This is the basic coverage that is received by all eligible employees unless it is waived. The BIA is calculated based on the employee’s Annual Basic Pay. The Basic Pay is rounded to the next $1,000, and an additional $2,000 is added. For example, if you do not elect optional coverage or waive your basic coverage, and you are employed as a GS-11 Step 1 in the Washington, DC locality, the BIA will be as follows:

Basic Pay = $62,467
Round up to nearest thousand = $63,000
Add $2,000 = $65,000 = BIA

Option A – $10,000 in addition to the BIA

Option B – Coverage up to 5 times employee’s salary

Option C – Family coverage; $5,000 for spouse and/or $2,500 for each dependent child with a selection of up to 5 multiples for the spouse and/or child

The cost of optional coverage varies. To determine costs prior to election, utilize the FEGLI calculator found here - FEGLI Calculator.

FEGLI Open Season occurs irregularly. Open seasons will be announced by OPM when they occur.

QLEs allow employees to elect coverage outside of open season up to 60 days after the event. QLEs for FEGLI include – Marriage, Divorce, Death of a Spouse, and the Birth or Adoption of a Child.

At any time, employees may cancel or decrease coverage using SF 2817.

FEGLI coverage will continue for up to 12 months in a non-pay status. Neither the employee nor the employer will incur costs associated with the coverage during these 12 months.

FEGLI coverage will continue for up to 24 months. For the first 12 months, there will be no cost to either the employee or the employer. After the first 12 months, the employee will pay the full cost of FEGLI coverage.

In order for retirees to continue FEGLI coverage, they must have been enrolled in FEGLI at least 5 years immediately preceding retirement in order to retain coverage as an annuitant. Various options must be designated by the retiree on the SF-2818 form.

Assignment of Insurance is the irrevocable transfer of ownership of the employee’s FEGLI coverage to another individual, corporation, or trustee. Employee will need to complete the RI 76-10 form in order to assign insurance to another party. Once the insurance has been assigned, the employee continues to pay premiums. Employees may wish to assign insurance in order to comply with court orders, name a former spouse as a beneficiary, pay off debts, or other reason.

Employees should fill out the SF-2823 form to designate beneficiaries. The total amount of designations must equal 100%. If this form is not on file, the order of precedence will be followed. Order of precedence is as follows:

1. Assignee of Insurance
2. Valid Court Order
3. Designated Beneficiary
4. Widow or widower
5. Children (and/or descendants of deceased children)
6. Parents
7. Executor, administrator of state
8. Next of kin (as determined by the local state authority)

Phone: 1-888-320-2917 (Option 4 for customer service representative)
TTY Phone: 1-866-328-9889
Hours: Monday thru Friday 0730-1930 (Eastern Time)

Login: [Click Here]