or incorrect information can delay the claim settlement.

Necessary Documentation

Death Certificate: Generally, the claimant (servicemember) must submit a certified copy of the Certificate of Death for the deceased spouse or child.

Exception: If the death occurred while the servicemember was on active duty or performing qualifying Reserve/Guard duty, the Uniformed Service casualty office typically provides the necessary proof of death directly to OSGLI, potentially simplifying the process for the servicemember.

Submitting the Claim

The completed SGLV 8283A form and the certified death certificate (if required) should be submitted to the Office of Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (OSGLI), which administers the claims process.

Check the most current form instructions for the correct mailing address, but it is often listed as: OSGLI, PO Box 70173, Philadelphia, PA 19176-0173.

OSGLI may also provide options for submitting claims via fax or secure email; contact information can be found on the VA website or by calling OSGLI.

Getting Help with Claims

Casualty Assistance Office: If the death occurs while the servicemember is serving, their unit’s or installation’s Casualty Assistance Officer (CAO) or equivalent is a primary resource. They can provide guidance and assist in completing and submitting the SGLV 8283A form. The system appears designed to provide this support during such difficult times.

OSGLI: Servicemembers can contact OSGLI directly with questions regarding FSGLI claims. The primary phone number is 1-800-419-1473. Email addresses for claims and general inquiries may also be available.

VA General Life Insurance: For broader questions about VA life insurance programs, the VA Insurance Center can be reached at 1-800-669-8477.

Payment Options

Upon approval of the claim, the servicemember (beneficiary) typically has several options for receiving the FSGLI death benefit payout:

• Alliance Account: An interest-bearing draft account set up by Prudential (the SGLI/FSGLI administrator). The beneficiary receives a checkbook (draftbook) and can write drafts for funds as needed. This is the default option if no other choice is made. It is important to note this is not an FDIC-insured bank account but is backed by the insurer and state guaranty associations.
• Lump Sum Check: A single check for the full benefit amount mailed to the beneficiary.
• Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT): The full benefit amount deposited directly into the beneficiary’s designated bank account (must be in the beneficiary’s name).
• 36 Equal Monthly Installments: The benefit, plus interest, paid out over 36 months via check or EFT. (This option is noted as not available for child death benefit payments).

Additional Support

Beneficiaries receiving payouts from FSGLI (as well as SGLI and VGLI) are typically eligible for free, independent financial counseling services to help them manage the insurance proceeds. Information on accessing these services is usually provided during the claims process.

Our articles make government information more accessible. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice specific to your circumstances.