SGLI, FSGLI, TSGLI, and VGLI

Start Here If You Are New to SGLI

SGLI is the term life insurance every Marine on Active Duty receives automatically. The default coverage is $500,000 at $25 per month plus $1 per month TSGLI for traumatic injury protection. Spouses receive FSGLI coverage of $100,000 default at age-banded premiums. Dependent children receive free $10,000 coverage. At separation, you convert SGLI to VGLI within 240 days without a health review. The VA administers the program. Premiums deduct from your LES.

This page walks you through SGLI from your seat as a General Marine. By the end you will know.

• The four programs (SGLI, FSGLI, TSGLI, VGLI) and how they relate
• The $500,000 max coverage and $50,000 reduction increments
• The $25/month full-time premium plus $1/month TSGLI
• FSGLI spouse age-banded premiums and free $10,000 child coverage
• The 240-day VGLI conversion window at separation
• The SGLI Online Enrollment System (SOES) for elections

Every fact on this page comes from DoD 7000.14-R Volume 7ADoD 7000.14-R Volume 7A Chapter 47 (December 2025), Title 38 U.S.C.Title 38 U.S.C. Chapter 19, and the VA SGLI Handbook.

What SGLI Is

Per Chapter 47 paragraph 1.1, the SGLI Program is administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Eligible Marines who receive basic pay for one or more days per month, or members of the Ready Reserve who drill for points, are responsible for the payment of SGLI and Family SGLI premiums.

SGLI Coverage

Eligibility

Per Chapter 47 paragraph 2.1.1, full-time SGLI coverage automatically insures Marines against death when on Active Duty or Active Duty for Training for an ordered period of more than 30 days, or while on full-time duty as a cadet or midshipman.

All members of the Ready Reserve and National Guard assigned to a unit or position requiring AD or ADT and scheduled to perform at least 12 periods of inactive duty for training annually are also eligible for full-time SGLI coverage.

Coverage Amount

Per Chapter 47 paragraph 2.2.1, the initial and maximum coverage amount is $500,000.

Per paragraph 2.2.2, Marines elect coverage for an amount less than $500,000 in $50,000 increments, or elect to waive coverage entirely.

Waiving SGLI Eliminates FSGLI and TSGLI

Per paragraph 2.2.2.1, waiving SGLI also waives TSGLI and FSGLI for the spouse and all dependents. The three programs are linked at the SGLI-coverage gate.

Reducing SGLI Affects FSGLI Spouse Coverage

Per paragraph 2.2.2.2, reducing SGLI coverage affects maximum FSGLI coverage for the spouse. FSGLI spouse coverage cannot exceed the Marine's SGLI coverage. If you reduce SGLI to $50,000, FSGLI for the spouse reduces to $50,000.

Reinstating or Raising Coverage

Per paragraph 2.2.3, a Marine covered for less than the maximum SGLI applies in writing for increased coverage with proof of good health. The maximum-coverage reset (no health review) applies in specific situations like change of duty status (AC to RC, RC to AD).

SGLI Premium

Per Chapter 47 paragraph 5.1, the SGLI premium rate is.

• $0.05 per month per $1,000 of coverage.
• $2.50 per month for each $50,000 of coverage.
• $25.00 per month for the maximum $500,000 coverage.

An additional $1 per month TSGLI premium is charged. TSGLI is automatic for those insured under SGLI and declines only by waiving SGLI.

The total full-time SGLI premium at maximum coverage is $26.00 per month ($25 SGLI + $1 TSGLI).

Proration

Per paragraph 5.1.3, monthly deductions are NOT prorated for partial months of service. The full monthly premium deducts for any month a Marine is covered for at least 1 day. During months in which coverage amounts change, the higher coverage rate applies for the full month.

FSGLI (Family SGLI)

Per Chapter 47 paragraph 8.1, FSGLI automatically covers civilian spouses and dependent children of Marines enrolled in full-time SGLI coverage.

For Marine Corps members, FSGLI enrollment is based on dependent information in the Marine Corps Total Force System (MCTFS). For other Services, enrollment is based on DEERS.

Civilian Spouse Coverage

Per paragraph 8.2, the civilian spouse is automatically covered for $100,000. Coverage reduces in $10,000 increments or waives entirely. Spouse coverage cannot exceed the Marine's SGLI coverage.

FSGLI Spouse Premiums (Effective July 1, 2025)

Per Chapter 47 paragraph 8.3, premiums are based on age and amount of coverage.

• Under 35. $0.040 per $1,000/month, $4.00/month for $100,000.
• 35 to 39. $0.047 per $1,000/month, $4.70/month for $100,000.
• 40 to 44. $0.062 per $1,000/month, $6.20/month for $100,000.
• 45 to 49. $0.085 per $1,000/month, $8.50/month for $100,000.
• 50 to 54. $0.135 per $1,000/month, $13.50/month for $100,000.
• 55 to 59. $0.230 per $1,000/month, $23.00/month for $100,000.
• 60 and over. $0.400 per $1,000/month, $40.00/month for $100,000.

Dependent Children Coverage

Per Chapter 47 paragraph 8.4, dependent children are covered regardless of spousal coverage at NO cost to the Marine. The current coverage amount is $10,000. The Marine cannot decline coverage or elect less than this amount.

Member Married to Member

Per Chapter 47 paragraph 8.5, a Marine married to another military member elects FSGLI coverage on the spouse without proof of good health within 240 days of marriage, the spouse entering service, or the spouse separating from service.

FSGLI Termination

Per Chapter 47 paragraph 8.8, FSGLI stops 120 days after the date the Marine makes a written election to terminate, or the earliest of.

• 120 days after the Marine's death.
• 120 days after the Marine's separation from service.
• For a spouse, 120 days after termination of the marriage.
• For a child, 120 days after termination of dependent status.

Spouses (not dependent children) convert FSGLI to an individual permanent plan with a participating SGLI insurer during the 120-day period.

TSGLI (Traumatic Injury Protection)

Per Chapter 47 paragraph 9.0, TSGLI provides automatic insurance against losses caused by traumatic injuries. The premium is $1 per month included with SGLI.

Definition of Traumatic Event

Per paragraph 9.1.1, a traumatic event occurs during the application of external force, violence, chemical, biological, or radiological weapons, accidental ingestion of a contaminated substance, or exposure to the elements that cause damage to a living being. The event does NOT include adverse reactions to vaccinations, surgical trauma, or other excluded scenarios.

TSGLI Payment Categories

TSGLI pays a lump sum for qualifying traumatic injuries. The amount depends on the severity of the injury and the type of loss. Coverage ranges from $25,000 to $100,000.

TSGLI Termination

Per Chapter 47 paragraph 9.8, TSGLI terminates when SGLI terminates. TSGLI does not continue separately after separation. The traumatic event must occur during the period of SGLI coverage.

VGLI (Veterans Group Life Insurance)

Per Chapter 47 paragraph 2.5.1, the following Marines are eligible to convert full-time SGLI coverage to VGLI.

• Marines being released from AD or ADT for a period of not less than 31 days.
• Members of the Ready Reserve or National Guard who are unable to convert coverage.
• Marines assigned to IRR or Inactive National Guard.
• Marines who have part-time SGLI and suffered an injury or disability rendering them uninsurable at standard premium rates.

VGLI Application Window

A Marine separating from Active Duty applies for VGLI within 1 year and 120 days from separation. To apply WITHOUT a health review, the application must be received within 240 days of separation. After 240 days, proof of good health is required.

Members of the IRR and ING have 1 year and 120 days from the date they become members of these organizations to apply for VGLI.

VGLI Coverage

VGLI coverage continues at the SGLI amount in effect at separation, up to the $500,000 maximum. VGLI premiums are higher than SGLI because the policy is no longer subsidized by the DoD. Premiums are age-banded and increase as the veteran ages.

VGLI coverage continues for life as long as premiums are paid.

SGLI Online Enrollment System (SOES)

Per Chapter 47 paragraph 13.0, the SGLI Online Enrollment System is the electronic system Marines use to manage SGLI elections. Through SOES, you.

• View current SGLI, FSGLI, and beneficiary information.
• Reduce SGLI coverage in $50,000 increments.
• Reduce or waive FSGLI spouse coverage.
• Add or update beneficiaries.
• Submit health information for coverage increases.

Access SOES through milConnect at https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/. The system uses CAC authentication.

Beneficiary Designation

Marines designate beneficiaries through SOES. The order of precedence for SGLI death benefits, if no beneficiary is designated, is.

1. Spouse.
2. Children in equal shares.
3. Parents in equal shares.
4. Executor or administrator of the Marine's estate.
5. Next of kin per state law.

Settlement Options for SGLI Claims

Per Chapter 47 paragraph 7.0, beneficiaries elect from these settlement options.

• Lump sum through Prudential's Alliance Account.
• Lump sum through Electronic Funds Transfer.
• Lump sum through check.
• Monthly installments.

Verifying SGLI on the LES

A monthly LES check confirms SGLI deductions are correct.

Step 1. Pull Your LES

Through MyPay each payday.

Step 2. Verify the SGLI and FSGLI Lines

The LES shows SGLI deductions under the Deductions section. Common abbreviations.

• SGLI. The Marine's SGLI premium ($25.00 monthly for $500,000 coverage).
• TSGLI. The traumatic injury protection premium ($1.00 monthly).
• FSGLI. The spouse coverage premium per the age-banded rate.
• SGLI ELC. SGLI Election Letter (when election is updated).

Step 3. Verify the Election in SOES

Cross-reference the LES against your current SOES election. The LES amounts should match.

Step 4. Resolve Discrepancies

Coordinate with your S-1. The reporting unit (I&I S-1 with direct UD/MIPS access, or a battalion S-1 routing through their PAC) routes through DFAS Marine Corps Pay.

Common Questions Marines Ask

I am a brand new PFC. Do I have SGLI?

Yes. Per Chapter 47 paragraph 2.1.1, full-time SGLI coverage automatically insures every Marine on Active Duty for an ordered period of more than 30 days. The default coverage is $500,000 at $25 per month plus $1 TSGLI. The deduction shows on your LES from your first paycheck.

I want to reduce my SGLI to $400,000. How do I do that?

Log into SOES through milConnect. Reduce SGLI coverage in $50,000 increments. The reduction takes effect the date your election is processed. The reduction also reduces the maximum FSGLI for your spouse if applicable.

My spouse and I are both Marines. Can we both have FSGLI on each other?

Per Chapter 47 paragraph 8.5, yes. As of the November 27, 2020 VA regulation amendment, an SGLI-covered Marine married to another SGLI-eligible Marine elects FSGLI on the member spouse at the maximum statutory amount or a lesser amount. The 240-day no-health-review window applies for elections within 240 days of marriage, the spouse entering service, or the spouse separating from service.

I am separating from Active Duty next month. What happens to my SGLI?

Per Chapter 47 paragraph 2.5.1, you have a 1-year-and-120-day window to convert SGLI to VGLI. To apply WITHOUT a health review, the application must be received within 240 days of separation. After 240 days, proof of good health is required. VGLI premiums are higher than SGLI because the policy is no longer DoD-subsidized.

I am injured in a vehicle accident on liberty. Will TSGLI cover the loss?

Per Chapter 47 paragraph 9.0, TSGLI covers traumatic injuries from external force, violence, accidental ingestion, or exposure to elements. A vehicle accident on authorized liberty qualifies if the injury meets the loss thresholds (e.g., loss of limb, paralysis). The TSGLI claim is filed through the VA. Coverage ranges from $25,000 to $100,000 depending on the severity and type of loss.

How do I update my SGLI beneficiary?

Log into SOES through milConnect with your CAC. Update the beneficiary information. The change takes effect immediately. Do this every time a major life event occurs (marriage, divorce, birth, death of a current beneficiary).

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• SGLI election (reduce, waive, increase). SOES through milConnect at https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/.
• Beneficiary designation. SOES through milConnect.
• FSGLI enrollment for a new spouse or child. Verify dependent enrollment in MCTFS through your S-1.
• TSGLI claims for traumatic injury. The VA TSGLI claims office. Coordinate with your S-1 for the documentation routing.
• VGLI conversion at separation. Apply through Prudential at https://www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/vgli.asp within 240 days for no health review.
• LES corrections for SGLI deductions. Your S-1 routes through DFAS Marine Corps Pay.
• DFAS Marine Corps Pay direct contact. Phone 1-888-332-7411 (DSN 312-571-9450 from overseas).
• VA Office of Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (OSGLI). Phone 1-800-419-1473.

Where to Go Next on This Site

• Pay and Entitlements landing page lists all the pay topics.
• Death Payments covers the broader family processing for a Marine's death (death gratuity, arrears of pay, SGLI payout coordination).
• Family and Benefits covers DEERS, TRICARE, ID cards, and dependent enrollment.

Related Roles

• Leaders ensure Marines update SGLI beneficiaries during major life events (marriage, birth, divorce).
• Admin at S-1 supports MCTFS dependent enrollment for FSGLI eligibility.
• Commanders endorse SGLI counseling for Marines reporting to the unit and during separation processing.

SGLI is the universal Marine life insurance. The default $500,000 at $26 per month (SGLI + TSGLI) is automatic. Update your beneficiary every major life event. Convert to VGLI within 240 days of separation for the no-health-review window.