The new life insurance program issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), known as VALife, has brought life insurance to more than 31,000 veterans since it began in January 2023. Thanks to this program, veterans (particularly veterans with disabilities) now have easier and better access to life insurance benefits. This can help veterans cover the expenses related to end-of-life care, as well as funeral costs.
What is VALife?
VALife is a new life insurance program that was put into place in January of last year, which is run through the VA. This new program was meant to help expand access to life insurance for veterans, particularly veterans who may have previously struggled to get insurance due to being disabled. As a result, more than 31,000 veterans were able to apply for life insurance benefits through the VALife program in the year since it has been active.
What Makes VALife Different?
There are three major changes that make VALife better compared to the previous life insurance program offered by the VA, which was known as Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (or S-DVI):
- S-DVI had a two-year window for applying for life insurance benefits. VALife has no time limit to apply for veterans 80 years old or younger.
- S-DVI required veterans to be in good health, except for service-related conditions. VALife has no health requirement, and doesn’t require a medical examination to apply.
- S-DVI only offered up to $10,000 in coverage. VALife expands that to up to $40,000 in coverage.
Why is This Important for Disabled Veterans?
This is particularly important for disabled veterans, who previously tended to struggle to obtain life insurance, even through the VA. S-DVI simply did not cover all their needs, and could exclude veterans based on medical issues they suffered before or after their military service. By expanding coverage through VALife, more disabled veterans will be able to access these important benefits.
What Should You Do if You Are Having Trouble Getting Benefits?
If you are a disabled veteran who has struggled to obtain disability benefits through the VA, you should speak to a lawyer with experience handling VA disability applications. They can help you through the process, and argue on your behalf if you run into any trouble. That way, you can maximize your odds of a favorable outcome on your disability application.
The attorneys of Sullivan & Kehoe place a special focus on assisting disabled veterans. Our veterans’ disability lawyers are still available for remote consultation on your legal issues. Call our office at (800) 395-7830 to schedule a consultation in our New York City, Garden City, Kings Park, Riverhead, or White Plains office, or visit our contact page.
