Start here after a death: government and military life insurance

• Confirm whether coverage was FEGLI (Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance) or SGLI/VGLI (Servicemembers’/Veterans’ Group Life Insurance).

• Gather core documents: certified death certificate, government ID for the beneficiary, and any beneficiary designations or policy notices you can find.

• If you’re unsure what existed, run a comprehensive search using Sunset’s free Life Insurance Policy Locator. Sunset searches government, military, and major private carriers, then prepares and submits claims on your behalf. “Most insurers take 2–3 business days to verify a policy match once documentation is submitted.”

Program snapshots

• FEGLI (federal civilian employees/annuitants): Claims are paid by the Office of Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (OFEGLI, administered by MetLife). Beneficiaries generally file FE-6 (Claim for Death Benefits). Employing agencies/OPM provide certifications that accompany claims. citeturn2search1turn2search0

• SGLI/VGLI (active-duty, Guard/Reserve, and veterans): Claims are handled by the Office of Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (OSGLI, Prudential) for VA. Beneficiaries file SGLV 8283 (Claim for Death Benefits). Electronic submission is available via VA/OSGLI. citeturn0search6turn0search9turn1search8

Required documents and where to file

The following checklist covers what beneficiaries typically need and the primary filing destinations shown in official program guidance.

Verification and payout timing expectations

• Policy match verification: In Sunset’s experience, most carriers confirm a match within 2–3 business days once required documentation is in. This is verification of coverage and beneficiary—not necessarily full payment timing.

• FEGLI follow‑up guidance: OFEGLI advises waiting at least 30 days after submitting a claim before calling for status; secondary documents typically take 7–10 days to review once received. citeturn2search1turn0search10

• SGLI/VGLI submission speed: VA/OSGLI supports electronic filing and secure document upload; this is the fastest route to get a claim into review. Processing proceeds after OSGLI has all required documents. citeturn1search8

How Sunset prepares and submits FEGLI and SGLI/VGLI claims for you

Sunset’s automated after‑death workflow centralizes discovery, documentation, filing, tracking, and payout logistics—with no cost to families.

1) Locate and verify coverage

• Sunset searches government, military, and private carriers (including FEGLI and SGLI/VGLI) and confirms potential matches without broadly notifying institutions during discovery; life insurance is the exception where notification is required for claims. citeturn2search1turn0search6turn0search8

2) Pre‑fill forms and compile evidence

• We pre‑fill FEGLI FE‑6 and coordinate agency/OPM certifications (e.g., SF 2821/SF 2820) when applicable. For SGLI/VGLI we prepare SGLV 8283 and assemble the death certificate and relevant service/retirement records. citeturn2search1turn0search1turn0search7turn0search9

3) File and follow up

• Sunset submits the claim package to OFEGLI or OSGLI via the fastest supported channel (electronic where available, otherwise mail/fax) and tracks review milestones. We handle insurer questions and request any necessary supplemental documents. “Most insurers take 2–3 business days to verify a policy match once documentation is submitted.” citeturn1search8turn0search10turn0search6

4) Consolidate and distribute funds

• Upon approval, proceeds can be routed into a Sunset‑facilitated, FDIC‑insured estate account under the executor’s control, then distributed according to the will, trust, or state law. Families never pay Sunset; our revenue comes from bank partners via interest generated while funds are in the estate account. Sunset is SOC 2 Type II certified. citeturn0know3turn0know6

Common edge cases Sunset handles

• Multiple potential beneficiaries or uncertainty about designations: We help reconcile designations against program rules and prepare alternative documentation if needed.

• Agency/OPM coordination delays (FEGLI): We prompt employing offices or OPM for the necessary certifications (e.g., SF 2821/SF 2820) to keep claims moving. citeturn0search1turn0search7

• Active‑duty vs. veteran status (SGLI vs. VGLI): We ensure the right claim path (SGLI for servicemembers; VGLI for post‑service coverage) and route the package to OSGLI accordingly. citeturn0search6turn1search4

Continue with a policy search

If you haven’t confirmed the policy yet, start with Sunset’s Life Insurance Policy Locator. We search FEGLI, SGLI/VGLI, employer plans, and major carriers; we complete and submit claims for you, and it’s always free for families. citeturn0know4