Understand and apply for VALife
Veterans Affairs Life Insurance is a premium-paid whole-life program for qualifying service-connected Veterans.
Who this program may help
A service-connected rating, including 0%, and the age-specific application rules apply.
Read official eligibility instructions1. Read the age and rating requirements
VALife has different rules for applicants age 80 or younger and age 81 or older.
Use VA’s requirements for your age and the timing of the qualifying rating.
Why this matters
Do not assume a rating alone satisfies every application condition.
Official action:
Read VALife eligibility and premiumsApplicants 81 or older must meet VA’s special prior-claim and notification timing rules.
VA determines whether the program requirements are met.
Official references
2. Compare premiums and the waiting period
Full coverage generally starts after the two-year waiting period.
Read the coverage amount, premium schedule and what is paid if death occurs during the waiting period.
Why this matters
Premiums are required; this is not a free benefit application.
Consider the waiting period before changing existing coverage.
Retain the exact policy terms.
The policy governs coverage and payment.
Official references
3. Check existing S-DVI coverage before applying
Current transition rules can end S-DVI when VALife is approved.
Read VA’s instructions for applications approved on or after January 1, 2026.
Why this matters
Cancelling existing coverage can create a gap during VALife’s waiting period.
Before submitting a VALife application.
VA applies the current policy transition rule.
Official references
4. Use the official VALife application
The program provides an online application and premium payment instructions.
Continue from VA’s current VALife page to the application.
Why this matters
Do not submit the compensation application to purchase this insurance.
Official action:
Continue to VA for the VALife applicationPay the required first premium under the program’s instructions.
Keep the application and payment confirmation.
VA reviews the application and provides a policy response.
Official references
5. Review the approved policy
Policy approval and full coverage start are different dates.
Check the policy, beneficiary and premium information.
Why this matters
The waiting period remains important after approval.
Follow the policy’s premium and coverage dates.
Keep the official policy response and account records.
VA communicates the policy and management instructions.