A Living Benefit payment is a lump sum payment from your life insurance if you are terminally ill and have a documented medical prognosis showing a life expectancy of no more than nine months. You can choose a full or partial (in multiples of $1,000) Living Benefit. A Living Benefit is equal to the Basic Life insurance amount, (plus any extra benefit for persons under age 45), that would be in effect nine months after the date the Office of Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (OFEGLI) receives a completed claim for Living Benefits form. Living Benefit payments are reduced by a nominal amount (4.9%) to make up for lost earnings to the Life Insurance Fund because of the early payment of benefits.

If you elect Living Benefits it has no effect on the amount of any Optional life insurance and you will continue to pay the premiums.

1. Contact the Benefits Line for counseling.
2. Call OFEGLI at 800-633-4542 to obtain the FE-8, Claim for Living Benefits. This form is available only from OFGELI.
3. Complete Part A – General Information.
4. Ask your physician to complete Part B – Physician’s Statement.
5. Send the completed FE-8 to OFEGLI.
6. OFEGLI will coordinate with the Civilian Benefits Center and your payroll office to verify your current life insurance election and the amount of your basic pay.
7. If approved, OFEGLI will send you a check and an explanation of benefits.

• OPM Insurance Web Site
• OPM FEGLI Handbook
• Living Benefits FAQs