How to Verify Your Father's Government Life Insurance Policy

To check your father's government life insurance policy, start by gathering his personal details—full name, Social Security number, and any policy numbers you may have—and then use the appropriate federal agency's online portal or contact their customer service directly.

Identify the Issuing Agency

Most U.S. government life insurance is issued through the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) program, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for veterans, or the Social Security Administration (SSA) for certain survivors benefits. Determine which agency covered your father based on his employment history or military service.

Use Online Account Access

Each agency offers a secure portal:

• FEGLI: Visit OPM's FEGLI page and click "Access Your FEGLI Account." You'll need your father's OPM employee ID or policy number.
• VA: Log in to VA.gov and select "Life Insurance" under Benefits. The VA's eBenefits platform lets you view coverage details with the veteran's SSN.
• SSA: Use the My Social Security portal to check survivor benefits that may include a life‑insurance component.

Contact Agency Representatives

If online access isn't possible, call the agency's helpline:

Be ready to verify your relationship (e.g., power of attorney or legal heir documentation) as agencies protect policy information.

Request Official Documents

Ask the agency to mail or email a policy summary, beneficiary designation, and recent statements. For FEGLI, a "Policy Summary" can be emailed; the VA can send a "Life Insurance Certificate." These documents confirm coverage amounts and any pending claims.

Maintain Records Securely

Store the policy numbers, copies of statements, and contact logs in a safe place—both digitally (encrypted files) and physically (fireproof safe). Updating beneficiary information promptly avoids complications later.