Federal Employees Group Life Insurance

When a Federal employee passes away or is dismembered, or if an eligible family member of an employee dies, it is important to contact the employee's Federal agency to check if they were covered by the Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Program. The agency holds the employee's FEGLI records.

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Most Federal employees are eligible for FEGLI, which is a group term life insurance plan. This means it does not accumulate cash or paid-up value. The program includes Basic life insurance coverage and three optional types of insurance. New Federal employees are typically automatically enrolled in Basic life insurance, with premiums deducted from their pay unless they opt-out.

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In addition to Basic coverage, three types of Optional insurance can be chosen. However, you must be enrolled in Basic insurance to select any of the optional plans. Unlike Basic insurance, Optional coverage is not automatic; you need to actively choose these options within 31 days of becoming eligible.

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FEGLI is the largest group life insurance program globally, with over four million enrollees. As of December 2020, more than 720,000 Department of Defense (DOD) employees are enrolled, accounting for 18% of the total Federal workforce.

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The Defense Civilian Personnel Advisory Service (DCPAS) provides policy guidance to DOD human resources personnel and offers resources and updates to agencies and components. DCPAS also handles reconsideration requests and provides advice on FEGLI-related Congressional inquiries. FEGLI training modules are included in the Employee Benefits Training (EBT) Program. The program is administered by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), with insurance provided by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (MetLife), and claims processed by the Office of Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (OFEGLI).

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While opportunities to enrol or modify optional coverage are limited, such as during the first 60 days of employment or due to a Qualifying Life Event (QLE), there may be other exceptions that allow changes. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, employees should consult their human resources office.

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FEGLI Coverage Consists of Basic and Optional options:

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• Basic coverage: This is for the employee and is equal to their Basic Insurance Amount (BIA).
• Option A: Provides an additional $10,000 of coverage.
• Option B: Allows employees to select up to five multiples of their basic pay, rounded to the next $1,000.
• Option C: Provides family coverage with up to $5,000 per multiple for a spouse and $2,500 per multiple for each eligible child.

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Employees can choose up to five multiples of both Option B and/or Option C. Additional details on accidental death and dismemberment benefits, premiums, and forms are available on the Office of Personnel Management's FEGLI webpage.
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FEGLI Premiums

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FEGLI (Federal Employees Group Life Insurance) premiums are calculated based on several key factors:

• Age: Your premium will be affected by your age at the time of enrollment or when making coverage changes.
• Coverage Type: The premium depends on the type of coverage you select—Basic, Option A, Option B, or Option C.
• Number of Multiples: If you choose Optional coverage (Option B or C), the number of multiples you select (up to five) will influence your premium.
• Tobacco Use: Tobacco users typically pay higher premiums compared to non-tobacco users.

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Premium Structure:

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• Basic Life Insurance: This is mandatory for most employees, and its cost is included in your base premium.
• Optional Life Insurance: You can select from Option A, Option B, Option C, or a combination. Each option has a distinct premium rate.
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D): Optional coverage that provides extra benefits in the event of accidental death or dismemberment. It also comes with its premium.

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Premium Payment Methods:

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• Payroll Deductions: In most cases, FEGLI premiums are automatically deducted from your paycheck on a pre-tax basis.
• Direct Billing: In certain situations, you may pay premiums directly to the insurance provider.

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FEGLI at Retirement

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To continue your Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) into retirement, you must meet the following criteria:

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• Insured for Five Years Before Retirement: You need to have maintained continuous FEGLI coverage for at least five years immediately before the date of your retirement.
• Enrolled in FEGLI on the Date of Retirement: You must still be enrolled in FEGLI on your actual retirement day.
• Eligible for an Immediate Annuity: You must qualify for a retirement pension that begins immediately upon your retirement under a civilian employee retirement system.

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Additional Considerations:

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• Eligible Family Members: If you have eligible family members, they may receive Survivor Benefits under the FEGLI program, even if you choose not to continue your coverage.
• Premium Payments: If you opt to continue your Optional Life Insurance after retiring, you will be responsible for paying the premiums. These premiums will be calculated based on your age at the time of retirement.
• Consultation: For specific and up-to-date guidance tailored to your situation, it’s advisable to consult your agency's human resources office or the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). They can provide personalized assistance and address any questions you may have.

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FAQ

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What is a group life insurance policy?

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Group life insurance is a type of insurance that provides a death benefit to the beneficiaries of an insured employee if they die while employed by a specific organization. It's a common employee benefit that offers financial security to families in the event of an employee's untimely passing.

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How to claim group life insurance?

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• Notify the Employer or Association: As the policyholder, your employer or association is the primary contact for initiating a claim. Inform them of the insured person's death as soon as possible.
• Provide Necessary Documentation: Prepare and submit the required documents, which typically include:
• Death Certificate: A certified copy of the deceased person's death certificate.
• Claim Form: Complete the claim form provided by the insurance company or your employer.
• Proof of Relationship: If you are not the immediate beneficiary, you may need to provide proof of your relationship with the deceased.
• Supporting Documents: Depending on the circumstances, you may need to provide additional documents, such as medical records or autopsy reports.

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