VA Form 29-380
Designation of Beneficiary (NSLI)
You hold an NSLI policy and need to designate or update your beneficiary.
- Who fills it
- veteran
- Journey phase
- Specialty Benefits
- Estimated time
- 10-15 minutes.
- When to file
- After any life event affecting your beneficiary preferences.
Official VA form page: https://www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/forms/forms.htm
Walk it box by box
Fill it out with your information
Open the official VA form, then work down the boxes below. Each one is pre-filled from what you have already entered in Claim Recon and explained in plain language with the wording a VA rater expects. Review and edit every answer, then export your worksheet and copy it onto the official form. We never fill out or submit anything for you.
Gather before you start
- ▸NSLI policy number
- ▸Beneficiary information
Attach with the form
Section I - Policy Information
Blocks 1-3NSLI policy number, insured name, SSNPII
Your NSLI policy number from policy documents. NSLI policy numbers often begin with "V" (e.g., V-12345678).
(NSLI policy number, e.g., V-12345678)
Common mistakes
- ×Not knowing your NSLI policy number - contact VA Insurance Center Philadelphia at 1-800-669-8477.
Section II - Beneficiary Designation
Blocks 4-10Primary and contingent beneficiariesPII
Designate beneficiaries with full information as on VA Form 29-336.
(beneficiary legal names, SSNs, percentages)
Common mistakes
- ×Older veterans not knowing their NSLI policy is still in force - many NSLI policies remain active and have significant cash values.
Section III - Insured Signature
Blocks 11-12Insured signature and datePII
Sign and date. Mail to VA Insurance Center, Philadelphia.
(signature/date)
Common mistakes
- ×Family members not knowing a deceased veteran had an NSLI policy - check with VA Insurance Center after a veteran dies.
Statutory and regulatory authority
- 38 USC 1922 - S-DVI authority (replaced by VALife under 38 USC 1922B for new applicants).