State Sponsored Life Insurance (SSLI)
Low-cost group term life insurance created exclusively for National Guard members and families. Coverage up to $250,000 with no medical exam, no war/terrorism exclusions, and stays with you after you separate.
Who qualifies: National Guard · Army, Air Force.
**What SSLI Is**
State Sponsored Life Insurance (SSLI) is a group term life insurance program created exclusively for National Guard members and their dependents. It was established under U.S. Public Law 93-289 (May 24, 1974) to encourage people to join and remain in the National Guard. It is offered through state National Guard associations (most commonly administered by AFBA) and exists in all 50 states and 4 territories.
**How SSLI Differs From SGLI**
• SGLI is the federal coverage automatically tied to your active/drilling status. SSLI is supplemental coverage you elect through your state Guard association.
• SSLI premiums are typically very low group rates and the coverage is portable — it stays with you after you separate or retire (SGLI converts to VGLI on separation, often at higher cost).
• SSLI can cover your spouse and children too.
**Coverage Features**
• Coverage amounts commonly range from $5,000 up to $250,000
• No medical exam up to age 50 for $250,000 (up to age 60 for $100,000)
• Covered on AND off duty — no hazardous-duty, line-of-duty, or occupational restrictions
• No war or terrorism exclusions (unlike many commercial policies)
• $1,000 non-contributory survivor benefit for active Guard members, paid by your state association at no cost to you
**Emergency Death Benefit (EDB)**
After you have held coverage for two years, up to $15,000 of the total death benefit can be released quickly to your beneficiary as an Emergency Death Benefit — providing immediate funds for funeral and short-term costs while the full claim is processed.
**After You Separate**
When you retire or separate from the Guard, you can continue SSLI coverage for yourself and your family as long as you keep paying premiums — making it a valuable bridge that doesn't disappear when your service ends.
**How to Enroll**
Contact your state's National Guard Association to enroll. Premiums are simple to pay through payroll deduction (allotment) or direct billing.