Updating SGLI a necessity for Fort Bragg Soldiers

By Reginald Rogers
Paraglide

As Soldiers deploy to Afghanistan and Iraq in support of the War on Terror, it’s understood that they’re venturing into dangerous territory and death is always a possibility. It is because of this that they must constantly ensure that their life insurance policies are updated.

The Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance is an insurance policy that the Department of Defense makes available for all of its military members. The policy guarantees payment to designated Family members and loved ones in case a Soldier is killed in combat or by accidental death.

According to Thelma Crisp, of the 18th Finance Management Center’s Internal Review section, SGLI is a program of low cost group life insurance for servicemembers on active duty, ready reservists, members of the National Guard, members of the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Public Health Service, cadets and midshipmen of the four service academies, and members of the Reserve Officer Training Corps.

Crisp said servicemembers have several options to choose from when determining which insurance plan is best for them.

“SGLI coverage is available in $50,000 increments up to the maximum of $400,000,” she explained.

Crisp added that it’s important for Soldiers to keep their SGLI updated, especially before and after deployments.

“If they don’t (update their insurance), and the servicemember dies or is killed in action, it will not only affect the amount of benefits that will be paid to his surviving Family members, it could also delay them receiving benefits in a timely manner, which is very important to their Families,” Crisp explained.

She said SGLI coverage is automatic for Soldiers, which means they don’t have to apply to receive it, unless they previously declined or reduced their original amount. She added that it is also important for them to fill out a Form SGLV 8286, Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance and Certificate to designate a beneficiary.

“If you previously declined or reduced SGLI coverage and later decide you want coverage, you may request such coverage in writing through your uniformed service personnel office,” Crisp explained. “You will need to complete and sign an application form SGLV 8285, Request for Insurance, in the presence of a representative from your uniformed service personnel office.”

She pointed out that the SGLI system is not without its shortcomings, but it’s important for Soldiers to follow up with their human resources sections to ensure all updates were made.

According to Crisp, her office was experiencing problems with getting the SGLI paperwork to finance so that the changes Soldiers were making as far as increasing their insurance would get to Finance and ensure that their paperwork was processed in a timely manner.

“This shortfall will result in beneficiaries not receiving the intended amount, in the event of a Soldier’s death, which we have already experienced when two Soldiers passed away recently downrange,” she explained. “If you have ever requested an increase in your SGLI, asked to reinstate, or if you are not sure, please see your brigade S1 or your local personnel office to immediately verify your election.”

Crisp added that Soldiers should also follow-up with their finance office to ensure that the changes were made. Deploying units can also request a briefing from the Finance Office to update their SGLI during deployment briefs.

Share