FEGLI Life Insurance Election (Form SF-2817)

Who qualifies

Appointed U.S. federal civilian employees eligible for FEGLI coverage who are newly hired, experiencing a qualifying life event, or participating in an open season.

The step-by-step roadmap

1. 1

   Select your insurance options

   Choose whether to enroll in Basic coverage and select any optional tiers including Option A, Option B, or Option C.

   Watch out: Waiving Basic coverage automatically cancels your eligibility for all optional coverages.

   Common rejection reason: Failing to check required boxes or leaving optional tiers blank instead of waiving them.
2. 2

   Provide identifying details

   Enter your full legal name, Social Security number, date of birth, and employing agency information accurately.

   Watch out: Ensure your name and identifier match your official agency personnel records exactly.

   Common rejection reason: Mismatched employee identification numbers or missing agency division codes.
3. 3

   Sign and date the form

   Sign your legal signature and write the current date in the presence of an authorized witness if required by agency policy.

   Watch out: Do not pre-date or post-date the form; it must reflect the actual signature date.

   Common rejection reason: Missing signature, electronic signatures not approved by your agency, or outdated forms.
4. 4

   Submit to your HR office

   Deliver the completed form to your agency's Human Resources or benefits servicing office within the allowed election window.

   Watch out: Missing your 31-day window after hiring or a qualifying life event locks out your election.

   Common rejection reason: Submitting past the 31-day statutory deadline without an authorized exception.

Documents you'll need

• Form SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action)

  Your most recent federal personnel action notice verifying employment status and retirement/insurance codes.

  Note: Available via your electronic Official Personnel Folder (eOPF).

• Qualifying Life Event Documentation

  Proof of marriage, divorce, birth, or adoption if submitting outside of your initial hiring window.

  Note: Must be submitted within 60 days of the qualifying life event.

• Government-Issued Photo ID

  Official federal employee badge or state identification verifying your identity to HR personnel.

  Note: Required if submitting in person or verifying identity through agency portals.