Frequently Asked Questions About FEGLI

The questions we hear most often, organized by topic. If your situation is not covered here, the case evaluation form below is the fastest way to get our answer.

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    1. FEGLI Basics

    The threshold questions about what FEGLI is, who runs it, and what law applies.

    What is FEGLI?

    FEGLI is the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance Program — the largest group life insurance program in the world. It provides life insurance and accidental death coverage to most federal civilian employees, certain U.S. Postal Service employees, and many federal annuitants.

    Who administers FEGLI?

    FEGLI is created by federal statute and overseen by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Day-to-day claims administration and benefit payments are handled by MetLife through its Office of Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance, known as OFEGLI.

    Is OFEGLI the same as MetLife?

    Yes. OFEGLI is the office within MetLife that handles all FEGLI claims under MetLife's federal contract. When a denial letter says "OFEGLI," the company writing it is MetLife.

    Does OPM make FEGLI claim decisions?

    Generally, no. OPM sets program rules and publishes the FEGLI Handbook. MetLife/OFEGLI decides individual claims and pays benefits.

    Is FEGLI governed by federal or state law?

    Federal law. FEGLI is governed by FEGLIA — the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance Act, codified at 5 U.S.C. §§ 8701–8716 — and the FEGLI Handbook published by OPM. Most conflicting state law is preempted. Learn about Federal Preemption of State Law in Section 9 below.

    Who is eligible for FEGLI coverage?

    Most federal civilian employees in eligible positions are automatically enrolled in Basic FEGLI coverage when hired, unless they decline. Optional coverage (Options A, B, and C) requires affirmative election within specified windows.

    Does FEGLI continue after retirement?

    It can. Retiring federal employees who meet certain conditions — generally including five years of continuous coverage immediately before retirement — may continue FEGLI Basic and Optional coverage into retirement. The continuation rules are detailed and have hard election deadlines at separation.

    What is FEGLIA?

    FEGLIA is the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance Act — the federal statute that creates and governs FEGLI. It is the source of the federal preemption that controls most FEGLI disputes.

    2. FEGLI Coverage Types

    Basic and the three optional layers — what each covers, and why it matters at claim time.

    What is the FEGLI Basic Insurance Amount (BIA)?

    The Basic Insurance Amount is equal to the employee's annual basic pay rounded up to the next $1,000, plus an additional $2,000. For employees under age 45, the BIA is multiplied by an "extra benefit" age factor for no additional cost.

    What is FEGLI Option A — Standard?

    Option A is a flat additional $10,000 of life insurance on top of Basic. It is the simplest of the optional FEGLI coverages and includes its own AD&D rider for active employees.

    What is FEGLI Option B — Additional?

    Option B is additional life insurance equal to one, two, three, four, or five times the employee's annual basic pay (rounded up to the next $1,000). The employee elects the multiplier.

    What is FEGLI Option C — Family?

    Option C is family coverage on the employee's eligible spouse and unmarried dependent children under age 22. The employee elects between one and five multiples of coverage; each multiple equals $5,000 on a spouse and $2,500 on each eligible child.

    What is the FEGLI AD&D rider?

    The FEGLI Accidental Death & Dismemberment rider is included with Basic and Option A for active employees. It pays an additional benefit if the employee's death or qualifying injury results from an accident, as defined in the FEGLI Handbook. The AD&D rider does not apply to retirees. (Go to FEGLI Claims for AD&D denial defenses.)

    What are FEGLI Living Benefits?

    A FEGLI Living Benefit allows an insured employee or annuitant who is terminally ill with a life expectancy of nine months or less to receive all or part of the Basic Insurance Amount during their lifetime. The election is irrevocable and reduces the death benefit accordingly.

    Can I increase or decrease my FEGLI coverage?

    Yes, within limits. Open seasons, qualifying life events (marriage, divorce, birth, adoption), and certain age-related events allow increases. Decreases and cancellations can typically be made at any time on the proper OPM form.

    Does FEGLI cover suicide?

    FEGLI does not contain a general suicide exclusion in the way most private group life policies do. However, suicide is generally not considered an accident for AD&D purposes — meaning the AD&D portion of a claim is usually denied even when the underlying Basic benefit is paid.

    3. Designations of Beneficiary (SF 2823)

    The form that controls who receives a FEGLI death benefit.

    What is Standard Form 2823?

    Standard Form 2823 — the Designation of Beneficiary, Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance Program — is the OPM form used to designate FEGLI beneficiaries. It is the master document of any FEGLI death claim.

    Where is the SF 2823 filed?

    It depends on the employee's status:

    • Active federal civilian employees: filed with the employing agency's human resources office

    • Postal Service employees: filed with USPS personnel

    • Federal annuitants: filed with OPM

    • Members of the uniformed services: SGLI/VGLI rules apply (different form, different program)

    A copy filed only with a personal attorney, family member, or financial advisor does not count.

    How do I update my FEGLI beneficiary?

    Complete a new SF 2823, sign it before two witnesses (each at least 18 years old and not named as beneficiaries), and file it with the correct office. The most recent valid SF 2823 controls — the previous one is automatically revoked.

    Does my will override my SF 2823?

    No. A will has no effect on FEGLI proceeds. The SF 2823 — or, in its absence, the federal order of precedence — controls.

    Can I name a trust as my FEGLI beneficiary?

    Yes. A properly drafted trust can be named on the SF 2823. The form must clearly identify the trust, and the trust must exist and be funded according to its governing law.

    What if my SF 2823 cannot be located?

    If no valid SF 2823 is on file, MetLife/OFEGLI applies the federal order of precedence. This is one of the most common sources of FEGLI disputes. Learn more about the Order of Precedence in Section 4 below.

    What if my SF 2823 was signed under suspicious circumstances?

    A FEGLI designation can be challenged on grounds including lack of capacity, undue influence, fraud, and forgery. These challenges are demanding and time-sensitive — and they are filed in federal court, not state probate court.

    4. The Order of Precedence

    What happens when no valid Designation of Beneficiary is on file.

    What happens if there is no valid SF 2823?

    When no valid Designation of Beneficiary is on file, MetLife/OFEGLI pays the FEGLI benefit under the federal order of precedence set out in FEGLIA.

    What is the FEGLI order of precedence?

    In strict order:

    1. The widow or widower

    2. The child or children, in equal shares — and the descendants of any deceased child

    3. The parents, in equal shares (or to the surviving parent)

    4. The executor or administrator of the decedent's estate

    5. The next of kin under the laws of the decedent's domicile at death

    The order is statutory. It cannot be overridden by a will, trust, or divorce decree alone — only by a properly executed SF 2823.

    Who counts as a "widow" or "widower" under FEGLI?

    Generally, the surviving legal spouse at the time of the federal employee's death. Unmarried partners, fiancés, and putative spouses do not qualify regardless of the length or seriousness of the relationship.

    What if the parent or spouse named in the order has predeceased the employee?

    The benefit moves down the order. For example, if the widow has predeceased the employee, the benefit goes to the children (and the descendants of any deceased child) — not to the widow's estate.

    Can a stepchild collect under FEGLI?

    Generally, no — unless the stepchild was legally adopted by the federal employee. Biological and legally adopted children qualify as "children" under FEGLIA's order of precedence.

    5. Filing a FEGLI Claim

    How a clean claim moves from death certificate to payment.

    How do I file a FEGLI death benefit claim?

    The standard process involves several steps:

    • Notify the decedent's federal agency (or OPM, for retirees)

    • Obtain certified death certificates

    • Complete the OPM claim form (typically FE-6, Claim for Death Benefits)

    • Submit the claim package to OFEGLI through the appropriate intake channel

    • Respond promptly to any requests for additional documentation

    The agency or OPM must also certify the decedent's coverage in force at the time of death — a step that frequently delays claims.

    How long does it take to receive payment?

    Straightforward, undisputed FEGLI claims are typically paid within 30 to 60 days of OFEGLI's receipt of a complete claim package. AD&D, contested-designation, and disputed-coverage claims often take many months — sometimes years.

    What documents will MetLife/OFEGLI require?

    A complete FEGLI claim typically requires:

    • Certified death certificate(s)

    • Claim form FE-6 (or applicable variant)

    • Agency or OPM certification of coverage in force

    • Original or certified Designation of Beneficiary (if applicable)

    • For AD&D claims: police reports, autopsy, toxicology, and witness statements

    • For Living Benefits: certified medical proof of terminal illness

    Do I need an attorney to file a routine FEGLI claim?

    For a clean, undisputed claim — no. Consider talking with a lawyer for AD&D claims, contested designations, or any denial as the cost of going it alone is often higher than the cost of getting it right.

    What if my claim is taking forever?

    Indefinite delay is itself a problem. After a reasonable period, MetLife/OFEGLI's failure to pay can be treated as a constructive denial that opens the door to federal-court relief.

    Can I file an AD&D claim separately?

    In practice, AD&D claims travel with the underlying Basic or Option A claim — but the evidence required is different. Causation, exclusions, and timing of death after the accident are all separate analytical questions.

    6. FEGLI Denials and Appeals

    The OFEGLI reconsideration process — and why what you do here decides what happens later.

    What does an OFEGLI denial letter look like?

    OFEGLI denial letters tend to follow a pattern: a citation to a section of the FEGLI Handbook, a stated reason for denial, identification of "missing information," and an invitation to submit additional materials for reconsideration.

    What the letter does not clearly say is that the response window is short and the record built during reconsideration is the same record a federal judge will see if litigation follows.

    How long do I have to appeal a FEGLI denial?

    There is no single uniform deadline across all FEGLI claims. The deadlines that may apply include:

    • The deadline stated in the OFEGLI denial letter itself

    • The federal statute of limitations for suit

    • Court-imposed deadlines if interpleader has already been filed

    • Internal agency deadlines for correcting payroll or coverage records

    If you have a denial letter in hand, treat the clock as already running.

    What is OFEGLI reconsideration?

    Reconsideration is the administrative appeal stage at MetLife/OFEGLI — the formal process for contesting a denial within the company before suit is filed.

    What evidence should I submit on appeal?

    A complete reconsideration package generally includes:

    • A point-by-point legal response to the denial letter

    • Certified employment, payroll, and retirement records

    • Original or certified SF 2823 forms

    • Death certificates, autopsy and medical records

    • For AD&D claims: forensic, toxicology, and witness evidence

    • A formal demand for the complete OFEGLI claim file

    • Citations to FEGLIA, the FEGLI Handbook, and federal case law

    Can I appeal a FEGLI denial myself?

    You have the right to. The question is whether the appeal you file will be the appeal that actually wins — and whether the record you build will support a federal lawsuit if reconsideration fails.

    What happens if my reconsideration is denied?

    The next step is typically federal-court litigation. In most cases, exhaustion of OFEGLI's reconsideration process is a prerequisite to suit.

    7. Beneficiary Disputes and Federal Interpleader

    When more than one person claims the FEGLI benefit, MetLife/OFEGLI sends the case to a federal judge.

    What is a FEGLI beneficiary dispute?

    A FEGLI beneficiary dispute arises when two or more people claim the same FEGLI death benefit. Common triggers include disputed SF 2823 forms, post-divorce designations, contested estates, and order-of-precedence questions.

    What is federal interpleader?

    Interpleader is the procedural mechanism MetLife/OFEGLI uses when it cannot determine the rightful beneficiary. The company files a complaint in U.S. District Court, deposits the disputed benefit with the court, names every potential claimant as a defendant, and steps out of the case.

    Why did MetLife sue me?

    Receiving an interpleader complaint usually does not mean MetLife is accusing you of anything. It means MetLife has identified you as one of multiple potential claimants and is asking the court to decide who receives the benefit.

    Can I be defaulted in a federal interpleader case?

    Yes — and that is one of the most dangerous outcomes in this entire area of law. Failure to answer the complaint within the federal deadline can result in a default judgment that permanently extinguishes your claim to the benefit, regardless of the underlying merits.

    What law decides a FEGLI beneficiary dispute?

    Federal law. FEGLIA preemption means most state-law arguments — including divorce-decree waivers, community-property claims, and slayer-statute defenses — are evaluated through a federal lens. Learn about Federal Preemption of State Law in Section 9 below.

    8. FEGLI and Divorce

    The single biggest source of FEGLI disputes — and the area where state divorce law most often surprises people.

    Does my divorce decree change my FEGLI beneficiary?

    Generally, no. A state divorce decree alone does not change the named beneficiary on a FEGLI policy. Only an updated and properly filed SF 2823 does that.

    What is Hillman v. Maretta?

    Hillman v. Maretta, 569 U.S. 483 (2013), is a U.S. Supreme Court decision holding that FEGLIA preempts state laws that purport to redirect FEGLI proceeds away from the named beneficiary — including state revocation-on-divorce statutes. After Hillman, the SF 2823 on file at the time of death controls.

    Can a state court order my FEGLI benefits to my children?

    A state court can order a federal employee to maintain FEGLI coverage for the benefit of children or to update the SF 2823 accordingly. But the order, by itself, does not change MetLife/OFEGLI's obligations — the underlying SF 2823 must actually be updated and filed.

    My ex-spouse is still listed as beneficiary. What now?

    If the federal employee is alive: file a new SF 2823 immediately. If the employee has died and the ex-spouse is still on file: the situation is fact-specific and time-sensitive.

    Should I update my SF 2823 after divorce?

    Yes, as soon as the divorce is final, and ideally as part of the divorce process itself. This is the single most important divorce-related step a federal employee can take to control where FEGLI proceeds go.

    9. Federal Preemption of State Law

    Why FEGLI cases follow federal rules — and why state-court orders so often fail.

    What does "federal preemption" mean?

    Federal preemption is a constitutional doctrine that allows federal law to override conflicting state law. In FEGLI cases, FEGLIA's express preemption provision means federal rules govern who receives the benefit, regardless of what a state statute or state-court order might say.

    Why doesn't my state's law apply to my FEGLI claim?

    FEGLIA contains an express preemption clause stating that the federal program controls over any contrary state law on the order of precedence and beneficiary designation. The U.S. Supreme Court has reinforced this rule in Ridgway v. Ridgway (1981) and Hillman v. Maretta (2013).

    Can a probate court decide my FEGLI dispute?

    Generally, no. FEGLI disputes belong in federal court under federal-question jurisdiction. State probate courts that attempt to decide FEGLI ownership are often reversed or removed.

    Does community property law apply to FEGLI?

    In most cases, no. Federal preemption typically defeats community-property claims to FEGLI proceeds — even in community-property states like California, Texas, and Arizona. The named beneficiary on the SF 2823 controls.

    10. FEGLI Litigation

    What happens when a FEGLI dispute moves into federal court.

    Where are FEGLI lawsuits filed?

    In U.S. District Court — federal trial-level court. Federal-question jurisdiction under FEGLIA brings the case into federal court regardless of the parties' citizenship. State-court FEGLI cases are routinely removed to federal court.

    How long does FEGLI litigation take?

    Most contested FEGLI cases resolve within twelve to twenty-four months from the filing of the complaint. Interpleader cases with cooperative claimants can move much faster. AD&D and contested-designation cases tend to take longer.

    Will I have to testify in court?

    In most FEGLI cases, the dispute is decided on the administrative record and documentary evidence rather than live trial testimony. Trial testimony is uncommon but possible — particularly in AD&D causation disputes and in contested-designation cases that turn on capacity or undue influence.

    Can I recover attorney's fees in a FEGLI case?

    FEGLIA does not contain a routine fee-shifting provision the way some federal benefits statutes do. We represent qualifying FEGLI clients on a contingency basis so the fee question does not block access to representation.

    What if I miss the federal court deadline?

    Missing a federal-court deadline — to answer an interpleader complaint, to file a complaint within the statute of limitations, or to respond during discovery — can permanently extinguish a valid FEGLI claim. Federal deadlines are short and they are not generously extended.

    11. Working with The FEGLI Lawyer

    How Dorian Law’s FEGLI practice operates, what it costs, and where to start.

    Do you charge for consultations?

    No. The initial FEGLI case evaluation is free and is conducted through a short online intake followed by a phone call.

    How does contingency representation work?

    In qualifying FEGLI cases, we represent clients on a contingency basis — meaning my fee is contingent on a recovery, and you do not pay attorney's fees unless we obtain benefits for you. The specific terms are spelled out in a written engagement agreement before any work begins.

    Where are your FEGLI clients located?

    Nationwide. FEGLI is a federal program, and federal-question jurisdiction allows us to represent FEGLI claimants in U.S. District Courts across the country. If we are not licensed in your jurisdiction, we ask the court for permission to appear on a pro hac vice basis.

    Are you affiliated with OPM, MetLife, or OFEGLI?

    No. The FEGLI Lawyer™ is a brand and Dorian Law P.C. is a private law practice. There is no affiliation with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, MetLife, OFEGLI, or any agency of the U.S. Government — and we represent claimants and beneficiaries against those entities.

    How do I get started?

    Use the case evaluation form below. It is short, low-friction, and takes only a few minutes. If your case is a fit, Dorian Law takes over from there.

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