If you newly enroll in or increase your coverage due to a qualifying life event, you will be required to provide the reason for the change in coverage and documentation. Image: Song_about_summer/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffCoverage levels typically change little for federal employees under the FEGLI life insurance program, which—unlike the FEHB health insurance and FEDVIP vision-dental insurance programs—holds only sporadic open seasons.
However, don’t neglect the possibility of changing FEGLI if you encounter a “qualifying life event”—marriage, divorce, the death of your spouse, or the birth or adoption of a child—that changes your family situation.
If you newly enroll in or increase your coverage due to a qualifying life event, you will be required to provide the reason for the change in coverage and documentation to support that change.
Examples of supporting documentation would be a copy of a marriage certificate, death certificate, divorce decree (first and last page only), birth certificate of a child or of a stepchild acquired due to marriage, adoption papers, or a signed affidavit explaining the reason for the change.
Many agencies operate automated benefits systems that have their own rules regarding documentation, so if using one of those, check the requirements. For example, they might accept a copy of the marriage certificate issued by the presiding official or, in the case of a birth, the certificate issued by the hospital or midwife.
Or, if the new family member is a foster child, you must submit a foster child statement.
If you already have Basic, you may elect Option B and/or Option C, or increase your multiples of Option B and/or Option C, within 60 days of experiencing a qualifying life event.
5 Steps to Protect Your Federal Job During the Shutdown
Over 30K TSP Accounts Have Crossed the Million Mark in 2025
The Best Ages for Federal Employees to Retire
Best States to Retire for Federal Retirees: 2025
Primer: Early out, buyout, reduction in force (RIF)
See also,
OPM Guidance Addresses Pay Issues arising During, After Shutdown
