United States Government Life Insurance (USGLI)
Candlefocus EditorThe USGLI was a very generous program which provided life insurance coverage of up to $10,000. It was available to active military members, veterans, or even some civilian government employees who were on active duty. The plan was made available to enlisted personnel, officers and some non-enlisted personnel. The insurance was provided up to the age of 65, and covered burial and funeral costs in addition to death benefits.
In 1956 the USGLI was replaced by the Service Member Group Life Insurance program which provided additional coverage up to a maximum of $50,000. This coverage was available to any military personnel, including the reserves and National Guard, engaged in active duty, as well as veterans and some non-enlisted personnel.
Although the USGLI has now been replaced with the Service Member Group Life Insurance, it was a highly successful program that provided valuable financial assurance and protection to millions of service members and their dependents. The proceeds from the program were used to assist the war effort during World War I and in post-war recovery and reintegration. In addition, the concept of government sponsored life insurance has since been adopted by many other nations. The USGLI program set the precedents for other life insurance programs and continues to be a source of security for service members to this day.