Why Was My SGLI Claim Denied?

SGLI claims are most often denied because of beneficiary disputes, missing or outdated designation forms, or questions about eligibility at the time of death. Unlike private life insurance, Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance is governed by federal law and follows strict rules.

A denial does not necessarily mean the benefits are lost. Many denied SGLI claims can be resolved.

Common Reasons SGLI Claims Are Denied

The most frequent reasons for SGLI claim denials include:

• Conflicting beneficiary claims
• Outdated or missing beneficiary designation forms
• Allegations that the servicemember changed beneficiaries
• Administrative errors in military records
• Questions about coverage status or eligibility

Denials often arise when multiple people believe they are entitled to the same benefit.

Beneficiary Designation Controls SGLI Benefits

SGLI pays benefits strictly according to the most recent valid beneficiary designation on file. Verbal promises, divorce agreements, wills, or family expectations generally do not override the designation.

Disputes frequently occur when:
• An ex spouse remains listed as beneficiary
• A new spouse believes they should receive the benefit
• Children or parents challenge the designation

Federal law controls how these conflicts are resolved.

Missing or Incomplete Forms

Some SGLI denials are based on claims that:

• A beneficiary form was never properly submitted
• The form was incomplete or improperly witnessed
• Military records do not reflect the intended change

These cases often require close review of service records and administrative history.

Does SGLI Ever Deny Claims for Cause of Death?

SGLI is more limited in exclusions than private policies. Most causes of death are covered. Denials based on cause of death are uncommon and usually involve questions of eligibility rather than exclusions.

When they occur, they should be carefully examined.

Does a Denial Mean the SGLI Claim Is Over?

No. Many SGLI denials are resolved after further review, clarification of records, or legal intervention. Denials often reflect unresolved disputes rather than a final determination.

What to Do After an SGLI Claim Is Denied

If an SGLI claim has been denied:

• Obtain the denial explanation and SGLI records
• Request copies of beneficiary designation forms
• Preserve all military and administrative documents
• Avoid assumptions based on family expectations
• Seek guidance before responding to the denial

SGLI disputes often turn on technical details.

Related Guidance

For more information about handling military life insurance disputes, see our Denied SGLI Claim page, and our Why Was My SGLI Claim Denied?

SGLI claims are most often denied because of beneficiary disputes, missing or outdated designation forms, or questions about eligibility at the time of death. Unlike private life insurance, Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance is governed by federal law and follows strict rules.

A denial does not necessarily mean the benefits are lost. Many denied SGLI claims can be resolved.

Common Reasons SGLI Claims Are Denied

The most frequent reasons for SGLI claim denials include:

• Conflicting beneficiary claims
• Outdated or missing beneficiary designation forms
• Allegations that the servicemember changed beneficiaries
• Administrative errors in military records
• Questions about coverage status or eligibility

Denials often arise when multiple people believe they are entitled to the same benefit.

Beneficiary Designation Controls SGLI Benefits

SGLI pays benefits strictly according to the most recent valid beneficiary designation on file. Verbal promises, divorce agreements, wills, or family expectations generally do not override the designation.

Disputes frequently occur when:
• An ex spouse remains listed as beneficiary
• A new spouse believes they should receive the benefit
• Children or parents challenge the designation

Federal law controls how these conflicts are resolved.

Missing or Incomplete Forms

Some SGLI denials are based on claims that:

• A beneficiary form was never properly submitted
• The form was incomplete or improperly witnessed
• Military records do not reflect the intended change

These cases often require close review of service records and administrative history.

Does SGLI Ever Deny Claims for Cause of Death?

SGLI is more limited in exclusions than private policies. Most causes of death are covered. Denials based on cause of death are uncommon and usually involve questions of eligibility rather than exclusions.

When they occur, they should be carefully examined.

Does a Denial Mean the SGLI Claim Is Over?

No. Many SGLI denials are resolved after further review, clarification of records, or legal intervention. Denials often reflect unresolved disputes rather than a final determination.

What to Do After an SGLI Claim Is Denied

If an SGLI claim has been denied:

• Obtain the denial explanation and SGLI records
• Request copies of beneficiary designation forms
• Preserve all military and administrative documents
• Avoid assumptions based on family expectations
• Seek guidance before responding to the denial

SGLI disputes often turn on technical details.

Related Guidance

For more information about handling military life insurance disputes, see our Denied SGLI Claim page, and our Denied SGLI Claim Fact Sheet.

If a Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance claim has been denied, it may still be possible to secure the benefit through proper review and action.