Can my command team force me to change how much my NOK receives from SGLI?

2017-04-06T08:40:06-04:00

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2017 8:45 AM

2017-04-06T08:45:45-04:00

Nope. SGLI is entirely voluntary. Prior to my second deployment, we had a guy choose to not participate. He was strongly urged, but apparently he didn't like any of his relatives, so why give them money? Nothing anyone could do about it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2017 8:53 AM

2017-04-06T08:53:56-04:00

I've had people try and sway my decision in the past, but in the end it's a voluntary thing and it's all your choice who it goes to.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2017 9:51 AM

2017-04-06T09:51:18-04:00

No, they cannot. They can certainly recommend, but that's pretty much it.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2017 10:43 AM

2017-04-06T10:43:17-04:00

Absolutely not, that is your decision and your decision alone.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2017 1:28 PM

2017-04-06T13:28:47-04:00

Response by SGT Matthew S. made Apr 6 at 2017 1:37 PM

2017-04-06T13:37:16-04:00

Not that I'm aware of. Last I knew, your name was the only one on the insurance policy, not theirs.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2017 1:46 PM

2017-04-06T13:46:53-04:00

I agree with the resounding no's unless there has been a court order. If that exists and was brought to the attention of command they may have some concern.

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Apr 6 at 2017 2:27 PM

2017-04-06T14:27:40-04:00

Nope...personal decision and if your commander is the one forcing the issue go to the IG!!! That is an unlawful order in my book.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2017 3:04 PM

2017-04-06T15:04:35-04:00

There's a story there that I'm interested to hear. I've only seen an NCO recommend it once. A SM was allocating 80% to his "friend" when he was married.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Apr 6 at 2017 5:14 PM

2017-04-06T17:14:13-04:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member, SGLI is life insurance and it's up to the owner of the policy to designate the beneficiary. Outside of a court decree (such as a divorce and the court requires you to name your child as a beneficiary, etc.), no one can tell you who to designate as a beneficiary. GySgt Stephen Anderson Capt Private RallyPoint Member

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2017 11:18 PM

2017-04-06T23:18:25-04:00

Issue was resolved it was a misunderstanding. Everything is all good now. Thanks for the advice everyone.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2017 8:44 AM

2017-04-07T08:44:12-04:00

No, its your SGLI.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2017 5:52 PM

2017-04-09T17:52:50-04:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member the only thing I am tracking is the notification piece (see below). They cannot force you to accept, decline, change beneficiary, or how much each person gets. They can suggest but they is all.

https://www.loc.gov/rr/frd/Military_Law/pdf/Survivor-Benefits.pdf
6. Notice Requirements (38 U.S.C.S. § 1967(f)).
a. If a member with a spouse elects not to be insured or to be insured for an amount less than the maximum amount, then the spouse shall be notified.
b. If member who is not married elects not to be insured or to be insured in an amount less than the maximum amount, then a person designated as a beneficiary or as next-of-kin for purposes of emergency notification shall be notified of the member’s insurance
election.
c. A member with a spouse may not modify beneficiaries without providing notice of such modification to the spouse.

Survivor-Benefits.pdf

Response by LCpl Ferdinand Hughes made May 4 at 2017 12:16 PM

2017-05-04T12:16:36-04:00

You can designate it to whomever you want, but keep in mind, if you are married and you elect not to give it to your spouse 100% then a letter is generated by the command and mailed to the spouse has a notification of not receiving 100% of the SGLI. Same goes for the Death Gratuity.