Updated Guidance on Implementation of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) Online Enrollment System (SOES)

This MARADMIN provides updated guidance on the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) Online Enrollment System (SOES), emphasizing that less than 25% of Marines have made their required initial election since implementation in May 2018. Commanders must ensure all Marines who have not made an election in SOES complete their initial election by April 30, 2019, as failure to do so prevents existing SGLI beneficiary designations from being captured in the system and may delay claims processing.

Issued: March 5, 2019

Finance Personnel

1. Per reference (a), the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) Online Enrollment System (SOES) was implemented across the Marine Corps on 1 May 2018 with a one-year initial election requirement. As of the date of this MARADMIN, less than 25% of Marines have made an initial election in SOES.
2. Commanders must ensure ALL Marines who have not made an election in SOES make an election NLT 30 April 2019. Until this initial election is made, no existing SGLI beneficiary designations are captured in SOES, thereby creating possible delays in processing SGLI claims.
3. By exception, newly accessed Marines and those who are experiencing emergent situations will continue to utilize the SGLV 8286 and the Spouse Coverage Election and Certificate (SGLV 8286A) to manage their SGLI and FSGLI coverage respectively until such time SOES becomes accessible to the Marine. Reserve Marines with part-time SGLI coverage will also continue to utilize the SGLV 8286.
4. Due to character limitations in SOES, Marines wishing to designate a testamentary trustee or custodian as the beneficiary on behalf of a minor child are authorized to utilize the SGLV 8286 until such time adequate character space is available in SOES to capture the appropriate language. Marines are encouraged to consult a legal assistance attorney regarding testamentary trusts and custodial accounts.
5. All Marines are directed to review the SOES web-based training located at www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/training/SOES/SOES.htm and reminded to "Confirm and Certify" before exiting SOES to ensure SGLI beneficiary designations are stored in the system.
6. The DMDC Support Center (DSC) will provide support for milConnect, DS Logon issues and technical issues such as when the site is down or not responding. The DSC can be reached at 1-800-477-8227.
7. SGLI policy questions may be directed to Mr. Gerald Castle, Head, Casualty Section, gerald.castle@usmc.mil, Tele: (703) 784-9512. SGLI process questions may be directed to Mr. Maurice Gordon, Sect, maurice.gordon@usmc.mil, Tele: (703) 432-9176.
8. Release authorized by LtGen Michael A. Rocco, Deputy Commandant, Manpower and Reserve Affairs.