Fill out SGLV-8286 (Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Election and Certificate) online
SGLV-8286 is the official form used by servicemembers to designate beneficiaries for their Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) coverage. SGLI provides low-cost group life insurance to eligible members of the uniformed services. Without a valid beneficiary designation on file, SGLI proceeds are distributed according to a default order of precedence established by law.
How to fill out SGLV-8286 (Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Election and Certificate)
Enter servicemember information
Provide your full name, Social Security number, branch of service, rank/grade, date of birth, and current duty station or unit address.
Select your coverage election
Indicate whether you want the maximum SGLI coverage, a reduced amount in increments of $50,000, or no coverage. You may also elect or decline Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI) coverage.
Designate your beneficiaries
List each beneficiary full legal name, Social Security number, relationship, address, and the percentage share they should receive. You may designate individuals, trusts, or organizations. Shares must total 100%. You may also name contingent beneficiaries.
Sign and have the form witnessed
Sign and date the form. An officer or noncommissioned officer must witness your signature and sign the form. Submit the original to your personnel office.
About SGLV-8286 (Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Election and Certificate)
Who needs this form
Active-duty members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force, and commissioned members of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Public Health Service (PHS). Also applies to Ready Reserve and National Guard members with SGLI coverage who want to designate or change their beneficiaries.
Where to submit
Submit the completed form to your unit personnel office or administrative section (S-1, orderly room, or equivalent). The form must be witnessed by an officer or noncommissioned officer. Your branch of service retains the original; keep a copy for your records and inform your beneficiaries.
Source and content freshness
- Reviewed: 2026-02-24
- Filing deadlines may shift for weekends and holidays. Verify due dates with official instructions.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not updating the form after major life events (marriage, divorce, birth of a child, death of a beneficiary)
- Failing to specify percentage shares that total exactly 100%
- Using nicknames or incomplete names instead of full legal names for beneficiaries
- Not having the form properly witnessed by an authorized official
Frequently asked questions
Is this form free to fill out?
Yes. SimplePDF lets you fill out PDF forms in your browser for free. Most users can do this without creating an account. For team and business features, see our pricing plans.
Do I need to create an account?
No. You can fill out and download the form without creating an account or signing up.
Is my data secure?
Yes, you edit documents in your browser. In the free flow, SimplePDF does not process document contents on its servers. In paid plans, completed files are stored either by SimplePDF or in your own storage, based on your settings. Read our privacy policy for more details.
Is this legal, tax, or immigration advice?
No. SimplePDF provides form-filling tools and general informational content, not professional advice. Verify requirements with official instructions or a qualified professional.
Can I share a direct link to this form?
Yes! You can create a direct link to any PDF by prefixing its URL with simplepdf.com/. For example: simplepdf.com/https://example.com/form.pdf. Anyone who opens the link can fill out the form immediately in their browser. You can also embed the editor in your own website.
What happens if I do not file an SGLV-8286?
If no valid beneficiary designation is on file, SGLI proceeds are paid in the default order of precedence established by law: (1) to your surviving spouse, (2) to your children in equal shares, (3) to your parents in equal shares, (4) to the executor or administrator of your estate, (5) to your next of kin. Filing this form ensures your wishes are followed.
SimplePDF provides a tool to fill out PDF forms. We are not affiliated with any government agency or form issuer. It is your responsibility to verify the accuracy and completeness of any information entered. SimplePDF is not liable for errors, omissions, or consequences resulting from the use of filled-out forms.