scra assignment of life insurance

50 U.S. Code § 3957 - Protection of life insurance policy

If a life insurance policy on the life of a servicemember is assigned before military service to secure the payment of an obligation, the assignee of the policy (except the insurer in connection with a policy loan) may not exercise, during a period of military service of the servicemember or within one year thereafter, any right or option obtained under the assignment without a court order.

A court which receives an application for an order required under subsection (a) may refuse to grant such order if the court determines the ability of the servicemember to comply with the terms of the obligation is materially affected by military service .

For purposes of this subsection, premiums guaranteed under the provisions of subchapter IV of this chapter shall not be considered due and unpaid.

A person who knowingly takes an action contrary to this section, or attempts to do so, shall be fined as provided in title 18, or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.

Section was formerly classified to section 536 of the former Appendix to this title prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.

A prior section 306 of act Oct. 17, 1940, ch. 888, art. III, as added Oct. 6, 1942, ch. 581, § 12, 56 Stat. 773 , related to extension of benefits to dependents, prior to the general amendment of this Act by Pub. L. 108–189 . See section 3959 of this title .

2010—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 111–275 amended subsec. (e) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (e) related to penalties.

Section applicable to any case not final before Dec. 19, 2003 , see section 3 of Pub. L. 108–189 , set out as a note under section 3901 of this title .

• Practical Law

Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance Policy

• Canada (Common Law)

Consumer Compliance Outlook

Consumer compliance outlook: second issue 2017, servicemember financial protection: an overview of key federal laws and regulations.

High-cost credit and the resulting debt burden can have serious adverse consequences for members of the armed services and their families, according to the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD).

“Financial burdens can undermine military readiness, damage the morale of servicemembers and their families, and add to the cost of maintaining an effective all-volunteer military defense force.” 1 To highlight financial institutions’ compliance obligations for servicemembers, this article discusses key provisions of the following federal laws, regulations, and guidance:

• The Military Lending Act (MLA) and its implementing regulation;
• The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA);
• Regulations concerning military allotments; and
• Interagency guidance regarding mortgage servicing practices for military homeowners with permanent change of station orders.

The article also reviews effective compliance management measures that financial institutions can adopt to ensure that appropriate financial protections are afforded to servicemember customers and their dependents.

MILITARY LENDING ACT AND SERVICEMEMBERS CIVIL RELIEF ACT: OVERVIEW

The federal statutory framework for protecting servicemembers for consumer financial products and services consists of the MLA and the SCRA. The information in this section discusses highlights of each law and clarifies significant differences between them.

Both the MLA and the SCRA focus on protecting the financial interests of servicemembers and their dependents but differ in their scope. The MLA provides protections to servicemembers and their dependents for credit extended while the servicemember is serving on active duty . In contrast, the SCRA protects servicemembers and their dependents with obligations incurred prior to entry into active duty .

THE MLA AND THE MLA REGULATION 2

The MLA was enacted in 2006 with the goal of protecting active duty military personnel, including those in the active National Guard or Reserve, as well as their spouses and other dependents, engaged in consumer credit transactions. 3 Notably, the MLA limits the cost of covered transactions, which are subject to a Military Annual Percentage Rate (MAPR) cap of 36 percent.

The DOD has rulewriting authority to implement the MLA and originally issued a final rule in 2007. 4 This rule applied solely to three closed-end credit products: payday loans for no more than $2,000 and with a term of 91 days or fewer, motor vehicle title loans with a term of 181 days or fewer, and tax refund anticipation loans.

In July 2015, the DOD amended the MLA regulations, considerably broadening the types of consumer credit products within the scope of its coverage. 5 Explaining that “the narrowly defined parameters of the credit products regulated as ‘consumer credit’ under [the 2007 rule] do not effectively provide the protections intended to be afforded to Service members and their families under the MLA,” the DOD expanded the scope of the MLA regulation generally to apply to most types of credit covered under the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) and Regulation Z. 6 However, consistent with the MLA statute, the 2015 final rule continues to exempt home-secured credit and loans to finance the purchase of motor vehicles and other consumer goods that are secured by the purchased item. 7 Accordingly, under the 2015 final rule, most credit products within the scope of TILA and Regulation Z are subject to MLA protections, including credit cards, deposit advance products, overdraft lines of credit, 8 and certain installment loans.

The 2015 final rule also modified the fees that must be included when calculating the MAPR, 9 the optional safe harbor provisions for creditors to determine whether consumers are entitled to MLA protections, 10 and the MLA disclosure requirements. 11

Consumer credit that was extended and consummated between October 1, 2007, and October 3, 2016, is subject to the 2007 regulation. The compliance date for the 2015 final rule was October 3, 2016, except for credit card accounts, for which the compliance date is October 3, 2017. 12 Aspects of the MLA regulation are discussed here in more detail.

The protections in the MLA regulation apply to consumer credit extended to a covered borrower. As noted, the MLA regulation’s definition of consumer credit was significantly broadened in 2015 and now aligns more closely with the definition of the same term in Regulation Z. Specifically, consumer credit is defined as “credit offered or extended to a covered borrower primarily for personal, family, or household purposes, and that is: (i) subject to a finance charge, or (ii) payable by a written agreement in more than four installments.” 13 Also, the MLA exempts home-secured credit and loans to finance the purchase of motor vehicles and other consumer goods that are secured by the purchased item.

A covered borrower is a covered member of the armed forces, or a dependent of a covered member, who becomes obligated on a consumer credit transaction or establishes an account for consumer credit. 14 Under the MLA, covered members of the armed forces include members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard currently serving on active duty pursuant to Title 10, Title 14, or Title 32 of the U.S. Code under a call or order that does not specify a period of 30 days or fewer, or such a member serving on Active Guard and Reserve duty as that term is defined in 10 U.S.C. §101(d)(6).

If a consumer opens a credit card account when the consumer is not a covered borrower, the account is not covered under the MLA even if the consumer later becomes an active duty servicemember. If a consumer opens a credit account while a covered borrower but later ceases active duty, the account is no longer subject to the MLA.

Generally, a creditor under the MLA is a person engaged in the business of extending consumer credit. 15 A creditor may use its own process to determine if a consumer is a covered borrower. However, the regulation provides creditors an optional safe harbor from liability in conclusively determining whether credit is offered or extended to a covered borrower by using either of the following methods:

• Verifying the status of a consumer by using information relating to that consumer, if any, obtained directly or indirectly from the DOD’s database, located at https:// mla.dmdc.osd.mil/mla; or
• Verifying the status of a consumer by using information contained in a consumer report obtained from a consumer reporting agency that compiles and maintains files on consumers on a nationwide basis, or a reseller of consumer reports. 16

RESTRICTIONS

For covered consumer credit transactions, the MLA and its implementing regulation limit the amount a creditor may charge, including interest, certain fees, and charges imposed for credit insurance, debt cancellation and suspension, and other credit-related ancillary products sold in connection with the account or transaction. The total charge, as expressed through the MAPR, 17 may not exceed 36 percent. 18 The MAPR includes charges that are not included in the finance charge or the annual percentage rate (APR) disclosed under TILA.

For closed-end credit, the MAPR is calculated following the rules for calculating and disclosing the APR for credit transactions under Regulation Z based on the charges required to be included in the MAPR by the MLA regulation. 19 For open-end credit, the MAPR generally is to be calculated following the rules for calculating the effective APR for a billing cycle in 12 C.F.R. §1026.14(c) and (d) of Regulation Z 20 (as if a creditor must comply with that section) based on the charges required to be included in the MAPR by the MLA regulation. 21

For consumer credit card accounts under an open-end credit plan (not home-secured), certain fees are not required to be included in the MAPR calculation, provided that the fee is both bona fide and reasonable in amount. 22 In assessing whether a bona fide fee is reasonable, the fee must be compared with fees typically imposed by other creditors for the same or a substantially similar product or service. 23 For example, when assessing a bona fide cash advance fee, that fee must be compared with fees charged by other creditors for transactions in which consumers received extensions of credit in the form of cash or its equivalent. The MLA regulation also provides a safe harbor standard for determining a “reasonable” amount of a bona fide fee for a credit card account. 24 There is no exclusion for “bona fide fees” for accounts that are not credit card accounts.

The MLA imposes a number of additional limitations and conditions on consumer credit extended to covered borrowers. These pertain to: (1) rolling over, renewing, repaying, refinancing, or consolidating consumer credit extended to the covered borrower by the same creditor; (2) dispute resolution processes; and (3) payment terms and conditions. 25

DISCLOSURES

Under the MLA, if a creditor extends consumer credit (including through the Internet) to a covered borrower, the creditor must provide the borrower with the following information before or at the time the borrower becomes obligated on the transaction or establishes an account for the consumer credit:

• A statement of the annualized MAPR applicable to the extension of consumer credit;
• Any disclosure required by Regulation Z; and
• A clear description of the payment obligation of the borrower, as applicable. 26

The statement of the MAPR and the clear description of the payment obligation must be provided in writing in a form the covered borrower can keep. 27 A creditor must also provide such required information orally. 28 A creditor may satisfy the requirement to provide oral disclosures if the creditor provides the following to the covered borrower: (1) the information in person, or (2) a toll-free telephone number that the covered borrower may call to hear the oral disclosures by telephone. 29

CONSEQUENCES OF NONCOMPLIANCE

Statutory amendments to the MLA in 2013 granted enforcement authority for the MLA’s requirements to the agencies specified in TILA. These agencies include the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the Board), the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Trade Commission, the National Credit Union Administration, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. 30 In addition to the remedies generally available to the listed agencies, the MLA regulation provides that consumer credit contracts that violate the MLA are void from inception. 31

As amended in 2013, the MLA regulation provides that any person who violates the statue or implementing regulation is civilly liable for:

• Any actual damage sustained, not less than $500 for each violation;
• Appropriate punitive damages;
• Appropriate equitable or declaratory relief;
• Any other relief provided by law; and
• Costs of the action, including reasonable attorney fees. 32

However, the regulations protect against civil liability if a creditor is able to demonstrate by a preponderance of evidence that an MLA violation was unintentional and resulted from a bona fide error. 33 Particularly in light of the negative attention that improper treatment of servicemembers typically attracts, MLA noncompliance can also result in significant reputational harm for a creditor.

THE SERVICEMEMBERS CIVIL RELIEF ACT

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) is designed to ease financial burdens on servicemembers during periods of military service. The SCRA is a stand-alone statute with no implementing regulation or commentary. Several federal financial institution supervisory agencies, including the Board, have authority to take administrative action to enforce the SCRA against the institutions they supervise. The U.S. Department of Justice has the authority to file a civil action in court to enforce the SCRA. 34

The SCRA provides protections for military servicemembers primarily as they enter active duty. Military service is defined under the SCRA as including:

• Full-time active duty members of the five military branches (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard);
• Reservists on federal active duty;
• Members of the National Guard on federal orders for a period of more than 30 days;
• Servicemembers absent from duty for a lawful cause or because of sickness, wounds, or leave;
• Commissioned officers in active service of the Public Health Service (PHS) or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Financial institution staff can confirm the servicemember status of a customer by:

• Reviewing any orders received from the borrower; or
• Searching the DOD’s Defense Manpower Data Center site at https://scra.dmdc.osd.mil with the appropriate certificate.

Key provisions of the SCRA include the following:

6 PERCENT INTEREST RATE REDUCTION

The SCRA limits the amount of interest that a creditor can charge a servicemember on a financial obligation that was created prior to the borrower’s entry into military service. The SCRA limits this interest to no more than 6 percent per year and requires forgiveness of any interest in excess of that ceiling. The interest reduction must be in effect for the borrower’s period of military service or, in the case of mortgage loans, during the period of military service plus one year thereafter. Under the SCRA, the term interest is defined to include “service charges, renewal charges, fees, or any other charges (except bona fide insurance) with respect to an obligation or liability.” 35

To receive the 6 percent interest rate reduction, the servicemember must provide the creditor with a copy of military orders and a written notice requesting the reduction no later than 180 days after the date of the servicemember’s termination or release from military service. 36

Once the creditor has received the servicemember’s request to reduce the rate, the creditor must forgive interest greater than 6 percent per year for the applicable time period. Accordingly, if a borrower makes a timely rate reduction request one year after entering military service, the creditor must reduce the rate to 6 percent both retroactively for the prior year as well as prospectively. The creditor is also prohibited from accelerating the payment of principal in response to a properly made request for a 6 percent interest rate reduction. 37

The 6 percent interest rate reduction broadly applies to any obligation or liability and would include, among other credit types, mortgages; home equity loans; automobile, boat, and other vehicle loans; credit cards; and student loans.

FORECLOSURE PROTECTION

The SCRA prohibits creditors from  selling,  seizing, or foreclosing on a servicemember’s real or personal property secured by a mortgage, trust deed, or other security in the nature of a mortgage, without a court order. 38 This prohibition is  effective  during the  period of military service and up to 12 months after service. This protection applies only to  a  servicemember’s obligation on  real  or  personal  property  that:  (1)  originated  before the  period  of  the  servicemember’s  military  service  and for which the servicemember is still obligated, and (2) is secured by a mortgage, trust deed, or other security in the nature of  a mortgage. 39

In addition, if an action to enforce a mortgage or trust deed is filed during or within one year after the period of military service, under certain circumstances a court may delay enforcement or adjust the obligation. 40

Protection from repossession of personal property

During the period of a servicemember’s military service, creditors must obtain a court order before terminating the servicemember’s lease or installment purchase contract, or repossessing personal property leased or purchased through an installment contract, for any breach of the contract that occurred before or during military service. 41 A court must delay contract termination and repossession proceedings upon a servicemember’s request “when the servicemember’s ability to comply with the contract is materially affected by military service.” 42

Servicemember’s right to terminate a lease for a residence or motor vehicle

Under the SCRA, servicemembers are able to terminate any lease of premises that the servicemember or his or her dependents occupy or intend to occupy for a residential, professional, business, agricultural, or similar purpose if the lease was either:

• Entered into before military service or
• Executed by a servicemember while in service who then receives orders for a permanent change of station (PCS) or a deployment, or as an individual in support of a military operation, for a period of 90 days or more. 43

If a servicemember pays rent on a monthly basis, once he or she gives proper notice and a copy of his or her military orders, the lease will terminate 30 days after the next rent payment is due.

Additionally, a servicemember may terminate the lease of a motor vehicle for either personal or business use by the servicemember or his or her dependent where:

• The lease is executed by the servicemember before entering a period of military service of 180 days or more; or
• While in military service, the servicemember executes the lease and subsequently receives military orders  for a PCS to a location outside the continental United States or from a location outside the continental United States to any other location, or for a deployment with a military unit for a period of 180 days or more.

When responding to a servicemember’s legitimate request to terminate a lease, the lessor may not impose an early termination charge. However, the servicemember may be charged for any unpaid rent or lease amounts owed for the period before lease termination as well as any taxes, summonses, title, and registration fees, or other obligations and liabilities in accordance with the terms of the lease, including reasonable charges for excess wear, that are due and unpaid at the time of lease termination. 44

Assignment of life insurance protections

Under the SCRA, if a life insurance policy on the life of a servicemember is assigned before military service to secure the payment of a loan, the creditor is prohibited, during the period of military service and for one year thereafter, from exercising any right or option under the assignment of the policy without a court order. 45

Protection from eviction

A landlord must obtain a court order before evicting a servicemember or dependent during a period of military service from premises occupied or intended to be occupied as a primary residence if the monthly rent does not exceed $3,584.99 (by statute, $2,400 adjusted annually for inflation). 46

Protection of an exercise of rights under the SCRA

The SCRA protects servicemembers from creditors taking certain negative actions such as denying credit, changing the terms of existing credit, or refusing to grant credit on terms substantially similar to those requested, solely because the servicemember exercised his or her rights or requested protections under the SCRA. 47

MILITARY ALLOTMENTS

The military allotment system is a payment mechanism by which a servicemember can direct the deduction of payments from his or her paycheck before the salary is deposited in the servicemember’s deposit account. There are two types of military allotments:

• Nondiscretionary (e.g., court-ordered child support payments, repayment of loans extended by a military relief society)
• Discretionary (e.g., voluntary payments to dependents or other relatives, mortgage or rent payments, payments to repay a loan from a loan or finance company)

Servicemembers are not authorized to have more than six discretionary allotments at any one time. Under rules adopted by the DOD, effective January 1, 2015, servicemembers are not authorized to start allotments for the purchase, lease, or rental of personal property. 48

Discretionary allotments for the purchase, lease, or rental of personal property that started before January 1, 2015, are grandfathered; amounts for such allotments may be changed but cannot be re-established once cancelled. 49

The MLA regulation also prohibits creditors, other than military welfare societies or service relief societies, from requiring repayment by allotment as a condition to extending certain consumer credit to servicemembers and their dependents. 50 Financial institutions should also be aware that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has pursued a number of enforcement actions alleging unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices related to repayment by military allotment. 51

EFFECTIVE COMPLIANCE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES TO PROTECT SERVICEMEMBER RIGHTS

Financial institutions should build effective compliance management systems to ensure that appropriate financial protections are provided to servicemember customers and their dependents.

SERVICEMEMBER PROTECTION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Financial institution management should consider maintaining written policies and procedures approved by the institution’s board of directors that outline the steps for staff to follow when responding to requests for financial services from a servicemember or a servicemember’s dependents,as applicable. The institution’s policies would clearly state where a request is routed, who reviews it and authorizes benefits, and who communicates the decision to the borrower about the request. These procedures could either be stand- alone or incorporated into existing broader procedures.

Some examples of policies and procedures for management to consider regarding MLA and SCRA compliance are included here, although financial institutions should also consider developing policies and procedures addressing other servicemember protections, such as the PCS servicing guidance and military allotment rules. (See sidebar below.)

Permanent Change of Station Guidance

Active duty military personnel make permanent change of  station  (PCS)  moves  approximately  every  two  to four years. 53 A PCS is the official relocation of an active duty military service member — along with any family members living with him or her — to a different duty location, such as a military base. For military homeowners, PCS  orders  that  are  nonnegotiable  and  operate  under short timelines present unique challenges. Despite these challenges, military homeowners with PCS orders remain responsible for honoring their financial obligations, including  their mortgages.

In June 2012, the Board, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, National Credit Union Administration, and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, issued guidance to address mortgage servicing practices that may pose risks to military homeowners with PCS orders. The guidance, “Interagency Guidance on Mortgage Servicing Practices Concerning Military Homeowners with Permanent Change of Station Orders” (Interagency PCS Guidance), discusses risks related to military homeowners who have informed their loan servicer that they have received PCS orders and who seek assistance with their mortgage loans. 54

The Interagency PCS Guidance discusses financial institution and mortgage servicer responses when a servicemember provides notice of a PCS. To avoid potentially misleading or harming homeowners with PCS orders, mortgage servicers (including financial institutions acting as mortgage servicers) should:

• Provide homeowners with PCS orders with accurate, clear, and readily understandable information about available assistance options for which the homeowner may qualify based on the information known to the servicer;
• Ensure that employees do not request that the servicemember waive legal rights in order to receive assistance;
• Provide a reasonable means for homeowners with PCS orders to obtain information on the status of their request for assistance; and
• Communicate in a timely way the servicer’s decision regarding requests for assistance from homeowners with PCS orders and include an explanation of the reason for a denial, where required, to provide the homeowner an opportunity to address any deficiencies.

Mortgage servicers can support their efforts to follow this guidance by training employees about the options available for homeowners with PCS orders and adopting mortgage servicing policies and procedures that direct appropriate employee responses to servicemembers requesting assistance.

Policies and procedures for MLA compliance

Regarding the MLA, financial institutions should have appropriate policies and procedures in place, for example: to identify covered borrowers; meet disclosure requirements; calculate the MAPR for closed-end, credit card, and other open-end credit products; and review consumer credit contracts to avoid prohibited terms.

Policies and procedures, for example, should indicate that employees are to provide covered borrowers with a statement of the MAPR, any disclosure required by Regulation Z, and a clear description of the payment obligation before or at the time that a borrower becomes obligated on a consumer credit transaction or establishes a consumer credit account. The procedures would also detail the written and oral methods by which the disclosures are to be delivered.

Financial institutions are also encouraged to establish appropriate policies and procedures to calculate the MAPR for closed-end and open-end credit products (including credit card accounts) so that the charges and fees that must be included and those that may be excluded are accounted for appropriately. Financial institutions would also do well to adopt change management policies and procedures to evaluate whether any contemplated new fees and charges would need to be included in MAPR calculations before these new fees or charges are imposed. Additionally, financial institutions should consider how their staffs may effectively monitor the MAPR in connection with open-end credit products and whether to waive fees or charges, either in whole or in part, to reduce the MAPR to 36 percent or below in a given billing cycle or alternatively not impose fees and charges in a billing cycle that are in excess of a 36 percent MAPR (even if permitted under the applicable credit agreement).

Other best practices may include developing an inventory of products and services offered to servicemembers and their dependents — and potentially developing products and services specifically intended for servicemembers and their dependents, taking into account MLA limitations and MAPR requirements.

Policies and procedures for SCRA compliance

When a servicemember submits a request for an interest rate reduction on any loan covered under the SCRA, for example, procedures would clearly state how employees are to reduce the interest rate on qualified loans. The procedures would include instructions on how to adjust the rate retroactively to the first day of eligibility and how to code the loans to adjust the periodic payments appropriately.

Although not required, a financial institution may want to consider searching for and flagging any additional loans that may qualify for coverage once a servicemember requests an interest rate reduction under the SCRA. Even if the servicemember does not request relief on additional loans at that time, it could be more expeditious for the financial institution to address all loans at the same time.

Additionally, policies and procedures regarding collections, mortgage foreclosures, and repossession of motor vehicles and other personal property would ideally address servicemember protections. Before initiating a foreclosure on a home or repossession of a vehicle or other personal property, the financial institution should determine whether the property is owned by a servicemember. The institution’s policies would provide its personnel with guidance on how to determine ownership.

Foreclosures and repossessions can be lengthy processes, so financial institutions are encouraged to determine whether a borrower qualifies as a protected servicemember several times during the process. For example, in addition to performing an initial determination before beginning a foreclosure, institutions should redetermine the military service status prior to finalizing the foreclosure or repossession. Further determinations may be warranted for more protracted proceedings.

EMPLOYEE TRAINING ADDRESSING SERVICEMEMBER PROTECTION

Financial institutions should provide regular training for all of their employees on servicemember protections. Personnel extending and servicing credit-related products and services should understand an institution’s compliance obligations associated with servicemembers and their dependents and financial institution personnel’s role in ensuring  effective compliance.

For example, employee training should also encompass effective and consistent processes to identify servicemembers that are or possibly may be covered by MLA and SCRA rights and protections as well as those to whom military allotment restrictions apply. 52

INTERNAL REVIEWS TO MONITOR COMPLIANCE WITH SERVICEMEMBER PROTECTIONS

The financial institution’s quality assurance and audit staff should conduct regular reviews of the institution’s compliance with servicemember financial protection requirements. Internal review or audit findings that report any policy exceptions should be communicated to the institution’s board of directors and senior management for tracking and correction.

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND REPORTING ON SERVICEMEMBER PROTECTIONS

The financial institution’s customer information system (CIS) can be one of its most effective tools to facilitate identification and monitoring of customers eligible for protections under the MLA and/or the SCRA. CIS records flagged as servicemember or servicemember dependent, along with duty status dates, can inform staff tracking and management reporting to ensure that accounts associated with those customers are afforded appropriate protections.

OVERSIGHT OF THIRD-PARTY SERVICER COMPLIANCE WITH SERVICEMEMBER PROTECTIONS

The financial institution’s service provider risk management program should encompass consideration of compliance with servicemember financial protections. The service provider risk management program can vary based on the scope and nature of the institution’s outsourced activities. But the financial institution’s management should ensure that its service provider risk management program extends to any activities that provide financial services to servicemembers or their dependents, as applicable.

In evaluating a financial institution’s compliance management practices to confirm that it adequately addresses servicemember financial protections, the institution’s management should consider each of the previously mentioned elements of a compliance management system.

Notably, with the October 3, 2017, compliance date for new MLA rules applicable to credit card accounts, financial institutions would be well advised to leverage their existing compliance management system’s strengths while adapting MLA-specific policies and procedures, employee training, internal controls, and management information systems to comply with the amended MLA regulation.

Specific issues and questions should be raised with your primary regulator.

2 This section is intended to highlight certain key provisions of the MLA and its implementing regulation; however, it is not intended to provide an exhaustive summary.

3 10 U.S.C. §987

7 32 C.F.R. §232.3(f)(2)

8 However, the DOD has indicated that “an overdraft service typically would not be covered as consumer credit because Regulation Z excludes from ‘finance charge’ any charge imposed by a creditor for credit extended to pay an item that overdraws an asset account and for which the borrower pays any fee or charge, unless the payment of such an item and the imposition of the fee or charge were previously agreed upon in writing.” (Emphasis added.) 80 Fed. Reg. 43560, 43580 (July 22, 2015). See also the first interpretative question and answer at 81 Fed. Reg. 58840 (August 26, 2016).

9 32 C.F.R. §232.4(c)

10 32 C.F.R. §232.5(b)

11 32 C.F.R. §232.6

12 32 C.F.R. §232.13

13 32 C.F.R. §232.3(f)(1)

14 32 C.F.R. §232.3(g)

15 32 C.F.R. §232.3(i). The term creditor also includes an assignee of a person engaged in the business of extending consumer credit with respect to any consumer credit extended.

16 32 C.F.R. §232.5(b)

17 The MAPR is calculated in accordance with 32 C.F.R. §232.4(c).

18 32 C.F.R. §232.4(b)

19 32 C.F.R. §232.4(c)(2)(i)

20 Sections 1026.14(c) and (d) of Regulation Z provide for the methods of computing the APR under several scenarios, such as (1) when the finance charge is determined solely by applying one or more periodic rates; (2) when the finance charge during a billing cycle is or includes a fixed or other charge that is not due to application of a periodic rate, other than a charge with respect to a specific transaction; and (3) when the finance charge during a billing cycle is or includes a charge relating to a specific transaction during the billing cycle. 12 C.F.R. §1026.14.

21 32 C.F.R. §232.4(c)(2)(ii)

22 32 C.F.R. §232.4(d). The exclusion for bona fide fees does not apply to charges based on application of a periodic rate, credit insurance premiums, or to fees for credit-related  ancillary products.

23 32 C.F.R. §232.4(d). The DOD has indicated: “The ‘reasonable’ condition for a bona fide fee should be applied flexibly so that, in general, creditors may continue to offer a wide range of credit card products that carry reasonable costs expressly tied to bona fide, specific products or services and which vary depending upon the servicemember’s own choices regarding the use of the card.” 80 Fed. Reg. 43560, 43573.

24 32  C.F.R. §232.4(d)(3)(iii)

25 32 C.F.R. §232.8

26 32 C.F.R. §232.6. The DOD noted that “[A] creditor who is an assignee is not required to provide [the statement of the MAPR and the clear description of the payment obligation] … [h]owever, the disclosures required by Regulation Z … would remain subject to Regulation Z. …” 80 Fed. Reg. 43588 (July 22, 2015). Additionally, the DOD has explained that: “The MLA regulation’s general timing requirement does not override more specific disclosure timing provisions in Regulation Z. The requirement in § 232.6(a) that any disclosure required by Regulation Z be provided only in accordance with the requirements of Regulation Z does not amount to a requirement that MLA-specific disclosures be separately provided to borrowers in advance of TILA disclosures. Thus, the disclosures required in § 232.6(a) may be provided at the time prescribed in Regulation Z.”

27 32 C.F.R. §232.6(d)(1)

28 32 C.F.R. §232.6(d)(2)

29 32 C.F.R. §232.6(d)(2) The DOD has explained: “Oral disclosures provided through a toll-free telephone system need only be available under § 232.6(d)(2) (ii)(B) for a duration of time reasonably necessary to allow a covered borrower to contact the creditor for the purpose of listening to the disclosure.” 81 Fed. Reg. 58840, 58844 (August 26, 2016).

30 32 C.F.R. §232.10

31 32 C.F.R. §232.9(c)

32 32 C.F.R. §232.9(e)(1)‐(3)

33 32 C.F.R. §232.9(e)(4)

34 50 U.S.C. §4041

35 50 U.S.C. §3937

36 50 U.S.C. §3937(b)

37 50 U.S.C. §3937(a)(3)

38 50 U.S.C. §3953

39 50 U.S.C. §3953, 50 U.S. C. §3953(b)

40 50 U.S. C. §3953(b). See also 50 U.S.C. §3954 (regarding settlement of stayed cases related to personal property (either under a mortgage or purchase contract)).

41 50 U.S.C. §3952

42 50 U.S.C. §3952, 50 U.S.C. §3952(c)

43 50 U.S.C. §3955

44 See 50 U.S.C. §3955. Creditors should also be aware of SCRA provisions regarding tax obligations, including 50 U.S.C. §§3991, 4001(d), and 4021. 45 50 U.S.C. §3957

46 50 U.S.C. §3951

47 50 U.S.C. §3919

48 DOD Financial Management Regulation, Volume 7A, Chapter 42, Paragraph 420201

49 DOD Financial Management Regulation, Volume 7A, Chapter 42, Paragraph 420201, Paragraph 420202

50 32 CFR §232.8(g)

51 See In the Matter of U.S. Bank National Association , Consent Order, 2013‐ CFPB‐0003 (June 26, 2013) and In the Matter of Dealers’ Financial Services, LLC , Consent Order, 2013‐CFPB‐0004 (June 25, 2013) (CFPB alleged that U.S. Bank and Dealers Financial partnered to require servicemembers to repay subprime automobile loans by allotment and, among other things, failed to disclose fees, failed to properly disclose payment schedules, and misrepresented charges for add-on products); Consumer Financial Protection Bureau et al. v. Freedom Stores, Inc. et al. , Civ. Action No. 2:14-cv-643-AWA-TEM (E.D. Va.), Complaint (December 18, 2014) and Final Order (January 9, 2015) (CFPB, with the attorneys general of North Carolina and Virginia, alleged that a retailer and associated finance companies unlawfully double-dipped by taking payments via both a servicemember’s allotment and bank or other required back-up account in the same month, and otherwise engaged in unfair or abusive debt collection practices, such as including nonnegotiable clauses in loan agreements mandating that disputes be resolved in a distant venue inconvenient for servicemembers); and In the Matter of Fort Knox National Company and Military Assistance Co., LLC , Consent Order, 2015-CFPB-0008 (April 20, 2015) (CFPB alleged that military allotment processors failed to disclose fee amounts for residual balances in allotment accounts and the fact that fees were charged).

52 Neither the MLA nor SCRA requires any specific method for confirming the military service status of an individual.

What is collateral assignment of life insurance?

Collateral assignment of life insurance is a method of providing a lender with collateral when you apply for a loan. In this case, the collateral is your life insurance policy's face value, which could be used to pay back the amount you owe in case you die while in debt. Collateral assignment of life insurance is a common requirement for business loans, and lenders may require you to get a life insurance policy to be used for collateral assignment.

How does collateral assignment of life insurance work?

If you die before fully repaying your loan, collateral assignment will allow the lender, or "assignee," to be repaid for the outstanding loan amount using your death benefit. If you pay back your loan fully before passing away, or if only a portion of your death benefit is needed to pay off your loan, your beneficiaries can still file a claim for the policy's death benefit .

What steps are required to apply for collateral assignment of life insurance?

Depending on your lender and the loan type and amount you're applying for, collateral assignment of your existing life insurance or a new life insurance policy may be required. Collateral assignment requirements are particularly common with business loans. Here's how to apply for collateral assignment of life insurance:

Understand the requirements

Find out if your lender will accept collateral assignment of an existing whole or term life insurance policy . If so, confirm that your current policy's death benefit amount is sufficient collateral for the loan. If the lender requires that you get a new life insurance policy for the collateral assignment, you may need to shop around for life insurance with a death benefit amount that's sufficient loan collateral.

Apply for life insurance

If you're buying a new life insurance policy , you'll apply with the insurer. Once you're approved, double-check with your lender that the policy you've qualified for meets their loan requirements.

Complete the collateral assignment form

Once your first life insurance premium is paid, you can proceed with completing a collateral assignment form via your insurer. On the form, you'll need to provide your lender's contact information so they can be added as the death benefit collateral assignee until your loan is repaid. The form also requires signatures from both the assignor (you) and assignee (your lender).

Proceed with your loan application

Once your bank can confirm they're the collateral assignee for your life insurance policy, you can proceed with your loan application.

Don't cancel your life insurance policy during the course of your loan and make your insurance payments on time to avoid a life insurance policy lapse ; otherwise, you could violate your loan contract. Your lender may then have the right to raise your loan's interest rate or demand full repayment of your outstanding loan balance.

Will collateral assignment affect my beneficiaries?

With collateral assignment, you should still name beneficiaries as usual, but the total death benefit available to them will depend on when you pay off your loan. If you pay it off before you pass away, your death benefit won't be affected. However, if you pass away before paying off your loan, the total death benefit your beneficiaries can file a claim for will be reduced by the amount needed to fully pay back your lender.

Your lender will be an assignee rather than a beneficiary, and the assignee can only claim up to the amount required to settle your loan. Any amount remaining may be claimed by your beneficiaries, so be sure to update your beneficiaries as needed while your policy is active.

Other ways life insurance can help you with a loan

Collateral assignment might not be the only way to qualify for the loan you need. If you have a whole life or universal life policy, consider how much cash value it currently has. Instead of borrowing from a lender, you may be able to borrow from your policy's cash value via a life insurance loan . Note that there will be limits to how much you can borrow without putting your coverage in jeopardy, and any part of the loan not repaid by the time you pass away may be deducted from your death benefit.

You can also choose to cash out your life insurance policy. This would end your coverage, and taxes and fees will apply, but you could use the policy's value to eliminate your need for a loan or reduce the amount you need to borrow. Consult with a financial advisor to understand the implications of your particular situation.

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• Life Insurance
• Definitions

What Is a Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance?

Investopedia contributors come from a range of backgrounds, and over 24 years there have been thousands of expert writers and editors who have contributed.

Charlene Rhinehart is a CPA , CFE, chair of an Illinois CPA Society committee, and has a degree in accounting and finance from DePaul University.

A collateral assignment of life insurance is a conditional assignment appointing a lender as an assignee of a policy. Essentially, the lender has a claim to some or all of the death benefit until the loan is repaid. The death benefit is used as collateral for a loan.

The advantage to using a collateral assignee over naming the lender as a beneficiary is that you can specify that the lender is only entitled to a certain amount, namely the amount of the outstanding loan. That would allow your beneficiaries still be entitled to any remaining death benefit.

Lenders commonly require that life insurance serve as collateral for a business loan to guarantee repayment if the borrower dies or defaults. They may even require you to get a life insurance policy to be approved for a business loan.

Key Takeaways

• The borrower of a business loan using life insurance as collateral must be the policy owner, who may or may not be the insured.
• The collateral assignment helps you avoid naming a lender as a beneficiary.
• The collateral assignment may be against all or part of the policy's value.
• If any amount of the death benefit remains after the lender is paid, it is distributed to beneficiaries.
• Once the loan is fully repaid, the life insurance policy is no longer used as collateral.

How a Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance Works

Collateral assignments make sure the lender gets paid only what they are due. The borrower must be the owner of the policy, but they do not have to be the insured person. And the policy must remain current for the life of the loan, with the policy owner continuing to pay all premiums . You can use either term or whole life insurance policy as collateral, but the death benefit must meet the lender's terms.

A permanent life insurance policy with a cash value allows the lender access to the cash value to use as loan payment if the borrower defaults. Many lenders don't accept term life insurance policies as collateral because they do not accumulate cash value.

Alternately, the policy owner's access to the cash value is restricted to protect the collateral. If the loan is repaid before the borrower's death, the assignment is removed, and the lender is no longer the beneficiary of the death benefit.

Insurance companies must be notified of the collateral assignment of a policy. However, other than their obligation to meet the terms of the contract, they are not involved in the agreement.

Example of Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance

For example, say you have a business plan for a floral shop and need a $50,000 loan to get started. When you apply for the loan, the bank says you must have collateral in the form of a life insurance policy to back it up. You have a whole life insurance policy with a cash value of $65,000 and a death benefit of $300,000, which the bank accepts as collateral.

So, you then designate the bank as the policy's assignee until you repay the $50,000 loan. That way, the bank can ensure it will be repaid the funds it lent you, even if you died. In this case, because the cash value and death benefit is more than what you owe the lender, your beneficiaries would still inherit money.

Alternatives to Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance

Using a collateral assignment to secure a business loan can help you access the funds you need to start or grow your business. However, you would be at risk of losing your life insurance policy if you defaulted on the loan, meaning your beneficiaries may not receive the money you'd planned for them to inherit.

Consult with a financial advisor to discuss whether a collateral assignment or one of these alternatives may be most appropriate for your financial situation.

Life insurance loan (policy loan) : If you already have a life insurance policy with a cash value, you can likely borrow against it. Policy loans are not taxed and have less stringent requirements such as no credit or income checks. However, this option would not work if you do not already have a permanent life insurance policy because the cash value component takes time to build.

Surrendering your policy : You can also surrender your policy to access any cash value you've built up. However, your beneficiaries would no longer receive a death benefit.

Other loan types : Finally, you can apply for other loans, such as a personal loan, that do not require life insurance as collateral. You could use loans that rely on other types of collateral, such as a home equity loan that uses your home equity.

What Are the Benefits of Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance?

A collateral assignment of a life insurance policy may be required if you need a business loan. Lenders typically require life insurance as collateral for business loans because they guarantee repayment if the borrower dies. A policy with cash value can guarantee repayment if the borrower defaults.

What Kind of Life Insurance Can Be Used for Collateral?

You can typically use any type of life insurance policy as collateral for a business loan, depending on the lender's requirements. A permanent life insurance policy with a cash value allows the lender a source of funds to use if the borrower defaults. Some lenders may not accept term life insurance policies, which have no cash value. The lender will typically require the death benefit be a certain amount, depending on your loan size.

Is Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance Irrevocable?

A collateral assignment of life insurance is irrevocable. So, the policyholder may not use the cash value of a life insurance policy dedicated toward collateral for a loan until that loan has been repaid.

What is the Difference Between an Assignment and a Collateral Assignment?

With an absolute assignment , the entire ownership of the policy would be transferred to the assignee, or the lender. Then, the lender would be entitled to the full death benefit. With a collateral assignment, the lender is only entitled to the balance of the outstanding loan.

The Bottom Line

If you are applying for life insurance to secure your own business loan, remember you do not need to make the lender the beneficiary. Instead you can use a collateral assignment. Consult a financial advisor or insurance broker who can walk you through the process and explain its pros and cons as they apply to your situation.

Progressive. " Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance ."

Fidelity Life. " What Is a Collateral Assignment of a Life Insurance Policy? "

Kansas Legislative Research Department. " Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance Proceeds ."

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Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance

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Secured loans let you borrow money using one of your assets as collateral to get easier approval and better rates and terms. Life insurance may not be the first asset to come to mind when getting a secured loan, but you can use your policy as collateral through a process called collateral assignment of life insurance. This article will explain how collateral assignment of life insurance works and how to apply for it, then review some alternatives to using life insurance as collateral.

What is the collateral assignment of life insurance?

Collateral assignment of life insurance involves using your life insurance policy’s death benefit as loan collateral. 1 This means that if you can’t repay what you owe, the lender has the right to collect the collateral amount from your policy.

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How to apply for collateral assignment of life insurance

Here’s how to apply for collateral assignment of life insurance:

1. Know the requirements

Knowing life insurance collateral requirements is vital before applying for collateral assignment. Lenders generally require an active life insurance policy with cash value. This means that a term life insurance policy may not qualify. However, exact requirements vary by lender. If you need to get a new life insurance policy in order to get a collateral assignment, research and gather quotes from several insurance companies to choose the right option for you.

2. Fill out a life insurance application

Once you’ve found a policy that will meet a lender’s loan requirements, you can apply for life insurance . As mentioned, you will likely need life insurance with cash value. Check with the lender to see if the policy you’re approved for qualifies for a life insurance collateral assignment before signing the contract.

3. Fill out a collateral assignment form

Once you sign your life insurance contract and pay your first premiums, complete a collateral assignment form with your insurer. You’ll fill out your lender’s contact details so your insurer can designate them as a collateral assignee while your loan is outstanding.

4. Sign and submit the form

After completing the collateral assignment form, you and your lender must sign it. Your insurer may be able to provide electronic versions of the documents and e-signature capabilities to streamline the process.

5. Apply for a loan

Wait for your bank to confirm that your insurer has made them the collateral assignee. Then, apply for your chosen loan and fill out any relevant life insurance policy information on the application.

How collateral assignment of life insurance may affect your beneficiaries

Using your life insurance policy as collateral may impact your beneficiaries if you default on the loan or pass away with an outstanding balance. 2 Either event could reduce the death benefit payout your beneficiaries receive.

For example, if you take out a $50,000 loan using your $500,000 policy as collateral but pass away with a $40,000 loan balance, your lender can collect a portion of your death benefit. That can leave your beneficiaries with less money to cover expenses in your absence.

Alternatives to the collateral assignment of life insurance

Here are some alternatives to the collateral assignment of life insurance 2 :

Borrow from your life insurance policy

Permanent life insurance policies, such as whole life insurance , let you build cash value with each premium payment. Once your policy grows large enough, you can borrow against it. Policy loans offer favorable rates and no fixed repayment deadline. Accrued interest is added to your loan balance.

You can keep the loan outstanding as long as you want. However, your policy can lapse if the balance grows larger than your cash value.

Withdraw from your policy

You can withdraw money from your life insurance policy once you have accumulated enough cash value. However, this may reduce your death benefit. Withdrawing may also trigger tax consequences.

Surrender your policy

You can surrender life insurance if you no longer need your coverage. The insurer pays you the cash value minus surrender charges, letting you access your wealth. If you decide to go this route, your policy will be cancelled, and you’ll stop paying premiums.

Consider a different type of loan

You can get other loans, depending on your financial circumstances. For example, if you have significant equity in your home, you could get a home equity loan or line of credit. You could also apply for an unsecured personal loan to avoid risking your assets as collateral.

Is collateral assignment of life insurance right for me?

Collateral assignment of life insurance may make sense in a few situations:

• Business loans: If you’re a business owner and have a substantial death benefit, you could borrow against a large amount of it to fund your business.
• Medical expenses: The average cost of a hospital stay is 13,262. 3 If you have medical expenses insurance doesn’t cover, securing a loan with your life insurance could help you pay for them.
• Debt refinancing or consolidation: Borrowing against your death benefit could help you consolidate and refinance higher-interest debts, like personal loans and credit cards. This can save you money on interest and streamline your monthly payments.

Remember the risks of a life insurance collateral assignment before using it for these or other situations. If you’re not sure whether it’s the best choice for you, consider speaking with a financial advisor to explore your options.

Get a life insurance quote

Collateral assignment of life insurance can be a good option for borrowing a significant amount of money at favorable rates and terms. However, it’s important to remember that defaulting on the loan or passing away with an outstanding balance could reduce the death benefit payout your beneficiaries receive.

If you need a way to help protect your loved ones for your entire life and receive a significant asset you could borrow against, Aflac’s whole life insurance policies with cash value can be a great option. Start chatting with an agent today to learn more.

Still have questions?

Explore your life insurance options.

1 The Balance – What is a Collateral Assignment (of a Life Insurance Policy)? Updated November 10, 2021. https://www.thebalancemoney.com/what-is-collateral-assignment-5176411 . Accessed May 8, 2023.

2 Investopedia – What is a Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance? Updated April 30, 2023. https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/111714/what-collateral-assignment-life-insurance.asp . Accessed May 8, 2023.

3 Debt.org – Hospital and Surgery Costs. Updated March 30, 2023. https://www.debt.org/medical/hospital-surgery-costs/ . Accessed May 8, 2023.

Coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York. 68000 series: In Arkansas, Idaho, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, & Virginia, Policies: ICC1368100, ICC1368200, ICC1368300, ICC1368400. In Delaware, Policies A68100-A68400. In New York, NY68100-NY68400.65000 series: In Virginia, Policies ICC0965JTO & ICC0965JWO. B61000 series: In Arkansas, Idaho, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, & Virginia, Policies: ICC18B61JWO & ICC18B61JTO. In Delaware, Policies B61JWO, B61JTO. B60000 series: In Arkansas, Idaho, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, & Virginia, Policies: ICC18B60C10, ICC18B60100, ICC18B60200, ICC18B60300, & ICC18B60400. Q60000 series: Whole: In Arkansas, Delaware & Oregon, Policy Q60100M. In Idaho Policy Q60100MID. In Oklahoma, Policy Q60100MOK. In Texas, Policy Q60100MTX.Q60000 series: Term: In Delaware, Policies Q60200CM. In Arkansas, Idaho, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Policies ICC18Q60200C, ICC18Q60300C, ICC18Q60400C.

Final Expense insurance coverage is underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company. The life insurance policy described herein contains an optional Accelerated Death Benefits Rider that is intended for favorable tax treatment under Section 101(g) of the Internal Revenue Code. Aflac does not give legal or tax advice. Please consult with a qualified legal, tax, and accounting advisor before engaging in any transaction. In AR, AZ, ID, OK, OR, PA, TX and VA: Policies ICC21-AFLLBL21 and ICC21-AFLRPL21; and Riders ICC21-AFLABR22, ICC21-AFLADB22, and ICC21-AFLCDR22. Tier One Insurance Company is part of the Aflac family of insurers. In California, Tier One Insurance Company does business as Tier One Life Insurance Company (Tier One NAIC 92908).

This is a brief product overview only. Coverage may not be available in all states, including but not limited to DE, ID, NJ, NM, NY or VA. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on state and plan levels. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact policy and rider forms for benefit details, definitions, limitations and exclusions. For complete details, including availability and costs, please contact your local Aflac agent.

Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent.

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Except in New York, individual insurance and group dental and vision insurance is offered by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In NY both group and individual coverage is offered by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York. Group policies are offered by Continental American Insurance Company (CAIC). CAIC is not licensed to solicit business in New York, Guam, Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands. In CA, CAIC does business as Continental American Life Insurance Company (CAIC NAIC 71730) Dental and Vision plans are administered by Aflac Benefit Solutions, Inc. Aflac Worldwide Headquarters | Columbus, GA Aflac Group | Columbia, SC American Family Life Assurance Company of New York | Albany, NY Aflac’s Premium Life, Absence and Disability Services are available in all states, except Puerto Rico, Guam or the Virgin Islands, and are offered by Continental American Insurance Company (CAIC). Self-funded plans and absence services are administered by CAIC in all states but NY. In NY, self-funded plans and absence services are administered by and insurance is offered by American Family Life Assurance Company of NY. Administrative services are not insurance and are not considered legal advice. Products may not be available in all states and may vary depending on state law. Direct to Consumer Business is underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company, doing business as Tier One Life Insurance Company in California (Tier One NAIC 92908)

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Assignment of Life Insurance

WARNING! This form permanently transfers ownership of your FEGLI insurance to another individual, trustee, or corporation (however, premiums continue to be withheld from your salary/annuity). An assignment is irrevocable, and cannot be changed later. DO NOT USE THIS FORM if you only wish to designate a beneficiary to receive your life insurance. Instead, use the available designation of beneficiary form .

For more information about assignments and designations of beneficiary, see the FEGLI Booklet on Assignments , and Designation of Beneficiary and Order of Precedence .

FEGLI enrollees use this form to assign ownership of their life insurance coverage to another person, firm, or trust; and assignees use the form to reassign the coverage.

Electronic Copies:

RI 76-10 

Paper Copies:

Request a paper copy of this form from your servicing Human Resources Office.

Annuitants:

• Call toll free 1-888-767-6738 (202-606-0500 in the DC Area), or
• Send an email to [email protected] , giving the number of the form that you need and your mailing address, or
• Request a copy from a local Federal agency Human Resources Office.