Reservist Magazine is the award-winning official publication of the United States Coast Guard Reserve. Bi-monthly issues include news and feature articles about the men and women who comprise America's premier national maritime safety and security
Issue link: https://uscgreservist.epubxp.com/i/140140
Guard (CG) Auxiliary personnel, and employees of other federal agencies performing duties with the CG. As we transition through the lockdown, it is possible that you may experience a delay in issuance of ID cards. You can help limit the delays by ensuring that your information in DEERS is current and up-to-date. Additionally, it is very important that you maintain close communications with your Servicing Personnel Office (SPO), Contracting Officer (COTR), or civilian human resources representative so that you can ensure timely and accurate transactions within the authoritative data source. You can review and update your DEERS record by visiting the DMDC Self-Service Portal at https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/ self_service and DMDC's "milConnect" website at http://milconnect. dmdc.mil/. Traumatic Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Article by Lt. Terrence W. Walsh, USCG, Chief, Coast Guard Casualty Matters Traumatic Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (TSGLI) provides traumatic injury coverage to all service members covered under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program. The program changed several times as the law evolved. This is the program's current description. From Oct. 7, 2001 through Nov. 30, 2005: All members of the uniformed services who were eligible for full-time or part-time SGLI were automatically covered by TSGLI while in service if injured during this "retroactive period." During this "retroactive period" members were covered even if they declined SGLI. The coverage applied worldwide. (Previously it was just Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom but now it applies worldwide.) For injuries on Dec. 1, 2005 or later: All members of the uniformed services who have full-time or part-time SGLI are automatically covered by TSGLI while the member is in service. TSGLI coverage ends at midnight of the last day of service. There is no TSGLI coverage once the member separates or retires. To be covered the member must have at least the minimum SGLI coverage ($50,000) and pay the automatic monthly TSGLI premium ($1). Coverage was 24/7 for members (generally, active duty or Ready Reserve) eligible for full-time SGLI. Part-time TSGLI coverage matches part-time SGLI eligibility: generally, a reservist under a call or order that specifies less than 31 days, or the reservist is not scheduled to drill at least 12 times during the year. TSGLI coverage applies for injuries caused by a traumatic event. TSGLI does not apply to illness. Some injuries are excluded, such as self-inflicted injuries. A traumatic event is damage to the body caused by the application of external force, violence, accidental ingestion of a contaminated substance, exposure to the elements, or chemical biological, or radiological weapons. How much coverage is provided? When a TSGLI claim is approved the payment will be $25,000, $50,000, $75,000, or $100,000. $100,000 is the maximum payment for a single traumatic event. The payment is based on the injury or multiple injuries resulting from a single traumatic event. Which losses are covered? Visit the SGLI Traumatic Injury Protection Program to learn about which losses are covered how much may be paid. Specific covered losses are listed in the Schedule of Losses in Appendix A of the TSGLI Procedural Guide. Certain injuries and conditions are not covered. Contact your service department point of contact for information about these exclusions, available by accessing the TSGLI Points of Contact List. How does a service member submit a claim for TSGLI? To make a claim under TSGLI, obtain the claim form SGLV 8600 Application for TSGLI Benefits on-line. Send your claim to the office that handles TSGLI for your branch of service. Your TSGLI office is shown in the TSGLI Points of Contact List at the beginning of the application form. You may also obtain a copy of the form from your branch of service TSGLI office. Or, contact the Office of SGLI by calling 800-419-1473 or by emailing osgli.claims@prudential.com. You complete Part A of the form. Your doctor completes Part B. Then you send it in. Time limit to make a claim There is no time limit. You can still make a claim for a qualifying injury suffered on 7 Oct 2001 or any time since then. You should know that TSGLI benefit payments do not collect any interest. If you apply now or apply later, the payment will be the same. Taxes TSGLI benefits are not taxable. Where can I get more information? The Department of Veterans Affairs SGLI website has more information about TSGLI and how to make a claim. You could also contact your service's TSGLI office or contact the Office of SGLI as noted above. Reserve Component Survivor Beneft Plan Important information for reservists who are between 20-years satisfactory service and reaching age 60 If you have completed 20 years of satisfactory service for retirement and are close to reaching retired pay eligibility – typically age 60 – you will want to take note of the following information. Members without a spouse or children at the 20-year point, but do add a spouse and/or children later, may elect to enroll their new beneficiaries in the Reserve Component Issue 2 • 2013 � RESERVIST 43