SGLI Rates 2026: Premiums, Coverage and FSGLI Calculator
The maximum SGLI coverage is $500,000. At that amount VA's table shows a $25.00 monthly premium plus $1.00 for TSGLI, a $26.00 total deducted from base pay. Eligible service members are enrolled automatically, so the maximum applies unless you choose less or decline in SOES. A civilian spouse is covered by default unless the member declines.
Quick answer: $100,000 costs $6.00 a month, $250,000 costs $13.50 and $400,000 costs $21.00 (SGLI plus TSGLI).
Rates shown are from VA's SGLI and FSGLI pages (both last updated October 14, 2026). VA prints no effective date for the tables, and we have no earlier capture to compare, so we cannot say when the current rate began.
Maintained by Archie Chang · Premiums and rules checked against VA, 38 U.S.C. 1967 and 1969 and the DFAS LES guide October 27, 2026 · Methodology & sources
SGLI premium calculator
Member coverage comes in $50,000 steps up to $500,000. Spouse coverage comes in $10,000 steps up to $100,000 and cannot exceed your own coverage. Dependent children are covered at no cost, so they add nothing. This is an estimate from VA's published rates, not a quote.
The calculator starts at no spouse coverage. FSGLI for a civilian spouse is automatic unless declined, so enter the spouse amount your member actually holds. VA does not say which date sets your spouse’s age band (for example a birthday during the year), so ask OSGLI which age applies. The age box only rejects typos (16 to 120); those limits are input checks, not VA rules.
Estimated monthly total
Example: the $500,000 maximum applies unless you change it
$26.00
a month, or $312.00 a year
- Your SGLI
- $25.00
- TSGLI
- $1.00
- Your deduction (SGLI + TSGLI)
- $26.00
- Spouse (FSGLI)
- $0.00
Estimate only. OSGLI and your pay office decide your actual coverage and deduction.
How much does SGLI cost per month?
VA says the current basic SGLI premium rate is 5 cents per $1,000 of coverage, and that the premium includes an additional $1.00 a month for TSGLI. Each row below is that rate applied to the coverage amount; the last columns are what VA calls the total monthly premium deduction. It comes out of base pay.
| Coverage | SGLI premium | TSGLI | Total a month | Total a year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $500,000 | $25.00 | $1.00 | $26.00 | $312.00 |
| $450,000 | $22.50 | $1.00 | $23.50 | $282.00 |
| $400,000 | $20.00 | $1.00 | $21.00 | $252.00 |
| $350,000 | $17.50 | $1.00 | $18.50 | $222.00 |
| $300,000 | $15.00 | $1.00 | $16.00 | $192.00 |
| $250,000 | $12.50 | $1.00 | $13.50 | $162.00 |
| $200,000 | $10.00 | $1.00 | $11.00 | $132.00 |
| $150,000 | $7.50 | $1.00 | $8.50 | $102.00 |
| $100,000 | $5.00 | $1.00 | $6.00 | $72.00 |
| $50,000 | $2.50 | $1.00 | $3.50 | $42.00 |
Coverage is $50,000 to $500,000 in $50,000 steps. The law says the amount deducted is “an amount determined by the Secretary (which shall be the same for all such members).” VA's rate has no age bands.
Family SGLI (FSGLI) spouse premiums by age
VA: “Up to a maximum of $100,000 of coverage for you as a spouse, not to exceed your service member’s SGLI coverage, and $10,000 for each dependent child. Dependent children get free coverage.” Your service member pays the spouse premium, and in VA's words it “will increase as you age.” Monthly premium by the spouse's age:
Swipe to see all ages
| Spouse coverage | Younger than 35 | 35 to 39 | 40 to 44 | 45 to 49 | 50 to 54 | 55 to 59 | 60 and older |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $100,000 | $4.00 | $4.70 | $6.20 | $8.50 | $13.50 | $23.00 | $40.00 |
| $90,000 | $3.60 | $4.23 | $5.58 | $7.65 | $12.15 | $20.70 | $36.00 |
| $80,000 | $3.20 | $3.76 | $4.96 | $6.80 | $10.80 | $18.40 | $32.00 |
| $70,000 | $2.80 | $3.29 | $4.34 | $5.95 | $9.45 | $16.10 | $28.00 |
| $60,000 | $2.40 | $2.82 | $3.72 | $5.10 | $8.10 | $13.80 | $24.00 |
| $50,000 | $2.00 | $2.35 | $3.10 | $4.25 | $6.75 | $11.50 | $20.00 |
| $40,000 | $1.60 | $1.88 | $2.48 | $3.40 | $5.40 | $9.20 | $16.00 |
| $30,000 | $1.20 | $1.41 | $1.86 | $2.55 | $4.05 | $6.90 | $12.00 |
| $20,000 | $0.80 | $0.94 | $1.24 | $1.70 | $2.70 | $4.60 | $8.00 |
| $10,000 | $0.40 | $0.47 | $0.62 | $0.85 | $1.35 | $2.30 | $4.00 |
Spouse coverage comes in $10,000 steps up to $100,000, and 38 U.S.C. 1967(a)(3)(C) says it cannot exceed the member's own coverage. VA says dependent children get free coverage. Per VA, if your spouse is signed up in DEERS the premium is taken automatically from your pay; if not, you are still responsible for premiums and back payments.
Is FSGLI automatic?
VA gives two cases. If you’re the civilian spouse of a service member signed up for full-time SGLI: “We’ll automatically insure you under FSGLI.” and the premium comes out of the service member's pay. If you’re a military spouse and you were married on or after January 2, 2013: “We won’t automatically cover you.” The member signs up online through SOES.
The law gives the default. 38 U.S.C. 1967(a)(1)(A)(ii) insures each insurable dependent of a member automatically, other than a dependent who is also a member of a uniformed service, and 1967(a)(2)(B) lets the member elect in writing not to insure the spouse. A civilian spouse is therefore covered by default unless the member declines in writing, and the member decides in SOES. If you are unsure which case applies to your spouse, check in SOES or ask OSGLI.
How does SGLI show up on my LES?
VA says “you’ll pay a monthly premium that’ll be automatically taken out of your base pay.” The law says the amount is deducted each month from basic or other pay (38 U.S.C. 1969(a)(1)). VA's table lists a total monthly premium deduction (SGLI plus TSGLI) of $26.00 at $500,000.
DFAS lists SGLI among Deductions; it doesn’t specify the line labels, so compare with the chart or ask your finance office.
Our guide to the military LES explains every block, and the military pay calculator and 2026 military pay chart show the pay the premium comes out of. Housing is separate; use the BAH calculator.
What is SGLI?
- Coverage. VA says SGLI offers low-cost term coverage to eligible service members. The maximum is $500,000; “If you qualify for SGLI, we’ll automatically sign you up through your service branch.” The law (38 U.S.C. 1967(a)(3)(D)) also says a member who chose less than the maximum, or none, is insured for the maximum amount while deployed to a combat theater of operations, and returns to the elected amount afterward.
- Branches. VA lists “You’re an active-duty member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Marines, or Coast Guard” as eligible. It is the same program for each.
- TSGLI. You’re automatically covered through TSGLI if you’re signed up for full-time SGLI. VA says TSGLI may pay $25,000 to $100,000 in short-term financial support after a qualifying traumatic injury. You must apply to be paid (VA's TSGLI page lists the requirements and exclusions).
- Beneficiaries. You can also choose your beneficiaries (the people you pick to get the money from your life insurance policy if you die) and change them as needed.
- Part-time coverage. VA lists “Part-time coverage (if you’re a Reserve member who doesn’t qualify for full-time coverage).” VA's SGLI page gives no part-time rate, so this page does not estimate one.
How do I change or cancel SGLI?
VA says: “You can choose your level of coverage or even refuse coverage completely.” Submit your changes online through the SGLI Online Enrollment System (SOES). Go to milConnect, sign in and select Manage my SGLI, then check your coverage and beneficiary information and make any updates (VA's SOES guide). The member can also reduce or cancel spouse coverage there.
SGLI vs VGLI vs FEGLI
SGLI is for people serving. When you leave, VA lists “120 days of free coverage from the date you leave the military.” After that, VA says “you can apply for Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) within 1 year and 120 days from your date of discharge for up to the amount of coverage you had through SGLI.” Sign up within 240 days and there is no proof of good health to submit: VA says “If you sign up within 240 days of leaving the military, you won’t need to prove you’re in good health.” After 240 days you must submit evidence of good health. The VGLI rates chart and calculator shows the 240-day rule and what VGLI costs.
| Program | Who it is for | How the cost works |
|---|---|---|
| SGLI (VA) | Eligible service members, signed up automatically | 5 cents per $1,000 plus $1.00 for TSGLI; no age bands |
| VGLI (VA) | Former members applying within 1 year and 120 days of discharge | Your monthly cost depends only on your age. |
| FEGLI (OPM) | Federal civilian employees and retirees (OPM: covering over 4 million Federal employees and retirees) | FEGLI provides group term life insurance. The cost of Basic insurance is shared between you and the Government. Your age does not affect the cost of Basic insurance. |
For the civilian federal program, use the FEGLI calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much is SGLI per month?
VA says the basic SGLI premium rate is 5 cents per $1,000 of coverage, and the premium includes $1.00 a month for TSGLI. At the $500,000 maximum that is $25.00 plus $1.00, or $26.00 a month; at $250,000 it is $13.50. VA's table lists coverage from $50,000 to $500,000.
What is the maximum SGLI coverage?
$500,000, in $50,000 increments. 38 U.S.C. 1967(a)(3) sets the member amount at $500,000 and says a lower elected amount must be evenly divisible by $50,000. VA's page says the same.
What does SGLI stand for?
Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance. VA says it "offers low-cost term coverage to eligible service members." If you qualify, VA signs you up automatically through your service branch, and you can choose a lower amount or refuse coverage in SOES.
Is SGLI the same for the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Space Force and Coast Guard?
Yes, it is one program. VA lists active-duty members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Marines and Coast Guard under the same eligibility rules and prints one premium table. The law says the amount deducted is set by the Secretary and "shall be the same for all such members." So "Army SGLI" or "Navy SGLI" costs the same as any other branch at the same coverage. VA says to check your unit's personnel office for enrollment details.
Does TSGLI cost extra?
No separate bill. VA says the SGLI premium "includes an additional $1 per month" for Traumatic Injury Protection, and the TSGLI page calls it a flat-rate premium. It is the same $1.00 at every coverage level, so it is already inside the "total monthly premium deduction" in VA's table. TSGLI pays $25,000 to $100,000 for a qualifying traumatic injury; VA lists the conditions on its TSGLI page.
How much does Family SGLI (FSGLI) cost for a spouse?
It depends on the spouse's age and the amount, up to $100,000. For $100,000 VA's monthly rate is $4.00 for a spouse younger than 35 and $40.00 at 60 and older. Spouse coverage cannot exceed the member's own coverage, and dependent children are covered at no cost. The full table is on this page.
Is Family SGLI automatic for my spouse?
It depends on which case VA says applies. For the civilian spouse of a member signed up for full-time SGLI, VA says "We’ll automatically insure you under FSGLI." For a military spouse married on or after January 2, 2013, VA says "We won’t automatically cover you," and the member signs up in SOES. A civilian spouse is covered by default unless the member declines in writing, and the member makes that choice in SOES. The law is 38 U.S.C. 1967(a)(1)(A)(ii) and (a)(2)(B).
How do I change or cancel my SGLI in milConnect?
VA says to submit changes in the SGLI Online Enrollment System (SOES): go to milConnect, sign in and select Manage my SGLI, then check your coverage and beneficiaries and update them. You can reduce or refuse coverage and change beneficiaries there. milConnect and SOES are run by the government; this site is not affiliated with them.
Where does SGLI show up on my LES?
VA says the premium is taken from base pay each month, and 38 U.S.C. 1969(a)(1) says it is deducted each month from basic or other pay. DFAS lists SGLI among Deductions; it doesn’t specify the line labels, so compare with the chart or ask your finance office.
Do Reservists and Guard members pay for SGLI?
VA lists Ready Reserve and National Guard members assigned to a unit and scheduled for at least 12 periods of inactive training a year as eligible for full-time coverage, and lists part-time coverage for a Reserve member who does not qualify for full-time coverage. For members in nonpay status VA says "You must pay your premiums directly." VA’s SGLI page does not give a part-time premium, so check with VA or OSGLI for that amount.
What happens to my SGLI when I leave the military?
VA lists 120 days of free coverage from the date you leave. You can then apply for VGLI within 1 year and 120 days of discharge for up to the amount you had in SGLI, or convert to an individual permanent policy within 120 days without proof of good health. VA says that if you sign up for VGLI within 240 days you do not need to prove good health. See the VGLI rate chart for what VGLI costs by age.
Did the SGLI rate change in 2026?
We can't say. VA's SGLI page, last updated October 14, 2026, shows 5 cents per $1,000 plus $1.00 for TSGLI. VA prints no effective date for the table, and we have no earlier capture to compare, so we cannot tell whether the rate changed in 2026. Check VA's page before relying on any figure.