Fill out VA 29-8636 (Application for Veterans' Group Life Insurance) online
VA Form 29-8636 is the application for Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI), a program that allows veterans to convert their Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) coverage to a renewable term life insurance policy after separating from military service. VGLI coverage can be kept for life regardless of health changes.
How to fill out VA 29-8636 (Application for Veterans' Group Life Insurance)
Enter veteran information
Provide your name, Social Security number, date of birth, address, phone number, email, branch of service, and date of separation from the military.
Select your coverage amount
Choose your VGLI coverage amount. You can elect coverage up to the amount of SGLI you had when you separated, in $10,000 increments. Maximum coverage is $400,000.
Complete health questions if applicable
If you are applying more than 240 days after separation, complete the health questions section. Applications within 240 days of separation are approved regardless of health status.
Select payment method and submit
Choose your premium payment frequency (monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually) and payment method. Sign and date the form and submit to OSGLI.
About VA 29-8636 (Application for Veterans' Group Life Insurance)
Who needs this form
Veterans who had SGLI coverage and want to continue life insurance after separating from the military. Members of the Ready Reserve and National Guard who have part-time SGLI and are no longer eligible for full-time SGLI are also eligible.
Where to submit
Submit to the Office of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (OSGLI) at the address on the form, or apply online at benefits.va.gov/insurance. Applications within 240 days of separation do not require evidence of good health. Applications after 240 days but within 1 year and 120 days require evidence of insurability.
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
- Missing the 240-day window for guaranteed approval without health questions
- Not realizing that VGLI premiums increase every 5 years as you age
- Applying for more coverage than the SGLI amount you had at separation (not permitted)
- Not applying within 1 year and 120 days of separation (after this deadline, you lose eligibility)
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.
How much does VGLI cost?
VGLI premiums are based on your age and the amount of coverage you select. Premiums increase every 5 years as you enter a new age bracket. For example, a 30-year-old veteran with $400,000 in coverage pays less per month than a 50-year-old with the same coverage. Current premium rates are available at benefits.va.gov/insurance. See also SGLV 8286 for active-duty SGLI coverage.
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.