FEGLI Life Insurance,
understood clearly.
The Federal Employees Group Life Insurance program offers Basic coverage plus three optional tiers. Choosing the right combination at retirement — and knowing what it will cost as you age — is one of the most important decisions you'll make before leaving federal service.
How FEGLI
works.
FEGLI provides group term life insurance — policies that do not build cash or paid-up value. Basic coverage is automatic for most employees; the three Optional tiers are voluntary and must be elected. You must carry Basic insurance to elect any of the Optional coverages.
The government shares the cost of Basic insurance with you — paying 1/3 while you pay 2/3 of the total premium. Critically, your Basic insurance cost is not affected by your age. The Optional coverages are entirely your cost, and their premiums are age-based — they get significantly more expensive after age 55.
Claims are processed and paid by the Office of Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (OFEGLI), a private entity under contract with the federal government. Beneficiaries must submit a claim to OFEGLI — survivors can call 1-800-633-4542 to follow up on submitted claims.
Evaluate your insurance needs carefully before retirement — you cannot increase your coverage after retiring, or reinstate any coverage you cancel.
Employees must be careful to select affordable coverage levels before making their retirement election. Optional coverage costs — especially Option B multiples — can become prohibitively expensive in later years. Many retirees find that canceling optional coverage and securing private term insurance is more cost-effective by their mid-50s.
Basic, A, B
& C explained.
FEGLI offers four coverage tiers. Basic is automatic; Options A, B, and C are voluntary. Each has a distinct structure, cost basis, and retirement reduction election. Understanding all four before you retire is essential.
The cost of Option B
over time.
Option B with no reduction can feel manageable at retirement — then become a serious budget problem 15 years later. This table shows the real monthly cost of $300,000 coverage (5 multiples on $60,000 base pay) at each age band.
| Age band | Rate per $1,000 | Monthly cost on $300K coverage | Annual cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| At retirement (under 65) | Varies by age | Lower — see FEGLI rate charts | — |
| Age 65–69 | $1.04 | $312.00 | $3,744 |
| Age 70–74 | $1.863 | $558.90 | $6,707 |
| Age 75–79 | $3.90 | $1,170.00 | $14,040 |
| Age 80+ | $6.24 | $1,872.00 | $22,464 |
Estimate your retirement income needs.
Use this calculator to project your TSP balance and retirement income — helping you determine how much FEGLI coverage you'll actually need in retirement.
Federal Retirement
TSP Annuity Calculator
Estimate what your monthly TSP annuity payment could look like based on your age, annuity amount, payout type, and selected features. This step-by-step calculator helps you explore your options and see a personalized estimate. Enter your information below to get started.
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Living benefits, cancellations
& contacting OFEGLI.
Living Benefit option — terminal illness
If you are diagnosed as terminally ill with a documented medical prognosis of no more than nine months to live, you can elect to receive a lump sum Living Benefit equal to your Basic Life insurance amount (plus any Extra Benefit if under age 45).
Employees may elect a full or partial Living Benefit. Annuitants and compensationers are limited to a full Living Benefit only. Living Benefit payments are reduced by 4.9% to account for lost earnings to the Life Insurance Fund from early payment. Electing a Living Benefit does not affect Optional insurance — premiums for Optional coverage must still be paid.
To apply: Contact OFEGLI at 1-800-633-4542 to obtain Form FE-8. This form is not available from your HR office or OPM. A customer service representative will process your claim by phone and mail you the form to complete. You cannot elect a Living Benefit if you have assigned your life insurance policy.
Canceling Basic or Optional coverage in retirement
Federal retirees may cancel Basic or Optional life insurance coverage at any time — unless they have assigned their life insurance. Any cancellation or reduction must be in writing with an original signature by the insured retiree.
Your written request must include your retirement claim number (CSA number) or Social Security number and specify exactly what action you want taken. Include the completed SF-2817 election form with your written request. Mail to:
U.S. Office of Personnel ManagementRetirement Operations Center
P.O. Box 45
Boyers, PA 16017-0045
Contacting OFEGLI
The Office of Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (OFEGLI) processes and pays all FEGLI claims. Contact OFEGLI to report a death, submit a claim, request Living Benefit forms, or get assistance with your coverage.
OFEGLI contact information
Phone: 1-800-633-4542
Mailing address: OFEGLI, P.O. Box 6080, Scranton, PA 18505-6080
For annuitants (OPM): U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Retirement Operations Center, Post Office Box 45, Boyers, PA 16017
Note: Insurance companies that replace or change an existing FEGLI policy must notify OPM (for annuitants) or the employee's personnel office (for active employees).
FEGLI forms
& further reading.
Official OPM publications, election forms, rate charts, and guidance for evaluating and managing your FEGLI coverage.