Starting July 1, 2025, service members, their spouses and Veterans covered under VA life insurance programs will see lower monthly premiums, reinforcing VA’s commitment to making life insurance more affordable.
Discounts for active duty, Guard and Reserve members
Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI)
SGLI provides low-cost group term life insurance coverage, up to $500,000, in increments of $50,000, to eligible service members. The new premium rate is decreasing from $0.06 per $1,000 to $0.05 per $1,000. This means the monthly premium for the maximum $500,000 coverage will now be $25 plus $1 for Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI).
- Who is eligible? All active duty, National Guard and Reserve service members are automatically enrolled in SGLI.
- Do you need to take action? No. Premiums are deducted from service members’ pay, and the new discount will automatically apply.
Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI)
FSGLI insures dependent children at no cost and offers optional spousal coverage for the spouses up to $100,000, not to exceed the amount of the service member’s SGLI coverage.
- Premium rate discounts will vary by age, ranging from 11% to 22%, with an average discount of approximately 13%.
- No action is required—new rates take effect automatically.
- Service members can review their SGLI and FSGLI elections through the SGLI Online Enrollment System (SOES) on milConnect.
Discounted premium for Veterans
Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI)
VGLI allows Veterans to continue their life insurance coverage after separating from military service, ensuring long-term financial protection. Starting July 1, 2025, monthly premiums for VGLI will be reduced for all ages.
- What’s changing? The VA Secretary has approved a discount on VGLI premiums, ranging from 2% to 17%, with an average reduction of 11%.
- Who’s eligible? All Veterans insured under VGLI.
- How will you be notified? The Office of Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (OSGLI) will notify insured Veterans through direct mail, email, online accounts and premium bills.
- Do you need to take action? No action is required. However, depending on your payment method, you may need to adjust your payment amount.
- What’s changing? Premiums for all ages will be discounted.
How does this help? Lower premiums allow Veterans to retain coverage longer and provide financial security for their families.
Why life insurance matters
Life insurance provides essential financial protection covering:
- Funeral costs.
- Mortgage payments.
- Education expenses.
- Lost income.
As life circumstances change, it’s important to review your coverage regularly and ensure your beneficiary information is up to date.
For more details on the new premium rates
Active duty, National Guard, Reserve members and covered spouses can visit https://www.benefits.va.gov/INSURANCE/spring2025discount.asp.
By ensuring both service members and Veterans receive lower-cost life insurance, VA is reinforcing its commitment to long-term financial security for those who serve and their families.
More information can be found online at www.va.gov/life-insurance/.
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I’m a veteran but I do not have VGLI. How can I get qualify for the program?
I never did receive the will kit after discussing the life insurance policies
Excellent.
How you I know if I have this type of insurance policy and how do I get it if I don’t please help
Is there life insurance for veterans ( Vietnam)
Can a widow of a 100% Veteran apply for VGLI or VALIFE? Also my claim for the Pact Act it has been sixteen months and no
news.
Any news on the bill HR 2055 TO increase DIC there has been no increase since 1993.
Thank you for your time can you please email me.
Ms. Bush
I am a widow of a Veteran that was 100% disabled, can I get Life insurance under VGLI ? The Pact Act claim I have it ha been sixteen months and I have heard no news. Can you please email me.
Thank you for your time.
I am also a widow of a Veteran that was 100% disabled, can I get Life insurance under VGLI ? Can you please email me with details.
Thank you for your time.
I would like to know, is it possible to have the coverage increased and keep the premium the same?
How do Veterans apply for VGLI?
This is misleading. It touts benefits for Veterans but only a very small number of Vets benefit from this. It’s aimed at active duty and those recently released.
How do I get this life insurance im a retired veteran
Never received notice of my VGLI for the new rates and what would be the savings from the the new discounted rates
If you never signed up for VGLI, is it too late to enroll?
all vets need to know this @##$$#@$
;
After 25 years of service, I’ve had my fair share of experience with life insurance options—and frankly, VGLI has been the most expensive I’ve come across. It’s a five-year renewable term policy, with rates that increase every five years based on age. What starts as manageable quickly becomes burdensome: $912 annually post-retirement, ballooning to over $8,300 a year by age 65. That’s simply not sustainable for most veterans.
To make matters worse, Prudential—who manages both SGLI and VGLI—has a reputation for slow payouts. Families can wait six months or longer before receiving the death benefit. Meanwhile, there are companies that offer immediate assignments of benefits to funeral homes, removing stress and financial burden during a time of grief. Why can’t VGLI do the same?
What’s more concerning is the lack of financial literacy among those who influence our choices. I’ve been counseled by commanders who didn’t understand the difference between term and whole life insurance. I was even pressured for not having SGLI, despite already being covered through a better, more affordable private policy. The focus seemed to be on protecting command from questions—not on protecting the soldier’s family.
It’s time for the VA and DOD leadership to shed light on why VGLI remains one of the most expensive options in the market and what’s being done to improve service, education, and affordability for our veterans and their families.
Veterans deserve options—and the truth.
Thank you.
You are correct in your assessment.
The entire article is on how they are reducing the cost by up to 17%….. I know that doesn’t take away from what you are saying, and I appreciate the information, but they are clearly trying to qork on the price at this point.
So very true. Why does veterans have to fight so very hard for benefits when we exposed ourseslves to death and injury to protect this country?
Thanks ?
Thank you for shedding light on the important benefits available to service members, spouses, and veterans regarding life insurance premiums. The article highlights how discounted premiums can significantly ease financial burdens and provide peace of mind. In addition to what you’ve discussed, it’s worth noting that many states also offer additional benefits for veterans in terms of tax exemptions on insurance payouts. For instance, in some regions, life insurance benefits may not be subject to income tax, which can further enhance the financial security of beneficiaries. Also, organizations such as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars frequently offer resources and assistance in navigating these benefits, ensuring veterans fully understand their options. With this context in mind, I can’t help but wonder how many veterans are aware of the potential to seek a writ of mandamus if they encounter delays or denials in accessing their entitled benefits. Have you heard of any cases where this legal instrument has been effectively used to ensure veterans receive timely support?
I really don’t find this information useful as in my opinion, the information should state in plain common English if a veteran can purchase more than one life insurance insurance policy to cover more than 10k as according to my personal conversation with one of the customer service agents to get the additional dollar coverage one has to relinquish the existing coverage which means the cash value is not received(forfeited).
That’s pretty tricky isn’t it? I will stick with my SGLI personally. I will entertain purchasing a policy of my choosing from a private concern..
We will see how this affects our premium reductions in July this year.. I do thank the Secretary of the VA Hegseth for initiating the premium reductions.
What about Veterans who couldn’t afford VGLI when offered owing to financial or family hardship? Does Secretary Hegseth know there are still forgotten Veterans who should qualify for low cost life insurance? Why only Active Duty and Reservists? We have all served and deserve EQUAL TREATMENT. Don’t continue to dishonor these Veterans. I was in charge of Funeral Detail for one month at JBLM in which time we laid three Veterans to rest with full military honors including 21 gun salute and live bugler to play taps. This is my reward? Inability to qualify for reduced Veteran’s life insurance? You spit in our faces and breed discontent by not including ALL VETERANS in your program.
How can I find out if I am eligible?
Can u mail out an application for life insurance please Cathy almon usmc veteran.. usmc 30 percent service connected disability..