State Sponsored Life Insurance (SSLI)

State Sponsored Life Insurance (SSLI)

SSLI provides affordable group term life insurance exclusively for National Guard members and their dependents, with 24-hour coverage, no war or terrorism exclusions, and benefits that continue after retirement or separation.

State Sponsored Life Insurance (SSLI) is a group term life insurance program created exclusively for National Guard members and their dependents. Established under United States Public Law 93-289 (May 24, 1974), the program was enacted to encourage persons to join and remain in the National Guard. PNGAS is proud to offer this benefit through our partnership with the Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) and their wholly-owned subsidiary, 5Star Life Insurance Company.

AFBA was established in 1947 with the support of General Dwight D. Eisenhower to promote the welfare and economic interests of military service members and their families. Today, AFBA provides coverage to over 140,000 National Guard members, retirees, and family members with more than $15 billion of insurance in force.

Coverage Options

Survivor Benefit

Every active Soldier and Airman in the Pennsylvania National Guard receives a $1,000 non-contributory survivor benefit at no cost, paid for by your National Guard state association.

Basic Coverage

Provides financial protection in the event of death with coverage from $5,000 to $50,000 for members. Spouse and child coverage is also available on the same enrollment form.

Enhanced Coverage

Provides additional group term life insurance with a level death benefit for members and spouses. Coverage is available up to $260,000 for members under 50 and up to $110,000 for members over 50. Spouse coverage ranges from $5,000 to $155,000 (under 50) or $5,000 to $60,000 (over 50). You can purchase $50,000 of Enhanced Coverage for as little as $4 per month if you are under 50 and do not use tobacco products.

Key Features

  • 24-hour coverage, on and off duty — no war, terrorism, or aviation exclusions
  • No hazardous duty, line of duty, or occupational restrictions
  • Emergency Death Benefit (EDB) — after two years of coverage, up to $15,000 of the total death benefit is released within one business day without requiring a death certificate (subject to contestability)
  • Keep your coverage after retirement or separation — benefits and monthly costs do not change as long as contributions are paid
  • No medical exam required for members under 50 applying for up to $250,000, or ages 50–59 for up to $100,000 — just answer a few health questions
  • Tobacco and non-tobacco rates available
  • Payment via military allotment, payroll deduction, or direct bill/ACH
  • Coverage for spouses and children available on the same enrollment form

Family Survivor College Scholarship

AFBA offers the Charles C. Blanton AFBA Family Survivor College Scholarship for families of eligible fallen members. Surviving spouses and children are eligible for $10,000 per year, up to a total maximum family benefit of $40,000 toward an undergraduate degree, license, or certification.

Who Is Eligible?

Military personnel actively serving in the National Guard and their spouses are eligible to enroll. Individuals ages 18 to 59 may apply. Coverage is not guaranteed and is dependent upon answers to health questions on the enrollment form.

Contact and Resources

To schedule a briefing at your unit, learn more about coverage options, or enroll, contact the National SSLI Office:

Life insurance member benefits provided by AFBA are underwritten by 5Star Life Insurance Company (Lincoln, Nebraska) with an administrative office at 110 W. Johnson Street, Suite 300, Staunton, VA 24401. Survivor benefits are not available in all states and U.S. territories.