Is federal life insurance a good deal?

Asked by: Gust Kuphal  |  Last update: February 11, 2022
Score: 4.6/5 (25 votes)

FEGLI life insurance is great for anyone who may be considered high risk life insurance due to a pre-existing condition. However, for everyone who is healthy, keeping FEGLI past age 50 may not make good financial sense. The good news is you can have both FEGLI and Private life insurance, if that option is best for you.

Is FEGLI a good option?

For many people, FEGLI is the best (or only) option available. If you are healthy and have a need for a higher level, though, it often makes sense to look elsewhere for an appropriate plan. If that is the case, be sure to leave your current FEGLI coverage in place until a new policy is issued and in force.

Should I keep FEGLI into retirement?

If you're 65 or older, retired, and held the coverage for at least 5 years, though, the remaining 25% of coverage stays in place at no cost. ... If you haven't caught the no-brainer yet, here it is: No one should irrevocably drop FEGLI-Basic in retirement.

How does federal life insurance work?

Unless they waive coverage, most Federal employees have Basic Life Insurance under the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance Program. Basic Life Insurance is equal to the actual rate of annual basic pay (rounded to the next $1,000) plus $2,000, or $10,000, whichever is greater.

How much is FEGLI death benefit?

It provides your beneficiaries with a $10,000 death benefit in the event of your death.

Is Life Insurance A Good Investment?

17 related questions found

Is FEGLI term or whole life?

FEGLI provides group term life insurance. As such, it does not build up any cash value or paid-up value. ... In most cases, if you are a new Federal employee, you are automatically covered by Basic life insurance and your payroll office deducts premiums from your paycheck unless you waive the coverage.

How long does it take to receive FEGLI death benefits?

How Long Does It Take for FEGLI to Pay? Federal Employee Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) death benefits should be paid by the insurance company within 30 days from the date a beneficiary filed a notice of claim and submitted all necessary supporting documents.

How much is federal basic life?

Basic life is based on your annual basic rate of pay, rounded up to the nearest $1,000, plus $2,000 (example: annual salary is $35,260, rounded up to $36,000 plus $2,000 equals $38,000). FEGLI insurance is a term insurance policy and has no cash value.

How much is OPM basic life?

Basic Insurance Premiums for Annuitants

All retirees pay for Basic life insurance until age 65. The premium is the same rate as that for active employees ($0.3250 monthly per $1,000). After age 65, Basic life insurance is free.

How can I increase my federal life insurance?

To enroll or increase your FEGLI coverage based on a life event, submit an SF 2817 to your human resources office within 60 days after the life event.

What happens to my federal life insurance when I turn 65?

* At age 65, premiums stop and the value of this coverage will decline at 2 percent per month for 50 months, at which time coverage will end, unless the retiree elects to keep the full amount of insurance in effect and continue paying premiums.

At what age does FEGLI end?

The requirements for continuing your FEGLI life insurance into retirement are explained in the FEGLI Handbook. If you meet the requirements, you must choose what will happen to your Basic when you turn 65 or retire, whichever is later.

What is FEGLI reduction?

75% Reduction: your Basic coverage reduces 2% each month until it reaches 25% of its pre-reduction amount. Your Basic is free (no premium) once the reductions begin and remains free until your death.

Do FEGLI premiums increase after retirement?

* The change in premiums is effective the first of the month following the month in which you reach age 65. After age 65, Basic life insurance is free for all retirees. The 50% and No Reduction premiums continue for life.

Is FEGLI tax deductible?

Premiums paid on group life insurance policies including FEGLI and individual life insurance policies a federal employee may own, are generally not deductible for income tax purposes. This is because the premiums paid on these policies are considered a personal expense and therefore are not tax-deductible.

What happens when a retired federal employee dies?

If an employee dies and no survivor annuity is payable based on his/her death, the retirement contributions remaining to the deceased person's credit in the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund, plus applicable interest, are payable. the laws in the deceased person's state of domicile.

What happens to my work life insurance when I retire?

Generally, if you have no other options, your life insurance coverage will end when you leave your job. That means you'll need to apply for new coverage (either at your new job or independently from a life company or broker) based on your current age and health status.

Are federal employees getting a raise in January 2021?

A 2.7% average federal pay raise is well above the 1% bump civilian employees received in 2021, but it falls below the 3.1% increase employees got back in 2020.

When can I change my federal life insurance?

Changing beneficiaries:

You can change beneficiaries at any time, without waiting for an open season. Submit an SF 2823 to your human resources office, or to OPM's Retirement Office if you have retired.

Are life insurance rates going up in 2022?

Monthly life insurance premiums remained steady entering the new year, according to Policygenius data, with a minimal increase from December 2021 to January 2022. Life insurance costs are lowest for young policyholders with low health risks, while rates tend to rise with a policyholder's age.

Did FEGLI rates go up in 2021?

ByEd Zurndorfer. Effective October 1, 2021, FEGLI life insurance premium rates will change for some types of coverages. In particular, premium rates for the FEGLI “basic” insurance for employees and annuitants (who elect to retain full “basic” Insurance into and throughout retirement) will increase. ... 1, 2021.

Are OPM benefits for life?

Yes, you can keep your existing basic life insurance coverage if you meet all of the following conditions: You're enrolled in basic life insurance under the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) program when you retire.

Who notifies OPM when a person dies?

Survivors, family, or estate representatives are required to notify OPM in the event of the benefit recipient's death. Life Events, such as marriage/divorce, death of spouse or reemployment can affect benefits and must be reported to OPM immediately. We can be contacted by email: retire@opm.gov.

What are OPM death benefits?

The spouse may be eligible for the Basic Employee Death Benefit, which is equal to 50% of the employee's final salary (average salary, if higher), plus $15,000 (increased by Civil Service Retirement System cost-of-living adjustments beginning 12/1/87).