MNG-053 · VETERAN BENEFITS & POST-SERVICE NAVIGATION
VA Life Insurance
Navigate VA life insurance options including VGLI, VALife, existing S-DVI, beneficiaries, premiums, transition deadlines, policy management, and claims.
Identify the policy first
- VGLI: renewable group term coverage after qualifying SGLI/service status; time-sensitive transition application.
- VALife: guaranteed-acceptance whole life for qualifying Veterans with service-connected disability ratings, subject to program age rules and a two-year waiting period for full coverage.
- S-DVI: closed to new applications after 2022, but existing policies can continue.
- VMLI and older VA programs: separate eligibility and policy rules.
VGLI transition window
VA currently permits qualifying applicants to apply for VGLI within 1 year and 120 days after the applicable separation/status event; applying within 240 days generally avoids a health review. Preserve SGLI coverage proof, the VGLI application, premium records and beneficiary designation.
VALife
VA states that Veterans age 80 or younger with any VA service-connected disability rating, including 0%, may apply for VALife. Special rules can permit some applicants over age 80. The program has a two-year waiting period before full coverage begins; current S-DVI transition consequences should be reviewed before applying.
Annual audit: policy type, coverage, premiums, beneficiary, address/contact information, automatic payment, policy loan/cash-value status where applicable, and the correct claims form.
Official sources
Source status: SRC-131; SRC-132; SRC-106 verified October 4, 2026. Use the current decision, policy, and form instructions for the individual case.
