How to file an SGLI / VGLI / FSGLI life insurance claim (for surviving family)
Step-by-step guide for surviving family to file life insurance claims for service members + veterans. SGLI (Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance) for active-duty deaths up to $500K. VGLI (Veterans' Group Life Insurance) for converted VGLI policies. FSGLI (Family) for spouse + child coverage. 5 steps using SGLV-8283 + supporting docs.
What you'll need
- SGLV Form 8283 (Claim for Death Benefits)
- Service member's death certificate (certified)
- Service member's most recent SGLI/VGLI/FSGLI Beneficiary Designation form
- Beneficiary identification + SSN
- Casualty Assistance Officer (CAO/CACO/CAR) for active-duty deaths
Step-by-step
Step 1: Identify which insurance applies
SGLI: Active-duty servicemember died while on active duty. Up to $500K coverage (member chose election). Premium was deducted from pay. VGLI: Veteran who converted from SGLI to VGLI within 1 year + 120 days of separation. Up to $500K coverage. Premium paid by veteran post-service. FSGLI (Family SGLI): coverage for active-duty member's spouse ($100K max) + each child ($10K). Claims for spouse/child deaths while servicemember on active duty. TSGLI (Traumatic SGLI): not life insurance — separate program for traumatic injuries during service.
Step 2: For active-duty deaths — Casualty Assistance Officer is the lead
When an active-duty servicemember dies, a Casualty Assistance Officer (CAO/CACO/CAR — branch-specific terminology) is assigned to the next-of-kin within 24 hours. The CAO handles: notifying family, coordinating funeral arrangements, processing SGLI claim, reviewing other benefits. The CAO files the SGLI claim WITH the family — you don't do it solo. SGLI typically pays within 30 days of death.
Step 3: For veteran (post-service) deaths with VGLI — file via OSGLI
VGLI claims are processed by Office of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (OSGLI), administered by Prudential. File SGLV Form 8283 with: certified death certificate, beneficiary identification, original VGLI policy info if available. Mail to OSGLI, PO Box 70173, Philadelphia PA 19176 — or call 1-800-419-1473 for guided claim filing. Typical payment 30-60 days.
Step 4: Locate beneficiary designation if uncertain
If you're unsure who the beneficiary is, the deceased's most recent SGLI/VGLI Beneficiary Designation Form (SGLV 8286) is on file. Active-duty: contact branch personnel office. Veteran: contact OSGLI. If no beneficiary designated OR designated beneficiary is deceased, payment goes to "by-law" beneficiaries in this order: surviving spouse, children equally, parents equally, executor of estate, next-of-kin per state law. Disputes go to court (rare).
Step 5: Tax considerations + post-claim financial guidance
SGLI/VGLI death benefits are FEDERALLY TAX-EXEMPT (per IRC). Most states don't tax them either. Beneficiary can elect lump-sum or 36-month installment payments. For lump-sum + minor children: consider a guardian-of-minor account or trust to manage funds responsibly. Wounded Warriors' Emergency Aid program does NOT replace life insurance but may bridge a 1-2 month financial gap during claim processing if needed.
Critical tips
- SGLI is FREE coverage for active-duty servicemembers who elected it (most do — premium ~$0.07 per $1,000/month). Many families don't know it exists until tragedy strikes.
- VGLI conversion window: SGLI → VGLI must happen within 1 year + 120 days of separation. After that window, no conversion possible. Veterans should evaluate conversion seriously, especially with health conditions that affect commercial life insurance access.
- For service members killed in combat: SGLI Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI) may also apply for injuries that occurred during service — separate from death benefit. CAO coordinates.
- For widows/widowers entitled to BOTH SGLI/VGLI death benefit AND DIC: BOTH are payable. The two are separate programs that don't reduce each other.
- Beneficiary designations should be reviewed regularly (marriage, divorce, birth of children, etc.). Outdated designations are the #1 cause of post-death disputes.