Fill out SF-2823 (Designation of Beneficiary - FEGLI) online
Standard Form 2823 (SF-2823) allows federal employees and annuitants covered under the Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Program to designate one or more beneficiaries to receive their life insurance proceeds. Without a designation, proceeds are paid in the default order of precedence established by law.
How to fill out SF-2823 (Designation of Beneficiary - FEGLI)
Enter insured person information
Provide your name, Social Security number, date of birth, employing agency or retirement claim number, and contact information.
Designate your beneficiary or beneficiaries
List each beneficiary full legal name, relationship to you, date of birth, Social Security number (optional but recommended), and address. Specify the share (percentage or fraction) each beneficiary should receive. You may designate individuals, trusts, or organizations.
Designate contingent beneficiaries if desired
Optionally list contingent (secondary) beneficiaries who will receive proceeds if your primary beneficiary or beneficiaries predecease you or are unable to receive the benefits.
Sign before two witnesses
Sign and date the form in the presence of two witnesses who are at least 18 years old. Both witnesses must also sign and provide their addresses. The witnesses should not be named as beneficiaries.
About SF-2823 (Designation of Beneficiary - FEGLI)
Who needs this form
Federal employees and retirees with FEGLI coverage who want to direct their life insurance proceeds to specific individuals, trusts, or organizations rather than relying on the default order of precedence (spouse, children, parents, executor, next of kin).
Where to submit
Submit the original signed form to your employing agency human resources or benefits office. Annuitants submit to OPM Retirement Operations. Keep a copy for your records and inform your beneficiaries.
Source and content freshness
- Reviewed: 2026-02-16
- Filing deadlines may shift for weekends and holidays. Verify due dates with official instructions.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not updating the designation after major life events (marriage, divorce, birth of a child)
- Not specifying the percentage or fraction each beneficiary should receive
- Using vague descriptions instead of full legal names for beneficiaries
- Forgetting to sign the form in the presence of two witnesses (both witnesses must also sign)
Frequently asked questions
Is this form free to fill out?
Yes. SimplePDF lets you fill out any PDF form for free, directly in your browser. No account required. For team and business features, see our pricing plans.
Do I need to create an account?
No. You can fill out and download the form without creating an account or signing up.
Is my data secure?
SimplePDF is not a covered entity under HIPAA. Documents are processed entirely in the user's browser and never transit via SimplePDF's servers, on any plan. Read our privacy policy for more details.
Is this legal, tax, or immigration advice?
No. SimplePDF provides form-filling tools and general informational content, not professional advice. Verify requirements with official instructions or a qualified professional.
Can I share a direct link to this form?
Yes! You can create a direct link to any PDF by prefixing its URL with simplepdf.com/. For example: simplepdf.com/https://example.com/form.pdf. Anyone who opens the link can fill out the form immediately in their browser. You can also embed the editor in your own website.
What happens if I do not file an SF-2823?
If no valid designation is on file, FEGLI proceeds are paid in the default order of precedence established by law: (1) to your surviving spouse, (2) to your children in equal shares, (3) to your parents in equal shares, (4) to the executor or administrator of your estate, (5) to your next of kin under the laws of the state where you lived. See your FEGLI election (SF-2817) for coverage details.
SimplePDF provides a tool to fill out PDF forms. We are not affiliated with any government agency or form issuer. It is your responsibility to verify the accuracy and completeness of any information entered. SimplePDF is not liable for errors, omissions, or consequences resulting from the use of filled-out forms.