In accordance with P.L. 116-315, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will launch Veterans Affairs Life Insurance (VALife) on Jan. 1, 2023.
VALife is a guaranteed acceptance, whole life insurance program which provides up to $40,000 of coverage to service-connected Veterans age 80 and under. There is no time limit to apply before age 81 and no medical exams or questionnaires are required for enrollment. Veterans age 81 and older my apply for VALife within two years of receiving notification of a new service-connected disability rating if they applied for VA disability compensation before age 81 and received a new service-connected disability rating after turning 81.
Due to the absence of medical requirements, there is a two-year waiting period before the full-face value of the policy takes effect. If a Veteran passes away during the initial two-year waiting period, the named beneficiary will receive all Veteran paid premiums plus interest.
Enrollment into VALife can be easily completed online and applicants will receive an instant decision on their submission. Premium rates for VALife are based on age and will not increase for the life of the policy. Once enrolled, VALife requires payment as there is no waiver of premiums, loans, optional riders or dividend distribution.
Veterans enrolled in the Service-Disabled Veterans Life Insurance (S-DVI) program have the option to switch to VALife. Veterans may not carry both policies beyond Dec. 31, 2025, or the first two years under VALife, whichever occurs first. S-DVI coverage for Veterans currently enrolled in S-DVI, who apply for VALife after Dec. 31, 2025, will end the day they enroll in VALife and the two-year waiting period for VALife will begin.
More information regarding VA life insurance programs can be found at https://www.va.gov/life-insurance. Enrollment and additional information about VALife can be found at: www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/valife.asp.
As VSOs, you are critical partners in helping to spread the word regarding this exciting new program. Thank you for your support and service to our Nation’s Veterans.
I wish you and your family a very Happy and Healthy New Year.
