Employees of the United States Postal Service (USPS) are eligible for a range of benefits, including life insurance. The USPS offers its employees Basic coverage under the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Program, with the option to purchase additional coverage through payroll deductions. FEGLI covers more than 4 million postal and federal employees, retirees, and their family members. Newly hired postal employees are also covered under Social Security and Medicare.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Life insurance provider | Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) |
Who does it cover? | Postal and federal employees, retirees, and their families |
Who pays for the basic coverage? | The Postal Service |
Who pays for additional coverage? | The employee through payroll deductions |
Is it automatic? | Yes, for most new federal workers |
Can you opt out? | Yes |
What about employees under 50? | They can apply for Group Term Life Insurance from WAEPA |
What You'll Learn
- USPS employees can get life insurance through the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Program
- The FEGLI program is available to over 4 million postal and federal employees and retirees
- The government pays one-third of the cost of basic life insurance under FEGLI
- Employees can also get guaranteed issue life insurance of up to $100,000 in the first year of hire without a medical assessment
- USPS employees can also get group term life insurance of up to $1.5 million through WAEPA
USPS employees can get life insurance through the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Program
USPS employees can get life insurance through the Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Program. FEGLI covers more than 4 million postal and federal employees, retirees, and their family members. The program is operated by a private contractor and administered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
Most new federal workers are automatically provided with basic life insurance coverage under FEGLI, with premiums deducted from paychecks unless waived. The government pays one-third of the cost of basic life insurance, and this does not depend on the employee's age. USPS employees can also choose to purchase additional coverage through payroll deductions.
In addition to the basic program, there are three optional FEGLI insurance programs that employees can participate in. However, to enrol in optional coverage, employees must first have basic insurance. While the cost of basic insurance is shared between the government and the employee, the employee pays the full cost of optional insurance, and the price depends on their age.
USPS employees have other life insurance options outside of FEGLI. For example, WAEPA (Worldwide Assurance for Employees of Public Agencies, Inc.), a nonprofit organisation, offers Group Term Life Insurance to federal civilian employees.
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The FEGLI program is available to over 4 million postal and federal employees and retirees
The Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) program is a comprehensive insurance program that covers over 4 million postal and federal employees, retirees, and their family members. FEGLI is a valuable benefit offered to USPS employees, providing financial protection and peace of mind.
Under the FEGLI program, most new federal workers, including USPS employees, are automatically enrolled in the Basic life insurance coverage. This coverage is provided at no cost to the employee, as the premiums are fully paid by the Postal Service. The Basic coverage offers a strong foundation for financial security, ensuring that employees and their loved ones are protected in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
In addition to the Basic program, USPS employees have the option to enhance their coverage through three Optional FEGLI insurance programs. These optional programs allow employees to customize their insurance plans according to their specific needs and provide additional protection. However, it's important to note that enrolling in the optional coverage requires having the Basic insurance in place first.
The FEGLI program is administered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management and operated by a private contractor. It is well-known for its affordability, as the government pays one-third of the cost of Basic life insurance, and the cost remains unaffected by the employee's age. On the other hand, employees bear the full cost of Optional insurance, which is dependent on their age.
By offering the FEGLI program, the USPS demonstrates its commitment to the well-being of its employees and their families. This benefit not only provides financial security but also ensures that employees have access to quality insurance options, contributing to a sense of stability and peace of mind. With FEGLI, USPS employees can feel valued and protected during their career and beyond.
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The government pays one-third of the cost of basic life insurance under FEGLI
The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers its employees life insurance through the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Program. This program was established by the Federal Government on August 29, 1954, and is the largest group life insurance program in the world, covering over 4 million federal employees, retirees, and their family members.
The FEGLI program provides group term life insurance, which means it does not build up any cash value or paid-up value. It consists of Basic life insurance coverage and three optional forms of insurance. USPS employees are automatically enrolled in Basic life insurance unless they choose to waive it, and this insurance is effective on the first day of paid duty. The cost of Basic insurance is shared between the employee and the government, with the employee paying 2/3 of the total cost and the government paying 1/3. This means that the government pays one-third of the cost of basic life insurance under FEGLI for USPS employees.
The Basic insurance premium is a level rate per one thousand dollars of coverage, which means the enrollee premium rates are equal for the duration of the coverage period. The rate for an individual enrollee does not change as the enrollee ages, although the rate structure for all enrollees is subject to periodic adjustments based on claims experience. This level premium feature makes the enrollee cost more predictable, as they pay an average cost over the term of their coverage. Younger employees are also covered by an Extra Benefit provision, which doubles the amount of Basic insurance payable at no extra cost for enrollees aged 35 or younger. This benefit decreases by 10% each year from the enrollee's 36th birthday until it is no longer available at age 45.
In addition to the Basic coverage, USPS employees can elect to purchase one or more of the three forms of Optional insurance offered by FEGLI. Unlike Basic insurance, enrollment in Optional insurance is not automatic, and employees must take action to elect these options. The employee pays the full cost of Optional insurance, and the cost depends on their age. The three types of Optional Insurance are: Option A (standard optional insurance), which provides $10,000 of additional coverage; Option B (additional optional), which offers coverage in 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 multiples of the employee's annual basic rate of pay; and Option C (family optional insurance), which covers an employee's spouse for up to 5 multiples of $5,000 and/or eligible children for up to 5 multiples of $2,500.
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Employees can also get guaranteed issue life insurance of up to $100,000 in the first year of hire without a medical assessment
USPS employees are eligible for life insurance coverage through the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Program. The Postal Service offers basic FEGLI coverage, which is fully paid for by the Postal Service, with the option to purchase additional coverage through payroll deductions.
In addition to FEGLI, USPS employees can also access life insurance through WAEPA (Worldwide Assurance for Employees of Public Agencies, Inc.), a nonprofit organization that has provided Group Term Life Insurance and other services to federal civilian employees since 1943.
Qualifying federal employees, including those working for the USPS, are eligible for guaranteed issue life insurance of up to $100,000 within their first year of hire without undergoing a medical assessment or submitting complex paperwork. This means that, regardless of their health status or other factors, USPS employees can be assured of obtaining life insurance coverage during their initial year of employment.
The availability of guaranteed issue life insurance through WAEPA provides USPS employees with peace of mind and financial security, ensuring that their loved ones will be protected in the event of their passing. This benefit is especially valuable for those who may have pre-existing health conditions or face challenges in obtaining traditional life insurance coverage.
By offering this guaranteed coverage, WAEPA demonstrates its commitment to supporting federal employees and their families. USPS employees can rest assured that they have access to comprehensive life insurance options that provide financial protection and help safeguard their families' futures.
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USPS employees can also get group term life insurance of up to $1.5 million through WAEPA
USPS employees are offered life insurance through the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Program. The Postal Service covers the cost of basic insurance, with employees given the option to purchase additional coverage through payroll deductions.
Group term life insurance through WAEPA offers several benefits to USPS employees. Firstly, it provides a higher coverage amount compared to FEGLI, with up to $1.5 million in coverage for eligible members. This coverage is not lost if the employee changes jobs or retires, even if they leave the federal government. It also extends to the member's spouse and children. Additionally, WAEPA's premiums are lower than FEGLI in most age bands, resulting in average savings of over $300 per year for members who switch.
Another advantage of WAEPA's group term life insurance is its portability. Unlike FEGLI, which is tied to the employee's job, WAEPA's coverage follows the member even if they change jobs or retire. This means that USPS employees can maintain their life insurance coverage regardless of their employment status.
Furthermore, WAEPA offers guaranteed issue life insurance, which qualifying federal employees, including USPS employees, cannot be turned down for up to $100,000 within their first year of hire. This option eliminates the need for complex medical documentation or paperwork, making it easier for USPS employees to access the life insurance coverage they need.
In summary, while USPS employees have access to basic life insurance through FEGLI, they can also explore group term life insurance options through WAEPA. With higher coverage amounts, portability, competitive premiums, and guaranteed issue life insurance, WAEPA provides USPS employees with a comprehensive and attractive life insurance alternative.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, USPS offers its employees life insurance through the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Program. The cost of basic coverage is fully paid by the Postal Service, with the option to purchase additional coverage through payroll deductions.
The basic life insurance coverage offered by USPS through FEGLI provides more than 4 million postal and federal employees and retirees, as well as many of their family members, with financial protection in the event of death. The coverage is provided at no cost to the employee, with the Postal Service paying the full premium.
Yes, USPS employees can purchase additional life insurance coverage through FEGLI. In addition to the Basic program, employees can participate in three Optional FEGLI insurance programs. Optional insurance is not automatic, and employees must have Basic insurance to enroll in optional coverage. The cost of optional insurance depends on the employee's age, and employees pay the full premium.