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Family Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Coverage (FSGLI)

August 7, 2023

The commitment of our servicemembers is unparalleled, as is the nation's dedication to ensuring their loved ones are protected. When military personnel stand at the forefront defending our freedoms, it's imperative that they have peace of mind about the well-being of their families back home. This is where the Family Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Coverage (FSGLI) comes into play.

FSGLI isn't just another insurance policy; it's a reflection of the nation's gratitude and recognition of the sacrifices made by our servicemembers and their families. Designed to offer life insurance coverage for dependents of active duty or reserve members, FSGLI ensures that the futures of the loved ones of those who serve are financially safeguarded.

In this blog post, we will navigate through the nuances of the FSGLI, from its benefits to its significance, offering a deeper understanding of this pivotal program for veterans. As we peel back the layers, we'll unveil the pivotal role FSGLI plays in fortifying family security, ensuring that our military personnel can focus on their duties without undue worry about their families' financial future.

Program Contact1-800-419-1473
Additional InfoServicemembers Group Life Insurance
Managing AgencyU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Understanding the Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Coverage Program

The Family Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Coverage (FSGLI) program is a part of the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. FSGLI provides life insurance coverage for the spouses and dependent children of Servicemembers who are insured under the SGLI program. This coverage is intended to provide financial protection to the families of active-duty and reserve Servicemembers in case of their untimely death.

For non-military spouses, they are automatically covered under the FSGLI program for an amount of $100,000 or the same amount of coverage as the Servicemember under SGLI, whichever is less. On the other hand, military spouses must apply for the coverage, and the premiums they pay for the coverage are based on their age and the amount of coverage they choose.

Dependent children of the Servicemembers are also covered under the FSGLI program for an amount of $10,000 each, and this coverage is provided at no cost to the Servicemember.

Eligibility Requirements

The Family Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Coverage (FSGLI) program has specific eligibility requirements that must be met in order to qualify for the benefit. To be eligible for FSGLI, an individual must be the spouse or dependent child of a Servicemember who has full-time Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) coverage.

The eligibility criteria for each category are as follows:

Spouse Eligibility

The spouse of a Servicemember is eligible for FSGLI coverage if they are legally married to the Servicemember and the Servicemember has full-time SGLI coverage. Non-military spouses are automatically covered under FSGLI for an amount of $100,000 or the same amount of coverage as the Servicemember's SGLI coverage, whichever is less.

However, military spouses must apply for the coverage, and the premiums they pay for the coverage are based on their age and the amount of coverage they choose.

Dependent Child Eligibility

A "dependent child" includes any unmarried child of a Servicemember who meets one of the following criteria:

  • Natural Child: The child is a natural offspring of the Servicemember.

  • Legally Adopted Child: The child has been legally adopted by the Servicemember.

  • Stepchild: The child is a stepchild and a member of the Servicemember's household.

  • Full-Time Student Child: The child is between the ages of 18 and 23 and is a full-time student.

  • Permanently Incapable of Self-Support Child: The child became permanently incapable of self-support before reaching the age of 18.

  • Stillborn Child: In cases of stillborn children, they are also considered eligible for FSGLI coverage.

It's important to note that the FSGLI program provides coverage for dependent children at no cost to the Servicemember, and each dependent child is covered for an amount of $10,000.

Application Process

Below is the step-by-step process to apply for the Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Coverage program:

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for FSGLI. To be eligible, you must be the spouse or dependent child of a Servicemember (Active Duty or Ready Reserve) who has full-time Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) coverage.

The eligible "dependent child" includes any unmarried child who falls into specific categories.

Step 2: Verify SGLI Coverage

Before applying for FSGLI, confirm that the Servicemember has full-time SGLI coverage. FSGLI is an extension of SGLI, and if the Servicemember is not covered under SGLI, you will not be eligible for FSGLI.

Step 3: Access the SGLI Online Enrollment System (SOES)

If you are the covered Servicemember under full-time SGLI and your spouse is not automatically covered, you will need to access the SGLI Online Enrollment System (SOES) to apply for FSGLI coverage for your spouse. SOES is a web-based application provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for managing SGLI and FSGLI coverage.

Step 4: Submit Application for Spouse Coverage

Using the SOES, complete the application for FSGLI coverage for your spouse. The application will require basic personal information about your spouse, such as their full name, date of birth, and relationship to the Servicemember.

Additionally, you may need to select the amount of coverage and provide information about any other life insurance policies they may have.

Step 5: Premium Calculation

If your spouse is eligible and applies for coverage under FSGLI, the premiums for their coverage will be calculated based on their age and the amount of coverage they choose. Premiums for FSGLI spouse coverage are generally paid through payroll deductions for active-duty Servicemembers.

Step 6: Verification and Approval

Once the application is submitted, the provided information will be verified for accuracy, and the application will be reviewed for approval. If everything is in order, the FSGLI coverage for the eligible spouse will be approved.

Step 7: Coverage Confirmation

Upon approval, your spouse will be covered under the FSGLI program. The coverage amount will depend on the options selected during the application process.

It's important to note that dependent children are automatically covered for $10,000 each under FSGLI, and no separate application process is required for them. The coverage for dependent children is provided at no cost to the Servicemember.

If you have any questions or need assistance during the application process, you can contact the Office of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (OSGLI) through their toll-free telephone number: 1-800-419-1473 or via email at [email protected].

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is FSGLI?

FSGLI stands for Family Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Coverage. It is a program that provides life insurance coverage for the spouses and dependent children of Servicemembers insured under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program.

2. Who is eligible for FSGLI?

To be eligible for FSGLI, you must be the spouse or dependent child of a Servicemember (Active Duty or Ready Reserve) who has full-time SGLI coverage. Dependent children include unmarried children in various categories, such as natural children, legally adopted children, stepchildren who are members of the Servicemember's household, full-time student children between the ages of 18 and 23, and permanently incapable of self-support children who became so before age 18.

3. Is coverage automatic for all family members?

Non-military spouses are covered automatically for an amount of $100,000 or the same amount of coverage as the Servicemember's SGLI coverage, whichever is less. However, military spouses must apply for the coverage. Dependent children are automatically covered for $10,000 each at no cost to the member.

4. How do I apply for FSGLI coverage for my spouse?

If you are the Servicemember covered under full-time SGLI and your spouse is not automatically covered, you can apply for FSGLI coverage for them using the SGLI Online Enrollment System (SOES). Access the SOES system and complete the application for spouse coverage, providing the required information about your spouse and selecting the desired coverage amount.

5. What are the premiums for spouse coverage under FSGLI?

Premiums for FSGLI spouse coverage are based on the spouse's age and the amount of coverage they choose. Premiums are generally paid through payroll deductions for active-duty Servicemembers.

Conclusion

The Family Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Coverage (FSGLI) program is a valuable benefit provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to support the families of Servicemembers. It offers life insurance coverage for spouses and dependent children of Servicemembers insured under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program.

Non-military spouses receive automatic coverage, while military spouses need to apply for the coverage. Dependent children are automatically covered for a specific amount. Understanding the eligibility requirements and the step-by-step application process can help ensure that eligible family members receive the financial protection and support they deserve.

Ready to harness the full power of your reserve service benefits? Dive into our guide to the benefits of Montgomery GI Bill selected reserve amount, and chart your path to maximized educational opportunities!

Michael Blair contributes his expertise to help veterans access government benefits and resources. Through his informative articles and guides, he plays a vital role in empowering veterans and improving their quality of life.
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