Service members face unique dangers, both on and off the battlefield. From training exercises to deployments, the very nature of military life inherently comes with an increased risk of injury. And while the military provides many benefits for injured personnel, these may not always cover the full financial burden of a severe injury.
This is where Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Traumatic Injury Protection, commonly known as TSGLI, comes into play. Understanding what TSGLI is, how it works, and how to ask for benefits can help provide peace of mind for service members and their families.
“I like to talk about TSGLI because it’s a very misunderstood and underutilized benefit,” says Heather Walrath, lead education presenter and military benefits liaison with Navy Mutual’s Education and Veterans Services Department. “So many people don’t even know it’s out there so they don’t apply for the benefits they’ve earned when they may need them.”
While Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) provides life insurance in the event of death, TSGLI kicks in when a qualifying traumatic injury occurs, offering additional protection during a service member’s lifetime.
TSGLI is a rider automatically added to the SGLI program and was created to provide financial assistance to service members who experience a traumatic injury. It is designed to help cover the costs associated with severe injuries that can require significant recovery time.
“In the military, you are far more likely to become injured than you are to die,” said Walrath. “But if you were to become injured, what then happens to your ability to earn an income or how will your family be able to support you during your recovery? That’s what the traumatic injury protection is for – it’s more of a short-term financial support for service members recovering from an injury.”
And since TSGLI is automatically included in SGLI coverage, anyone with SGLI, including active-duty service members, reservists, and National Guard members, is covered.
“It’s one of the main reasons why I encourage everybody to always carry at least some amount of SGLI,” said Walrath. “Sometimes you get people that are like, ‘ohh I’m not going to do SGLI, I’m going to get a
policy someplace else.’ That’s fine but get that in addition to at least some coverage with SGLI to have TSGLI included … it’s kind of a no-brainer.”
Injuries that qualify for a TSGLI claim include amputations, paralysis, loss of sight or hearing, severe burns, or loss of the ability to perform daily living activities (such as bathing or dressing) without assistance. And while you automatically have coverage with even the smallest amount of SGLI, you do need to file a claim to access the benefits if needed.
Visit the Department of Veterans Affairs website and search for “Traumatic Injury Protection” or “TSGLI” to access the claims form and instructions.
Claims are submitted and reviewed by an individual’s branch of service. If approved, the service member will receive a one-time, lump-sum payment, the amount of which depends on the nature of the injury.
The benefit also can be retroactive. Provided that a service member was covered by SGLI at the time of the loss, they can use TSGLI no matter where the injury happened — whether on or off duty.
Walrath explains, “There are mechanisms for each branch to go back and to file a claim retroactively if needed.”
Walrath adds that there are certain dollar amounts assigned to specific injuries and body parts.
TSGLI payments range from $25,000 for the loss of that big toe to a maximum benefit of $100,000 for catastrophic injuries to include total blindness or paraplegia. This financial support can be crucial in helping service members and their families manage the expenses that come with recovery, rehabilitation, and adjusting to life after a severe injury.
For service members serving on the front lines or training at home, the risk of injury is just part of the job, but the financial and emotional toll of a traumatic injury can be overwhelming. TSGLI serves as a crucial safety net, ensuring that military members and their families have the financial support they need to navigate the aftermath of a serious injury. It offers a vital way to bridge the gaps in insurance coverage and gives affected service members and their families one less thing to worry about.
This article is written by Jennifer Williams
