SGLI was established in September, 1965, to provide group insurance coverage for
members on active duty in the uniformed services. Coverage has been extended to
Ready Reservists, Retired Reservists, members of the National Guard, ROTC members
while engaged in authorized training and service academy personnel. Initially,
maximum coverage was for $10,000. Subsequent legislation increased maximum
insurance coverage to $200,000, if the maximum coverage was opted for.

Application and payment for VGLI must be made to the OSGLI (Office of Servicemens
Group Life Insurance) within 120 days following separation. If application is not made
within 120 days, you can submit it within 1 year from the date SGLI coverage terminated
but you must be in acceptable health.

You have the option of renewing your VGLI coverage for an additional 5-year term at the
end of every 5-year coverage period. OSGLI will send you a renewal form to continue
coverage. The premium rate schedule for the new period will be based on your age at
the time of renewal. You may only renew up to the same amount of VGLI coverage you
currently have in force. To ensure your renewal, be sure to send the renewal application
and premium to OSGLI prior to the expiration of your current VGLI term.

The VA will pay up to $300 towards many veterans' funeral expenses, plus $150 for
interment or burial plot. (Additional information on this $150 benefit is listed below).
Most funeral directors must assist in filing with the VA for reimbursement of funeral
expenses. File VA Form 21-530.

The VA will pay a $150 plot or interment allowance if the requirements for the basic
allowance are met or the veteran was discharged from active duty because of disability
incurred or aggravated in line of duty and is not buried in a cemetery that is under U.S.
jurisdiction. The plot allowance is NOT payable if the veteran is buried in a national
cemetery. An American Flag is available to drape the casket of a veteran who was discharged
under conditions other than dishonorable. After the funeral service, the flag may be
given to the next of kin or a close associate of the deceased. Flags are issued at any
VA regional office, VA national cemetery and most local post offices. Headstones and
Markers - The VA provides headstones and markers for unmarked graves of veterans
and eligible dependents anywhere in the world. Flat bronze, flat granite and upright
marble types are available to mark the grave of a veteran or dependent in the style
consistent with existing monuments at the place of burial. Headstones: 1-800-697-6947.

Survivor's benefits are not paid automatically and claims must normally be filed
with the VA within two years of the veteran's death.

Families in the eastern half of the United States should send their insurance claim
to the VA Center, 5000 Wissahickon Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19101. Families in the
western half of the nation should send their insurance claim to the VA Center, Fort
Snelling, St. Paul, MN 55111.

For information or help in applying for veteran's benefits, write, call, or visit a veteran's
benefit counselor at the nearest VA regional office or VA hospital listed in the telephone
directory under U.S. Government. If there is no listing in your local area, call the VA
nationwide toll-free number 1-800-827-1000. The hearing impaired can call 1-800-829-4833.
The VA Insurance toll-free number is: 1-800-669-8477.



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