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.
Federal Pay Raise in 2026 Unlikely; Trump Expected to Affirm Decision by End of Month
DoD Announces Civilian Volunteer Detail in Support of Immigration Enforcement
Urban Policing Order Calls for Hiring Federal LEOs, Deputized Guard Unit
Ruling on CFPB Job Cuts Could Affect Challenges to Other RIFs and Reorgs
Schnitzer: How to Challenge a Federal Reduction in Force (RIF) in 2025
See also
Attorney Schnitzer: How to Challenge a Federal Reduction in Force (RIF) in 2025
Alternative Federal Retirement Options; With Chart
Primer: Early out, buyout, reduction in force (RIF)
Retention Standing, ‘Bump and Retreat’ and More: Report Outlines RIF Process
