SF 2818: Continuation of Life Insurance Coverage as an Annuitant or Compensationer
SF 2818 is the OPM form a retiring federal employee, or one receiving workers' compensation, uses to elect how much Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) coverage to continue.
This is the genuine OPM PDF, unmodified. Source: OPM official page.
What is SF 2818?
SF 2818, Continuation of Life Insurance Coverage as an Annuitant or Compensationer, is published by the Office of Personnel Management for the FEGLI Program. When you retire or begin receiving benefits from the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, your FEGLI coverage does not simply carry over. You use this form to state whether you want to continue Basic insurance and any Optional insurance you carry, and to choose how much of that coverage you keep.
For Basic insurance the form offers reduction elections that affect both how much coverage you retain after age 65 and what you pay for it. The choices you make on SF 2818 are long lasting and can be expensive to change later, so OPM's FEGLI guidance is worth reading before you sign. Your employing office certifies eligibility information on the form as part of processing.
Who files SF 2818?
- Federal employees retiring on an immediate annuity who carry FEGLI coverage
- Employees who are receiving compensation from OWCP and want to keep their life insurance
- Retiring employees deciding between the 75 percent reduction, 50 percent reduction, and no reduction options for Basic coverage
- Human resources offices assembling an employee's retirement or compensation package
How to fill out SF 2818
- Complete your identifying information, including your name, date of birth, and Social Security number.
- Elect whether to continue Basic life insurance and choose a reduction option for coverage after age 65.
- Elect whether to continue any Optional insurance (Option A, B, or C) you have carried for the required period.
- Sign and date the form, then give it to your employing office rather than sending it to OPM yourself.
- Your agency certifies the form and forwards it with your retirement application or compensation records to OPM.
Quick fill SF 2818 on this page
Prefer to see the form itself while you type? Open SF 2818 in the editor to fill it on the actual pages, add a signature, and download.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to file SF 2818 to keep my FEGLI coverage in retirement?
Yes. The form records your continuation elections and your agency's certification that you meet the requirements, generally including having had the coverage for the required period before retirement. Without it your file is incomplete and processing your coverage can be delayed.
What is the difference between the Basic reduction options?
The 75 percent reduction is free after age 65 but your coverage gradually drops to 25 percent of its face value. The 50 percent reduction and no reduction options preserve more coverage but require extra premiums for life. Check OPM's current FEGLI handbook for the premium rates before choosing.
Where does SF 2818 get submitted?
To your employing office, not directly to OPM. Your agency completes its certification section and includes the form in the retirement or workers' compensation package it sends to OPM.