Understanding Military Life Insurance: Spouse Benefits Explained

Military spouses and dependent children can be covered under the Family Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (FSGLI) program, a component of the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program. Civilian spouses are automatically covered for up to $100,000 or the amount of the member's coverage, whichever is less, while military spouses must apply for coverage. Dependent children are covered for $10,000 each at no cost to the member.

Civilian spouses are covered automatically

Civilian spouses of service members are automatically covered under the Family Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (FSGLI) if the service member is signed up for full-time Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI). This insurance provides coverage for the spouse and dependent children of service members. The coverage for spouses includes a maximum of $100,000, not exceeding the service member's SGLI coverage. For dependent children, the coverage includes $10,000 for each child at no additional cost to the member.

The FSGLI benefit is designed to help families cover the costs associated with the death of a family member. It aims to alleviate financial concerns during a difficult time, allowing families to focus on their well-being. The premium for spouse coverage under FSGLI is automatically deducted from the service member's pay.

It is important to note that military spouses married on or after January 2, 2013, are not automatically covered under FSGLI. In such cases, service members need to enrol their spouses through the SGLI Online Enrollment System via milConnect. Additionally, premiums for spouse coverage under FSGLI are based on the spouse's age and the amount of coverage desired.

To qualify for FSGLI, an individual must be the spouse or dependent child of a service member on active duty or in the Ready Reserve with full-time SGLI coverage. A "dependent child" includes unmarried children who are natural-born, legally adopted, or stepchildren living in the service member's household. It also includes children between the ages of 18 and 23 who are full-time students or became permanently incapable of self-support before turning 18.

Military spouses must apply

To be eligible for FSGLI, you must be the spouse of a servicemember with full-time SGLI coverage. Military spouses married on or after January 2, 2013, are not automatically covered and must be enrolled by their service member spouse through the SGLI Online Enrollment System. This can be done via milConnect.

The premium for spouse coverage is based on the spouse's age and the amount of coverage. Military spouses can be covered for up to a maximum of $100,000, not exceeding the servicemember's SGLI coverage. Dependent children are also covered for $10,000 each at no cost to the member.

FSGLI can help cover costs for the death of a family member, allowing you to focus on your family during a difficult time without having to worry about finances.

Coverage is up to $100,000 for spouses

Military spouses are eligible for Family Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (FSGLI), a program that provides life insurance coverage for spouses and dependent children of Service members' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) members. FSGLI offers a maximum of $100,000 in term life insurance coverage for spouses, not exceeding the service member's SGLI coverage amount. This benefit ensures financial protection for the family in the event of a spouse's death.

Civilian spouses of service members with full-time SGLI coverage are automatically enrolled in FSGLI, with the premium deducted from the service member's pay. However, military spouses married on or after January 2, 2013, are not automatically covered and must be enrolled by the service member through the SGLI Online Enrollment System via milConnect.

While FSGLI provides valuable coverage, it may not be sufficient for all families. In such cases, individual policies or supplemental coverage may be necessary to ensure adequate financial protection. The amount of life insurance coverage needed depends on various factors, including age, income, mortgage, debts, and anticipated funeral expenses.

It is important to note that the $100,000 coverage limit for spouses under FSGLI might not be enough in most circumstances. As a result, military families often consider additional coverage options to supplement the FSGLI benefits.

In conclusion, while FSGLI offers a substantial benefit to military spouses, providing peace of mind and financial security, it is recommended to assess individual needs and consider additional coverage options to ensure comprehensive protection.

Dependent children are covered for $10,000 each

Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI) provides coverage for the spouse and dependent children of service members who are covered under full-time Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI). Dependent children of service members are covered for $10,000 each under FSGLI. This coverage is provided at no cost to the service member.

The coverage for dependent children under FSGLI is automatic and cannot be turned down, reduced, or cancelled. It lasts until the child is 18 years old, but in some cases, it can be extended. If the child is a full-time student between the ages of 18 and 22, or if they become permanently and totally disabled before turning 18 and are no longer able to support themselves, the coverage may be extended. In the case of a child who becomes permanently and totally disabled, the coverage may be extended indefinitely.

To be eligible for FSGLI coverage as a dependent child, one of the following must be true:

• The service member is on active duty and covered by full-time SGLI.
• The service member is a member of the National Guard or Ready Reserve covered by full-time SGLI.

The process for enrolling a spouse in FSGLI varies depending on whether they are a civilian spouse or a military spouse. Civilian spouses of service members signed up for full-time SGLI are automatically covered under FSGLI, and the premium for the coverage is deducted from the service member's pay. On the other hand, military spouses married on or after January 2, 2013, are not automatically covered. In this case, the service member needs to enrol their spouse through the SGLI Online Enrollment System.

Coverage is deducted from the service member's pay

Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI) offers coverage for the spouse and dependent children of service members covered under full-time Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI). If you are the spouse of a service member, you may be eligible for FSGLI if your spouse meets one of the following requirements: they are on active duty and covered by full-time SGLI, or they are a member of the National Guard or Ready Reserve covered by full-time SGLI. You can qualify for FSGLI as a spouse with SGLI coverage regardless of your own status—whether you are active duty, retired, or a civilian.

If you are the civilian spouse of a service member signed up for full-time SGLI, you will be automatically insured under FSGLI. In this case, your premium will be automatically deducted from your spouse's pay. The cost of coverage will increase as you age. If you are a military spouse and you were married on or after January 2, 2013, you will not be automatically covered. Your spouse will need to sign you up online through the SGLI Online Enrollment System (SOES).

If you are signed up as a spouse in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS), the FSGLI premium will be automatically deducted from your spouse's pay. If you are not signed up in DEERS, your spouse will still be responsible for premiums and back payments of unpaid premiums.

If you have spousal coverage and you want to reduce, turn down, or cancel it, your spouse can submit your changes online through the SGLI Online Enrollment System (SOES).

Frequently asked questions