Does Military Life Insurance Pay for Suicidal Death?
The topic of suicide and military life insurance is a complex and sensitive one. While suicide is a tragedy that can affect anyone, regardless of profession or background, it is particularly devastating when it occurs within the military community. Military personnel and their families rely on life insurance policies to provide financial security in the event of an untimely death. But what happens when the cause of death is suicide?
Does Military Life Insurance Pay for Suicidal Death?
Short Answer: No, military life insurance does not pay for suicidal death. At least, not immediately.
Long Answer: The Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (SGLI) is a program administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs that provides life insurance coverage to eligible military personnel. In the event of a military member’s death, their family can file a claim to receive a payment.
However, SGLI does not pay benefits if the death is due to self-inflicted wounds or suicide. The program’s terms and conditions state that suicide is excluded from coverage, and that benefits will not be paid if the death is found to be self-inflicted.
What Happens to the Policy?
If a military member takes their own life, the SGLI policy does not automatically terminate. Instead, the policy remains in effect, and the survivor (usually the spouse or children) can continue to receive coverage.
Recovery of Benefits
If the death is determined to be suicidal, the VA will attempt to recover the benefits paid out by SGLI. The VA has the right to recover the amount of the benefit paid out plus interest, which can add up quickly.
Families Affected
Families who have lost a loved one to suicide can face significant financial burdens as a result of the SGLI policy’s suicide exclusion. In the first year after a loved one’s death, survivors may receive a payment from SGLI, but it will be significantly less than the full benefit.
Breaking Down the SGLI Benefit Structure
| Benefit | Payment |
|---|---|
| Full SGLI Benefit | $400,000 |
| Reduced Benefit (First Year) | $100,000 |
Reduced Benefit Example
Let’s say John, a 30-year-old military member, dies by suicide. His SGLI policy pays a full benefit of $400,000 to his wife and children. However, the VA will attempt to recover the full benefit amount plus interest.
Advocacy Efforts
In recent years, there has been growing advocacy to change the SGLI policy’s suicide exclusion. Some argue that paying benefits for suicidal death can help reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues and encourage service members to seek help without fear of financial consequences.
What Can Be Done?
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, it’s essential to seek help immediately. Call the Military Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1) or text 838255.
Additionally, there are efforts underway to improve mental health care within the military community. The VA has expanded mental health services and established the Military Crisis Line to provide support to service members and their families.
Conclusion
While military life insurance does not immediately pay for suicidal death, the situation is complex, and families affected by suicide may still receive some benefit. Advocacy efforts are underway to change the SGLI policy’s suicide exclusion, but for now, it remains in place.
