Airmen must keep SGLI, emergency data current

  • Published
  • By Maj. Elizabeth Caraway
  • 445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Several years ago, an Airman at another base passed away and his current spouse was told that his former spouse would receive the entire $400,000 insurance payment because the husband had failed to update his beneficiary form after his most recent marriage. As a legally binding contract, the form required the entire amount go to his named beneficiary.

This incident illustrates the critical need for Airmen to maintain both their Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance form and their virtual Record of Emergency Data.

The SGLI form, SGLV 8286, is the only document used to legally identify the beneficiary for an SGLI payment in the event of death. The vRED is used to contact next-of-kin in the event of serious injury or death. It is also used to identify the person who will make funeral and final resting place decisions for the deceased Airman, as well as designate the beneficiary for any unpaid allowances or final salary, explained Senior Airman Umar Yasin, 445th Force Support Squadron customer service technician.

"We encourage members to update their vRED any time they experience a major life event, like marriage, the birth of a child, a deployment, or a move," said Yasin.

However, the vRED does not delineate SGLI payment beneficiaries.

"Unlike testamentary documents like wills, insurance is a contract," said Maj. Omar Ebarb, 445th Deputy Staff Judge Advocate. "So even if you want your insurance payments to go to your heirs, they won't unless you specifically name them in the documentation."

SGLI provides group term life insurance, with coverage up to $400,000, or lesser amounts in increments of $50,000. As Reservists, members of the 445th Airlift Wing are automatically enrolled with full coverage unless they fill out paperwork denying it or changing the coverage amount. SGLI coverage can help in case of injury, as well as death.

"Airmen can claim up to $25,000 for traumatic injuries," explained Yasin, "and the $400,000 coverage amount remains unchanged."

Reservists may not realize that insurance coverage also extends to family members.

"Children are automatically covered for $10,000 under the Family Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance at no cost," said Yasin. "Spousal coverage is equal to the amount of the Airman's coverage, not to exceed $100,000."

Members are also covered for 120 days following separation or release from duty, at which point they can apply for Veterans' Group Life Insurance through the Dept of Veterans Affairs.

If you initially declined SGLI and wish to obtain or increase coverage, you can stop by the Military Personnel Flight and complete and sign a form SGLV 8286. You can verify the beneficiaries on your SGLI by accessing the Personnel Records Display Application (PRDA) on the Air Force Portal.