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Introduction:
Almost everyone needs some life insurance. Through the Federal
Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Program, the Federal
Government offers you an opportunity to participate in this group
plan which offers low rates and the convenience of payment
through payroll deduction. In addition, the Government pays
one-third of the cost of your Basic Life Insurance. Most Federal
employees are eligible to enroll in the FEGLI Program. If you
have a question concerning your eligibility, contact the Office of Personnel and
Benefits. Participation is entirely voluntary. However, if
you are eligible, you are automatically covered for
Basic Life unless you waive this coverage.
Your decision to elect or waive life insurance coverage should be
based on your evaluation of your personal and family situation
and needs, your existing insurance coverage, and your short and
long term plans. If you elect FEGLI coverage, you may cancel your
coverage at any time. Questions regarding your insurance should
be directed to the Office
of Personnel and Benefits or if you are retired, to the
Office of Personnel Management.
You are eligible if your employing office has indicated that you are permanent or part-time on your Payroll Authorization Form (temporary and DC interns are not eligible for benefits). Please consult your Payroll Counselor in the Office of Finance for your designation.
New employees that are eligible are automatically enrolled in Basic Life Insurance under the Federal Employees Group Life Insurance Program (FEGLI). In order to avoid automatic enrollment a completed SF2817 Life Insurance Election Form must be submitted within 31-days of the date of employment, or within 31 days of the date the employee becomes eligible for benefits. If a completed SF2817 is not submitted to the Office of Personnel and Benefits within that time period, deductions will be withheld from the employees pay.
If after April 1, 1981, an employeehas filed a Life Insurance Election Form with any Federal agency (including the House or Senate), the same level of coverage or waiver is reinstated effective the date of appointment, unless there has been a break in service of 180 days or more. In that case, employees must file a new life insurance election form to elect optional insurance.
You may voluntarily cancel your life insurance at any time by submitting a complete SF2817 to the Office of Personnel and Benefits. Cancellation of basic life insurance and optional life insurance takes effect at the end of the month in which the SF2817 is received by the Office of Personnel and Benefits. Important considerations before waiving your life insurance coverage are:
It is recommended that before a decision is made to elect a waiver of the FEGLI coverage that you read the section "Conditions for changing election".
As a separated employee, your FEGLI life insurance coverage terminates on the effective date of your separation. There is an automatic 31-day extension of coverage beyond that date.
The cost of Life insurance varies for every employee because it is based on both the individuals salary and age. In order to find out what the cost would be for you it is recommended that you contact the Office of Personnel and Benefits, or use the worksheet "Basic Life Insurance Coverage".