About the program
The Accelerated Benefit Option gives terminally-ill SGLI, Family SGLI and VGLI policyholders as well as Traumatic Servicemenbers’ Group Life Insurance (TSGLI) claimants access to the death benefits of their policies before they pass away. The member may receive a portion of the face value of the insurance in a lump sum payment.
Please note you must be a policy holder in order to receive this benefit.
For more information on ABO, read about it in chapter 5 of the SGLI VGLI Handbook, or contact OSGLI.
Who is eligible
A member is eligible to receive an Accelerated Benefit if he or she, or a covered spouse, has a valid written prognosis from a physician of nine months or less to live.
Only the insured member may apply for an Accelerated Benefit. No one else can apply on the member's behalf. In the case of a terminally ill spouse, only the member may apply.
The amount of an Accelerated Benefit available to a member is up to 50% of the face value of the member's insurance coverage. If a member elects to receive less than the maximum, the amount requested must be in increments of $5,000.
The portion of the face value of insurance which is not paid in a lump sum as an accelerated benefit is payable to the member's designated beneficiary or beneficiaries upon his or her death. In the case of a terminally ill spouse, the remainder of the insurance is payable to the member upon the spouse's death.
How to apply
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SGLI and VGLI policyholders, use 8284, Servicemember/Veteran Accelerated Benefits Option Form.
Spouses covered under Family SGLI, use 8284A, Servicemember Family Coverage Accelerated Benefits Option Form.
Both forms can be downloaded below. The application contains one part to be completed by the insured and a second part to be completed by the insured's physician. In addition, the branch of service for active duty Servicemembers must complete part of the form. The member must submit the completed application form to the Office of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance, 80 Livingston Avenue, Roseland, New Jersey 07068-1733.
To find the nearest VA facility closest to you please visit: www.va.gov/find-locations.