Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
New members who aren’t completely satisfied with their WAEPA Group Term Life Insurance for any reason, may request a refund of all premiums paid. Refunds are made with no questions asked, provided your request is submitted in writing within 30 days of receiving your new member packet.
Formed in 1943, WAEPA celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2023. Learn more about WAEPA’s history by heading over to the Our Story page.
WAEPA itself, as a nonprofit association, isn’t rated. WAEPA’s insurance program is underwritten by New York Life Insurance Company. New York Life has the highest possible financial strength ratings currently awarded to any life insurer from all four of the major credit rating agencies: A.M. Best (A++), Fitch (AAA), Moody’s Investors Service (Aaa), Standard & Poor’s (AA+)*.
*Third Party Rating Reports as of 10/4/2024
WAEPA provides Group Term Life Insurance coverage, to current and former Civilian Federal Employees up to age 85. The rates automatically change in five-year increments, and the maximum amount of coverage available begins to reduce starting at age 60. There’s no need to reapply for coverage each year; it automatically renews annually. View the Complete List of Rates for all ages and amounts of coverage available.
Click here to review WAEPA’s Privacy Policy.
No. WAEPA is an independent nonprofit organization. WAEPA is governed by a Board of Directors comprised exclusively of current, former, and retired Civilian Federal Employees who serve in their personal capacities.
Please call WAEPA Members Services at (800) 368-3484.
Please allow up to eight weeks (even for existing members) to complete the application process and receive your Certificate of Insurance.
A medical examination may be required, even for existing members, depending on your age, the amount of insurance for which you’re applying, and your health question answers. If a medical examination is required, it will be performed at no cost to you, at your convenience, by a medical examiner appointed by WAEPA through ExamOne.
It’s easy. Complete your application online in a matter of minutes. A medical exam and/or copies of medical records may be required. If so, the exam will be performed by a medical examiner appointed by our insurance underwriter, New York Life Insurance Company, at no charge to you. We also cover the cost of obtaining copies of your records. It may take up to eight weeks to complete the application process and receive your Certificate of Insurance.
After you’ve submitted your Group Term Life Insurance application, it will be forwarded to a New York Life Insurance Company underwriter for review. The underwriter will determine if an exam and/or copies of medical records are needed. If an exam is required, a representative from ExamOne will contact you to schedule an appointment.
Once you receive your Certificate of Insurance, you’ll have 30 days to examine it in the privacy of your own home. If you’re not completely satisfied, simply return it, without claim, for a full refund of any premium paid.
Premiums are based on your age and will increase as you enter each new five-year age band. To find the rate for your age, use our premium calculator or look at the rate chart.
The coverage amounts are the same for WAEPA Members and Associate members. The only difference is in how one gained membership initially.
To view our complete list of rates for all ages and amounts of coverage available for Associate members, visit our Rates page.
Associate Membership was created so that spouses of WAEPA members could enjoy the same level of benefits as the members themselves.
There are limits on the amount of insurance available to spouses under the dependent group life program. Many of our members have indicated that their spouses need higher levels of insurance coverage.
You can purchase coverage as an Associate member, provided your spouse is a WAEPA member, even if they don’t purchase insurance through WAEPA. They must complete a membership form. WAEPA Associate Members are provided a maximum amount of $1.5 million coverage depending on age. Please view the complete list of rates for all ages and amounts of coverage available.
No. One cannot be covered under more than one WAEPA certificate at any given time.
No. WAEPA members have two ways to purchase life insurance protection for family members:
- As Dependents – Cover your spouse and dependent children under your own certificate. Dependent spouse coverage is limited to no more than 50% of the member’s coverage, for a maximum of $500,000 depending on the member’s (your) age.
- As Associate WAEPA Members – Enable your spouse to purchase their own insurance through WAEPA. Coverage levels go up to a maximum of $1.5 million depending on age.
Effective the date your spouse’s Associate member coverage is issued, the spouse portion of your dependent coverage will be canceled automatically. However, coverage on your dependent children will remain in effect. (Please remember that one premium covers all eligible dependents. Therefore, there may be no reduction in premium for your dependent coverage, even if your spouse is no longer insured.)
Absolutely. Once your spouse or family member becomes an Associate member, their coverage cannot be cancelled even if you terminate yours.
No. Premiums and coverage benefits are identical.
Spouses of WAEPA members are eligible for Associate Membership.
You and your spouse can apply at the same time. When they complete the application for Associate Membership, they would simply provide your name. A membership number is not required. If your spouse applies for coverage on their own, they cannot be covered under your Certificate of Insurance; only your children could be covered as Dependents.
Submit a claim form and have your healthcare provider certify that you suffered from a qualifying chronic illness or permanent severe cognitive impairment for at least 30 consecutive days. Such medical evidence must be certified each year benefits are paid.
The rider can remain in effect until age 80. It will end earlier if maximum benefits are reached, if you discontinue your rider, or the Group Term Life Insurance policy ends.
You don’t risk losing benefits with this added coverage. Any remaining benefits will be paid to your beneficiary.
That’s not a problem. You can cancel your rider at any time without impacting your life insurance policy.
Rates will increase over time as you enter each new five-year age bracket.
This added coverage typically adds just one to five percent to your life insurance premium. Find the rate for your age on our rate calculator.
It’s not likely, but it’s possible to be approved for life insurance and be turned down for a Chronic Illness Rider. They’re considered two separate insurance options with separate medical underwriting requirements in order to qualify.
These benefits aren’t intended to be taxable, but you should consult with a tax advisor to ensure that’s not the case with your personal situation.
No physical exam is required, but you will need to answer a few health questions over the phone. A representative from ExamOne will call you after you’ve submitted the application.
That’s defined as one of two things: the permanent inability to perform two of six Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) — bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, transferring, continence — or as a permanent severe cognitive impairment requiring substantial supervision.
Applying to add this rider gives you the ability to collect 50% of your benefit amount, up to $500,000, if you become permanently chronically ill. This tax-free benefit (consult a qualified tax advisor) is paid directly to you over a four-year period to be used as you see fit. That could be to help with medical costs, ongoing living expenses, or to replace lost income. This rider is available for an additional cost and must be selected when completing the application for Group Term Life Insurance.
To file a claim, they would visit our website to access the claim form or contact our claims department at (800) 368-3484 option 1.
Dependent upon a number of factors (age, amount of coverage, health history, etc.), a medical exam may be required. In light of COVID-19, the underwriters have adjusted their guidelines to minimize the likelihood of an exam requirement.
Yes, partial payments can be made. Please contact us at (800) 368-3484 to make partial payment arrangements.
Please contact us at (800) 368-3484 to speak with a billing representative to discuss your options.
No.
As a result of COVID-19, our underwriter New York Life (NYL) understands that making a premium payment during these very challenging times may not be possible for some of our certificate/policy owners. Please contact us at (800) 368-3484 to speak with a billing representative to discuss your options.
At WAEPA, the financial health and wellbeing of America’s federal employees is our top priority. Since 1943, we've taken steps to provide financial assistance to federal workers who have struggled to make ends meet during uncertain times. We've provided large scale relief when our members have been out of work, such as during the last long-term government shutdown. Thankfully, at this time, the vast majority of the federal civilian workforce remains hard at work, keeping the government operating and coordinating the response to the pandemic.
We'll continue to closely monitor the wellbeing of our members, and remain committed to reassessing how best we can provide relief to those in need. We remain true to our mission and will continue to provide the life insurance products and services our members and their families count on.
Yes. Your WAEPA Group Term Life Insurance policy doesn't include exclusions related to death from COVID-19 or a pandemic overall. Some states have come out with special provisions in light of the pandemic, but overall, yes, you are protected.
No. A spouse is considered an eligible dependent if they are member’s lawful married spouse, who:
- is identified on the request for group insurance;
- has not exceeded the maximum eligibility age;
- is not an eligible member; and
- is not eligible to become insured under the Policy for transfer insurance as a dependent.
No. Only the member or Associate member may cover dependent children.
Your dependent children can remain insured until their 26th birthday, provided they are primarily supported by you, are not married, and not a full-time member of the Armed Forces.
You must be under the age of 70 to apply for additional coverage on yourself. You can apply to add a dependent spouse, provided they are under the age of 70. However, it’s recommended your spouse applies on their own for coverage as an Associate member, as the rate will be lower.
No. WAEPA members have two ways to purchase life insurance protection for family members:
- As Dependents – Cover your spouse and dependent children under your own certificate. Dependent spouse coverage is limited to no more than 50% of the member’s coverage, for a maximum of $500,000 depending on the member’s (your) age.
- As Associate WAEPA Members – Enable your spouse to purchase their own insurance through WAEPA. Coverage levels go up to a maximum of $1.5 million depending on age.
Yes. To add dependent coverage for a spouse or child, simply submit an application selecting spouse and/or children. Keep in mind, if your spouse is closer in age or younger than you, it would be more cost-effective for them to apply on their own as an Associate member.
Effective the date your spouse’s Associate member coverage is issued, the spouse portion of your dependent coverage will be canceled automatically. However, coverage on your dependent children will remain in effect. (Please remember that one premium covers all eligible dependents. Therefore, there may be no reduction in premium for your dependent coverage, even if your spouse is no longer insured.)
No. Full-time, active duty members of the Armed Forces aren’t eligible for coverage. However, if you’re a Reservist or National Guardsman, you can apply for coverage, provided you’re a current or former Civilian Federal Employee. If you become activated, you can maintain your in-force coverage, but cannot apply for new coverage.
Government contractors are only eligible if they were Civilian Federal Employees at some point.
Current and former Civilian Federal Employees/annuitants, including non-appropriated fund (NAF) employees and U.S. Postal Service employees under the age of 70 are eligible to apply for Group Term Life Insurance coverage on themselves, spouses and dependent children through WAEPA.
If you’re retired military personnel who’s also a current or former Civilian Federal Employee, you’re eligible for coverage from us. If you’re not and never have been a Civilian Federal Employee/retired annuitant, you can only apply for coverage as an Associate member if your spouse is WAEPA Member.
You can purchase coverage as an Associate member, provided your spouse is a WAEPA member, even if they don’t purchase insurance through WAEPA. They must complete a membership form. WAEPA Associate Members are provided a maximum amount of $1.5 million coverage depending on age. Please view the complete list of rates for all ages and amounts of coverage available.
All insurance coverage terminates at age 85. You'll have the option to convert the coverage to an individual whole life policy with our insurance carrier, New York Life Insurance Company.
Yes. Once insured with WAEPA, this coverage is yours to keep. You won’t lose this coverage — even if you’re no longer a government employee or your employment status changes. Your coverage may continue until age 85.
As of 2022, former Civilian Federal Employees are eligible to apply for a new Group Term Life Insurance policy from WAEPA.
Your dependent children can remain insured until their 26th birthday, provided they are primarily supported by you, are not married, and not a full-time member of the Armed Forces.
Yes, your spouse could be covered as a Dependent under your WAEPA Certificate, restricted to no more than 50% of your coverage, with a maximum of $500,000, and rates are based on your, the Member's, age.
OR
Your spouse may be covered as an Associate member. Your spouse may apply for up to the Member maximum of $1.5 million (dependent on age) and, in this case, the rates would be based on your spouse’s age.
An Associate Member is a full-fledged member with all of the same rights and privileges as a Member who gained their eligibility from federal service. Once a person becomes a WAEPA Member they can pass Associate Membership to their respective spouse. You just need to join WAEPA, as a current or former Civilian Federal Employee to gain this opportunity for your family.
Please view our WAEPA vs. FEGLI Benefit Comparison page. To apply for Associate membership, a spouse must be a legal permanent resident with a tax ID or SSN. WAEPA member dependent coverage applies to dependents (regardless of U.S. resident status).
Spouses of WAEPA members are eligible for Associate Membership.
Your coverage can continue until your 85th birthday, as long as premiums continue to be paid and the group policy remains in force.
If you are a former military personnel who’s also a former Civilian Federal Employee, you’re eligible for coverage from us. If you haven’t been a Civilian Federal Employee, you can only apply for coverage as an Associate member if your spouse is a WAEPA member.
Yes. WAEPA is excited to extend our membership and exclusive rates to former Civilian Federal Employees.
Yes. WAEPA’s coverage is completely portable.
Yes. The circumstances of your departure from federal service doesn’t affect your eligibility for coverage.
Yes. If you are in a new job, you likely have a policy through your employer. You can also apply for Group Term Life Insurance through WAEPA at any time – no open season required.
No. Your life insurance automatically terminates effective with separation from Federal employment.
You do receive 31 days of free FEGLI coverage after you’ve left your position. During this period, you may apply to conversion to an individual (non-FEGLI) policy.
No. We do not currently collect that information when former Civilian Federal Employees apply for coverage.
No. There is no minimum time requirement of service to become a WAEPA member. You must simply be a current or former Civilian Federal Employee.
No, STDI is not available in countries outside of the U.S. This coverage is also unavailable in NV, OR, NH, VT, or all U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Current and former Civilian Federal Employees must be between the ages of 18 and 65, and actively working at least 30 hours per week to apply for WAEPA's Short-Term Disability Insurance. Once covered, you can keep your policy until your 70th birthday. Eligible spouses of current and former Civilian Federal Employees may also apply for coverage as a WAEPA Associate Member.
The time period that begins when a disability first occurs and ends when you become eligible for benefit payments.
Yes, upon request.
No, STDI is a separate program from GTL. No premium refunds are projected for the STDI plan.
No.
No, they are not dependent on another.
You can inform WAEPA Member Services via phone, mail, or email of the request.
You can submit an increase application through our online application.
Not at this time. You will be billed for each product individually.
Yes, provided they are transitioning to a job actively working at least 30 hours per week and will have a W-2 from the new job. You may want to consider if your current coverage amount will still be applicable and confirm if you will have an STDI policy through your new job to prevent being over or under-covered, or duplicating benefits with your new employer.
As long as your spouse is working full-time for at least 30 hours a week, they are eligible to apply for benefits under their own plan as an Associate Member. All plan details and requirements are the same. Like you, they can choose a monthly benefit from $100 to $6,500 a month, in $100 increments, and an elimination period of either 14 or 30 days.
Yes, increases can be made to your monthly benefit on an medically underwritten basis. An application is required to increase your benefits.
Once you’ve been approved for coverage, as long as you maintain your premium payments and your coverage is not terminated due to non-payment, there would be no need for a new physical exam, unless you apply to increase your coverage amount.
It’s easy. You can apply online in a few short minutes. In some cases, a medical exam and/or copies of medical records may be required. Is so, the exam will be performed by a medical examiner appointed by our insurance underwriter, New York Life Insurance Company, at no charge to you. We also cover the cost of obtaining copies of your records. It may take up to eight weeks to complete the application process and receive your Certificate of Insurance.
Use our STDI Rates Calculator to determine the amount of coverage available to you and how much it cost.
Benefits are paid directly to you, to use as you see fit. And, as long as you pay monthly premiums yourself, benefits are tax-free. You should always consult with your qualified tax advisor regarding your specific circumstances.
You can collect benefits for up to six months.
Benefits can begin after either 14 or 30 days. You decide an elimination period that’s right for you.
You can choose a monthly benefit amount from $100 to $6,500 a month in increments of $100. This amount can’t be more than 60% of your average monthly income when combined with the benefits you receive from any other source.
This coverage provides you a fixed monthly benefit if you are unable to work due to a covered illness or injury for up to six months. Coverage is issued by an insurance carrier (New York Life Insurance Company) to a policyholder (WAEPA) for the purpose of insuring the policyholder’s members. The economies of scale provide for competitive premiums.
No. Because the coverage is guaranteed, no exam is required.
Enrollment for our Guaranteed Issue Group Term Life Insurance is easy for newly hired Federal employees within 365 days of their hire date. Here’s what you need to do:
- Choose $25,000, $50,000, $75,000 or $100,000 of coverage and complete and sign the Online Enrollment Form.
If you need more than $100,000 in coverage you can apply to increase your WAEPA coverage at any time prior to your 70th birthday. You can also apply to add coverage for your dependent spouse and children.
Yes, additional benefits include AD&D* (Accidental Death & Dismemberment) and Common Carrier** coverage.
*In the event an insured Member’s death is a result of an accident, an additional benefit will be payable to your beneficiary(ies). Exclusions apply.
In the event an insured Member loses the use of specific body parts or body functions (dismemberment) as a result of an accident, an additional benefit will be payable.
**In the event an insured Member’s death is a result of an accident, while a fare-paying passenger on a commercial mode of transportation (common carrier), such as a bus, train, airline, or ship, an additional benefit will be payable to your beneficiary(ies). The Common Carrier benefit is an additional benefit separate from the AD&D benefit. Exclusions apply.
While WAEPA doesn’t have an open season, newly-hired Federal employees can apply for up to $100,000 in coverage on a Guaranteed Issue basis within 365 days of their hire date.
The process used to decide if and at what rate class an applicant will be offered insurance and the cost. This can include health and financial assessments.
Life insurance that lasts for a set time period or term. At the end of the term, the insurance either ends or converts to a new term.
The categories of health and other factors of an applicant which impact insurance offered and the cost.
The cost of insurance for attained coverage that is due in periodical payments of an insured’s choosing such as monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually.
The person who purchases a life insurance policy and is responsible for paying the premiums. This individual may or may not be also be the insured.
Insurance in which payments are designed to remain the same, or level, across the term.
The company that offers the life insurance policy to the policyholder.
The person whose life is covered by the life insurance policy. This individual may or not be the policyholder as well.
A type of term insurance offered through a group such as an employer or association. Employer insurance typically offers a fixed benefit set as a portion of the employee salary and often ends when employment ends. Associations offer amounts the individual can choose and can be kept across jobs.
Conditions or terms not covered by insurance. For example, suicide is an exclusion to WAEPA's Group Term Life Insurance within the first two years of having coverage.
Money paid when an insured person dies.
Notification to the insurance company to receive payment of an insurance benefit. Typically, a form is provided requiring details needed to process the claim.
The person(s) or trust named to receive payment of an insurance death benefit.
A portion of a life insurance death benefit that can be paid to the insured person while living. The purpose is to help with costs associated with severe chronic or terminal illnesses.
Please note that receipt of Accelerated Death Benefits may affect your eligibility for public assistance programs and may be taxable. Prior to applying to receive such benefits, you should consult with the appropriate social services agency and seek the advice of a qualified tax advisor.
Current and former Civilian Federal Employees/annuitants, including non-appropriated fund (NAF) employees and U.S. Postal Service employees under the age of 70 are eligible to apply for Group Term Life Insurance coverage on themselves, spouses and dependent children through WAEPA.
WAEPA provides Group Term Life Insurance coverage, to current and former Civilian Federal Employees up to age 85. The rates automatically change in five-year increments, and the maximum amount of coverage available begins to reduce starting at age 60. There’s no need to reapply for coverage each year; it automatically renews annually. View the Complete List of Rates for all ages and amounts of coverage available.
To change your beneficiary, you must complete an online form via DocuSign. Once completed, a confirmation letter will be mailed to your address on file. Please note, you will not receive a copy of the form. If you would like to request a printed copy or have any further questions, please contact our Member Services team in the WAEPA Member Portal or at (800) 368-3484, M-Th 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. ET and F 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET or email us at waepa@waepa.org.
As soon as your spouse’s Associate member coverage is issued, the spousal dependent coverage will be canceled automatically. However, coverage on your dependent children will remain in effect. (Please remember that one premium covers all eligible dependents. Therefore, there may be no reduction in premium for your dependent coverage, even if your spouse is no longer insured.)
The coverage amounts are the same for WAEPA Members and Associate members. The only difference is in how one gained membership initially.
To view our complete list of rates for all ages and amounts of coverage available for Associate members, visit our Rates page.
To begin the claims process, WAEPA requires notification from a person (spouse, relative, friend, etc.) that the insured has died. This can be done either by phone at (800) 368-3484 or by email at claims@waepa.org.
Please be prepared to provide the required information when reporting the death of a member/dependent. We require the member or dependent’s name, certificate number, date of death, manner of death, notifier’s name, phone number, and the notifier’s relationship to the member/dependent. A letter of instructions and a claim form will then be mailed or emailed to the beneficiary to be completed and returned to WAEPA. This information would then be forwarded to our insurance carrier, New York Life Insurance Company to process the claim.
If you're less than age 60, you may apply for up to $1.5 million of Group Term Life Insurance for yourself. The maximum amount of available coverage begins reducing at age 60 and beyond. Eligible dependent children may be insured for up to $25,000 depending on the level of dependent spouse coverage selected. Dependent spouse coverage is limited to no more than 50% of the member’s coverage for a maximum of $500,000.
Please view our complete list of rates for all ages and amounts of coverage available.
To cancel your policy or reduce the coverage amount, click here to submit your request or contact us at (800) 368-3484.
As long as you maintain your premium payments and your coverage isn’t terminated due to non-payment, there would be no need for a new physical exam.
However, if you submit an application for more coverage than you already have with WAEPA, your application will be subject to a medical underwriting process, which may require an exam. Rest assured, in the event the application for additional coverage isn't approved, you won't lose your existing coverage.
All insurance coverage terminates at age 85. You'll have the option to convert the coverage to an individual whole life policy with our insurance carrier, New York Life Insurance Company.
Yes, you can reduce your coverage at any time, and you can apply to increase your coverage if you are less than age 70. Managing your policy and personal information is easy in WAEPA's Member Portal.
You can also click here to reduce your coverage amount.
You must be under the age of 70 to apply for additional coverage on yourself. You can apply to add a dependent spouse, provided they are under the age of 70. However, it’s recommended your spouse applies on their own for coverage as an Associate member, as the rate will be lower.
WAEPA Group Term Life Insurance member rates change in five-year increments and the maximum amount of coverage available begins to reduce starting at age 60. To view our complete list of rates for all ages and amounts of coverage available, visit our Rates page.
Managing your policy and personal information is easy in WAEPA's Member Portal. You can also click here to update your contact information.
No. Other than non-payment, or the cancellation of WAEPA’s group master policy, the only other possible way for your coverage to be canceled is by you officially requesting termination or by you reaching the age of 85; end of the coverage term.
You may apply for up to $1.5 million of Group Term Life Insurance for yourself depending on age and up to $500,000 of dependent coverage for your spouse. Alternatively, your spouse may apply for up to $1.5 million if they apply as an Associate Member.
Eligible, dependent children may be insured for up to $25,000 depending on the level of spousal coverage selected. Dependent spouse coverage is limited to 50% of the member’s coverage for up to $500,000.
WAEPA's Group Term Life Insurance rates continue to change in five-year increments and the maximum amount of coverage available begins to reduce starting at age 60. Click here to view the rates for all coverage amounts available in each age group.
There's no “waiting period” for benefits to be payable. If an insured dies within the first two years of coverage, the full benefit is paid, provided death is not a result of suicide or the application does not contain incorrect medical/health information (misstatements).
Many Americans could be underinsured or over-insured, perhaps because they didn’t take some time to consider just how much coverage they might need. However, it’s essential to figure out your true coverage needs in order to ensure loved ones are protected financially for years to come.
For your convenience, you can use our Coverage Calculator to help determine how much coverage is right for you.
Yes. If diagnosed with a terminal illness and given a life expectancy of 12 months or less, you can access up to half your Group Term Life Insurance benefit amount. In addition to the terminal illness benefit, you can add a Chronic Illness Rider for even more living benefits.
There’s just one: suicide is not covered for the first two years your policy is in place. In that event, premiums paid for the insured's coverage will be returned.
Premiums are based on your age and will increase as you enter each new five-year age band. To find the rate for your age, use our premium calculator or look at the rate chart.
Your coverage can continue until your 85th birthday, as long as premiums continue to be paid and the group policy remains in force.
With traditional underwriting, please allow for up to eight weeks to complete the application process and receive your Certificate of Insurance. WAEPA also offers QuickDecision underwriting, which allows eligible applicants to get a decision in minutes with no medical exams or blood tests.
Group Term Life Insurance is a type of life insurance where one contract covers multiple people or a group of people. This allows for group rates for each policy issued under a single contract. WAEPA's Group Term Life Insurance is underwritten by New York Life Insurance company.
Yes. Once insured with WAEPA, there will be no change to your coverage due to a change in your employment status. Your coverage may continue until age 85 as long as premiums continue to be paid and the group policy remains in force.
Head over to the WAEPA website at www.waepa.org and click on Log In at the top right corner of your device. You’ll be taken to a new page where you’ll see "Sign Up" beneath the login fields. Enter your Member ID on the next screen and click "next" to locate your account. Continue going through the steps, accept the terms and conditions, and click Register Now to create your account.
Start on the Member Portal login page, click on Forgot Password.
Enter the email address you use to access your member account. This will send a verification code to that email. Access that email address to retrieve the code; copy and paste the code into the input box. You should be able to reset your password.
Still need assistance? Contact Member Services.
The Message Center is a quick and easy way to get in touch with WAEPA’s customer service team for assistance with topics like insurance policies, billing, general support, and more. You can track all conversations and receive messages in the Message Center.
Go to the Profile page and look to your personal details section. You’ll find your Member Number and Policy Certificate Number there.
Yes, head over to the Profile page in your Member Portal and click on the Pay My Bill button, which will direct you to the Pay My Bill screen.
This button is located in several places on the Member Portal including: the "Your Plans" card on the dashboard, the "Make a Payment" option from the "Popular Actions" card on the dashboard, the "Plans" page, the "Plans Details" page, and the "Profile" page.
Decrease your life insurance coverage by locating the “Change Your Coverage Today” section on the main Member Portal dashboard, click Change Coverage, then click Decrease Coverage. You’ll need to fill out a short form and submit it for verification to decrease your coverage amount.
Increase your life insurance coverage by locating the “Change Your Coverage Today” section on the main Member Portal dashboard, click Change Coverage, then click Increase Coverage. You’ll need to apply for more life insurance coverage by completing the application form from there.
You can update your personal information in two ways:
First, from only on your desktop, you can click on the Popular Actions dropdown tab at the top right corner of your screen and select Personal Information in the drop-down menu.
Second, from your desktop, look to the left-hand side of your screen for the vertical, blue menu and click on Profile. This will take you to a new page where you can edit your personal details.
To access this page from mobile, simply tap on the hamburger menu in the top right corner of your device, and click on Profile from there.
Rest assured, your sensitive data is protected through encryption.
Yes, the member portal can be accessed across multiple devices.
Registering for the Member Portal is your choice to make. If you’re not ready to register an account just yet, you can still complete account actions by visiting the Manage Your Account page on the WAEPA website.
You’ll need your Member ID ready and quick access to your email to receive your verification code.
No. Full-time, active duty members of the Armed Forces aren’t eligible for coverage. However, if you’re a Reservist or National Guardsman, you can apply for coverage, provided you’re a current or former Civilian Federal Employee. If you become activated, you can maintain your in-force coverage, but cannot apply for new coverage.
If you’re a Federal civilian who happens to be stationed in or commutes to a combat zone, you would be covered. If you’re an activated Reservist or National Guardsman, who gained WAEPA membership prior to activation, your basic coverage would also be intact.
The Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage, which is in addition to, not a part of, the basic coverage you have, won’t be paid if the death was a result of an “Act of War”.
If you’re retired military personnel who’s also a current or former Civilian Federal Employee, you’re eligible for coverage from us. If you’re not and never have been a Civilian Federal Employee/retired annuitant, you can only apply for coverage as an Associate member if your spouse is WAEPA Member.
No. Because the coverage is guaranteed, no exam is required.
Enrollment for our Guaranteed Issue Group Term Life Insurance is easy for newly hired Federal employees within 365 days of their hire date. Here’s what you need to do:
- Choose $25,000, $50,000, $75,000 or $100,000 of coverage and complete and sign the Online Enrollment Form.
To receive guaranteed issue coverage, you must:
- Be a newly hired, first-time Civilian Federal Employee
- Apply within 365 days of your original federal hire date
- Be a United States citizen under 70 years old
You aren’t eligible if you have moved from one federal position to another. Active Members of the U.S. Military are also not eligible.
Yes, additional benefits include AD&D* (Accidental Death & Dismemberment) and Common Carrier** coverage.
*In the event an insured Member’s death is a result of an accident, an additional benefit will be payable to your beneficiary(ies). Exclusions apply.
In the event an insured Member loses use of specific body parts or body functions (dismemberment) as a result of an accident, an additional benefit will be payable to your beneficiary(ies).
**In the event an insured Member’s death is a result of an accident, whilst a fare-paying passenger on a commercial mode of transportation (common carrier), such as a bus, train, airline, or ship, an additional benefit will be payable to your beneficiary(ies). The Common Carrier benefit is an additional benefit separate from the AD&D benefit. Exclusions apply.
If you need more than $100,000 in coverage you can apply to increase your WAEPA coverage at any time prior to your 70th birthday. You can also apply to add coverage for your dependent spouse and children.
You can choose $25,000, $50,000, $75,000, or $100,000 of coverage.
New members
To begin coverage please send us your initial premium payment via check to 433 Park Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046, Payable to WAEPA, ATTN: New Business Department.
Existing members
You have the following options to submit your WAEPA premium payment:
- If you have received a bill you can pay by:
- Mailing a check to our payment processing center (WAEPA, PO Box 60217, Charlotte, NC 28260-0217)
- Utilize your financial institution’s bill-payer program
- Initiating a payment via our Member Portal. You will be asked to provide your ACH banking information. Please note, you will not have access to online billing until we have updated your billing handling code.
- An automatic monthly deduction directly from your checking account, handled by our accounting department. Please contact us if you would like this payment method.
- A payroll deduction from your paycheck or annuity*. Please contact us if you would like this payment method
*It is our understanding that OPM will not do a monthly allotment from your retirement annuity unless the amount exceeds $50.00. Additionally, you will not be able to access your retirement account to set up a monthly deduction until OPM has finalized your annuity amount.
No. Other than non-payment, or the cancellation of WAEPA’s group master policy, the only other possible way for your coverage to be canceled is by you officially requesting termination or by you reaching the age of 85; end of the coverage term.
You can pay premiums one of the following ways:
- Receive a bill on a quarterly, semi-annual, or annual basis, which can be paid by check, money order, online, or via your financial institution’s billpayer program.
- Via a monthly draft directly from your checking or savings account.
- Via an allotment directly from your paycheck or Retirement Annuity using your agency’s payroll program (i.e., EmployeeExpress, MyPay, EPP, PostalEase, etc.) To set up automatic payroll deductions we will provide you with the information required to initiate the allotment.
Yes, WAEPA accepts payment from Bill Payment services. Most bill pay services send payments via EFT. However, some will physically mail a check.
The payment address is:
WAEPA-Payment Processing Center
PO Box 60217
Charlotte, NC 28260-0217
Note: Please ensure your WAEPA certificate number is on the check and do not include any correspondence.
Please make your payment payable to “WAEPA.”
If the payment date is incorrect, please contact WAEPA at (800) 368-3484 (option 2).
If the payment amount is incorrect, please contact WAEPA at (800) 368-3484 (option 2).
Yes. If you intend to pay an amount different from your bill, WAEPA recommends that you advise us via email (info@waepa.org) of the reason for the alternate payment amount.
We suggest you schedule your payment for at least three business days before the actual payment due date.
The funds for the payment are debited from your account on the scheduled payment date. Keep in mind that you should always have funds available to cover the payment on that date.
You’ll still receive a bill, unless you opt-out of paper bills. To opt-out, please contact one of our Member Billing Services Representatives at (800) 368-3484 (option 2).
WAEPA accepts credit card payments only for your initial premium payment.
After your policy is issued, we are unable to accept credit card payments due to the exchange fees charged by credit card and debit card companies.
Payments cannot be combined. To ensure payments are applied to the correct WAEPA account, you must login into each individual account to remit payment.
Your certificate number is unique to you and is printed on your bill, as well as your other insurance documentation. Your certificate number should be entered as a six-digit number. If you have a four- or five-digit certificate number, you must enter a leading zero to reach a full six-digit number.
Example: Certificate number 50000 should be entered as 050000.
If you can't locate your certificate number, please contact WAEPA.
Yes. Your premiums can be automatically deducted from your paycheck via your agency’s payroll program (i.e., EmployeeExpress, MyPay, EPP, PostalEase, etc.). Upon request, we will furnish the information you’ll need to start the allotment.
To calculate your annualized premium:
- Take the cost of your premium as of December 31, 2024.
- Multiply that cost by your payment frequency:
- if you’re billed monthly, multiply by 12;
- If you’re billed quarterly, multiply by 4;
- If you’re billed annually, multiply by 1;
- Then, take 10% of that number.
For example:
As of 12/31/23, a 50-year-old member who pays premiums quarterly in the amount of $544.00 for $1,000,000 of coverage.
$544.00 x 4 = $2,176.00
Total Premium of $2,176.00 x 10% premium refund = $217.60.
This 50-year-old member will receive a check in the amount of $217.60.
Premium refunds aren’t guaranteed. They are based primarily on the WAEPA’s annual claims ratio and is determined by WAEPA’s board of directors.
Despite constant fluctuations, WAEPA has been able to award a refund to our members 28 of the last 29 years.
While premium refunds are not guaranteed each year, when a premium refund can be awarded, WAEPA’s board of directors which is made up of current Civilian Feds, they work to determine the annual refund amount.
Members must have an issue date of 12/31/2023 or earlier.
Members must maintain their Group Term Life Insurance coverage through 8/31/2024.
No. WAEPA premium refunds are not dividends, so they are not taxable.
We ask that you allow up to three weeks to receive your check before notifying us.
Click here to learn more about our most recent premium refund amount, eligibility criteria, and when to expect your refund (if applicable this year).
QuickDecision is an automated underwriting process that allows eligible applicants to receive a decision in minutes:
- Applicants under age 50, applying for up to $1,000,000 in Group Term Life Insurance
- Applicants under age 60, applying for up to $750,000 in Group Term Life Insurance
- Applicants under age 50, applying for up to $6,500 per month in Group Short-Term Disability Insurance
Possible answers include: approved for coverage, declined for coverage, or referred for more information. If you receive a referral, a representative will contact you to verify your medical details to process your application. Details about your request will be sent once this is completed.
Prospective members over the age of eligibility or applying for more than $1,000,000 in life insurance coverage are still eligible for Group Term Life Insurance and Group Short-Term Disability Insurance with standard underwriting.
You don’t have to apply separately for QuickDecision. All eligible prospective members will be automatically sent through the QuickDecision process.
Based on your application answers, you may be contacted by a representative to verify your medical details, and medical exams may still be needed.
The standard underwriting process takes an average of about 30 days before a prospective member can be approved for any amount of life insurance and can include medical exams. QuickDecision is an automated underwriting process designed to reach a decision on your application in as little as 30 minutes.
You will need to notify your employer of this change. You will receive a separate notification with your new, reduced rate (if applicable).
No. Like the Federal Employee Group Life Insurance (FEGLI), WAEPA premiums are not pre-tax.
No. The rates we post on our website are the only rates offered.
Premiums for all coverage are based on your age and will increase when you enter each new five-year age group. View the Complete List of Rates for all ages and amounts of coverage available.
Premiums aren’t deductible on your federal income tax form.
WAEPA Group Term Life Insurance member rates change in five-year increments and the maximum amount of coverage available begins to reduce starting at age 60. To view our complete list of rates for all ages and amounts of coverage available, visit our Rates page.
WAEPA's Group Term Life Insurance rates continue to change in five-year increments and the maximum amount of coverage available begins to reduce starting at age 60. Click here to view the rates for all coverage amounts available in each age group.
No, WAEPA and New York Life Insurance Company aren’t affiliated with or endorsed by the federal government, so it doesn’t provide an Open Season to all Federal employees. Instead, WAEPA makes certain levels of life insurance coverage available to new Civilian Federal Employees on a guaranteed issue basis, as well as provides members the ability to apply for additional coverage at any time prior to their 70th birthday (subject to approval by New York Life Insurance Company).
WAEPA offers up to $1.5 million in Group Term Life Insurance coverage, and unlike FEGLI, regardless of salary. For more information about available coverage levels, please view our WAEPA vs. FEGLI benefit comparison page.
WAEPA's rates are priced exclusively for current and former Civilian Federal Employees. On average, members who switch from FEGLI save over $300 a month on their premiums. For more information, please view our WAEPA vs. FEGLI rate comparison page.
WAEPA rates change in five-year increments and the maximum amount of coverage available begins to reduce starting at age 60. The rates are different because the coverage under the two plans is different. View our full rate chart here.
The rate comparisons vary drastically based on the options you have with FEGLI. The best way to compare is to use the WAEPA vs FEGLI Calculator. It will give you a tailored answer to your personal needs.
Dependent upon your age and career stage, WAEPA can either be a great replacement to FEGLI, replacement of FEGLI Option-B, or supplement to your FEGLI coverage.
For additional information, see the WAEPA vs. FEGLI policy comparison.
Absolutely. Because WAEPA is a nonprofit association, separate from the federal benefits plan, you can hold coverage with both WAEPA and FEGLI.
QuickDecision is an automated underwriting process that allows eligible applicants to receive a decision in minutes:
- Applicants under age 50, applying for up to $1,000,000 in Group Term Life Insurance
- Applicants under age 60, applying for up to $750,000 in Group Term Life Insurance
- Applicants under age 50, applying for up to $6,500 per month in Group Short-Term Disability Insurance
The process used to decide if and at what rate class an applicant will be offered insurance and the cost. This can include health and financial assessments.
Life insurance that lasts for a set time period or term. At the end of the term, the insurance either ends or converts to a new term.
The categories of health and other factors of an applicant which impact insurance offered and the cost.
The cost of insurance for attained coverage that is due in periodical payments of an insured’s choosing such as monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually.
The person who purchases a life insurance policy and is responsible for paying the premiums. This individual may or may not be also be the insured.
Insurance in which payments are designed to remain the same, or level, across the term.
The company that offers the life insurance policy to the policyholder.
The person whose life is covered by the life insurance policy. This individual may or not be the policyholder as well.
A type of term insurance offered through a group such as an employer or association. Employer insurance typically offers a fixed benefit set as a portion of the employee salary and often ends when employment ends. Associations offer amounts the individual can choose and can be kept across jobs.
Conditions or terms not covered by insurance. For example, suicide is an exclusion to WAEPA's Group Term Life Insurance within the first two years of having coverage.
Money paid when an insured person dies.
Notification to the insurance company to receive payment of an insurance benefit. Typically, a form is provided requiring details needed to process the claim.
The person(s) or trust named to receive payment of an insurance death benefit.
A portion of a life insurance death benefit that can be paid to the insured person while living. The purpose is to help with costs associated with severe chronic or terminal illnesses.
Please note that receipt of Accelerated Death Benefits may affect your eligibility for public assistance programs and may be taxable. Prior to applying to receive such benefits, you should consult with the appropriate social services agency and seek the advice of a qualified tax advisor.
No, STDI is not available in countries outside of the U.S. This coverage is also unavailable in NV, OR, NH, VT, or all U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Head over to the WAEPA website at www.waepa.org and click on Log In at the top right corner of your device. You’ll be taken to a new page where you’ll see "Sign Up" beneath the login fields. Enter your Member ID on the next screen and click "next" to locate your account. Continue going through the steps, accept the terms and conditions, and click Register Now to create your account.
Start on the Member Portal login page, click on Forgot Password.
Enter the email address you use to access your member account. This will send a verification code to that email. Access that email address to retrieve the code; copy and paste the code into the input box. You should be able to reset your password.
Still need assistance? Contact Member Services.
New members who aren’t completely satisfied with their WAEPA Group Term Life Insurance for any reason, may request a refund of all premiums paid. Refunds are made with no questions asked, provided your request is submitted in writing within 30 days of receiving your new member packet.
Formed in 1943, WAEPA celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2023. Learn more about WAEPA’s history by heading over to the Our Story page.
No, WAEPA and New York Life Insurance Company aren’t affiliated with or endorsed by the federal government, so it doesn’t provide an Open Season to all Federal employees. Instead, WAEPA makes certain levels of life insurance coverage available to new Civilian Federal Employees on a guaranteed issue basis, as well as provides members the ability to apply for additional coverage at any time prior to their 70th birthday (subject to approval by New York Life Insurance Company).
WAEPA offers up to $1.5 million in Group Term Life Insurance coverage, and unlike FEGLI, regardless of salary. For more information about available coverage levels, please view our WAEPA vs. FEGLI benefit comparison page.
WAEPA's rates are priced exclusively for current and former Civilian Federal Employees. On average, members who switch from FEGLI save over $300 a month on their premiums. For more information, please view our WAEPA vs. FEGLI rate comparison page.
WAEPA rates change in five-year increments and the maximum amount of coverage available begins to reduce starting at age 60. The rates are different because the coverage under the two plans is different. View our full rate chart here.
The rate comparisons vary drastically based on the options you have with FEGLI. The best way to compare is to use the WAEPA vs FEGLI Calculator. It will give you a tailored answer to your personal needs.
Dependent upon your age and career stage, WAEPA can either be a great replacement to FEGLI, replacement of FEGLI Option-B, or supplement to your FEGLI coverage.
For additional information, see the WAEPA vs. FEGLI policy comparison.
No. Full-time, active duty members of the Armed Forces aren’t eligible for coverage. However, if you’re a Reservist or National Guardsman, you can apply for coverage, provided you’re a current or former Civilian Federal Employee. If you become activated, you can maintain your in-force coverage, but cannot apply for new coverage.
If you’re a Federal civilian who happens to be stationed in or commutes to a combat zone, you would be covered. If you’re an activated Reservist or National Guardsman, who gained WAEPA membership prior to activation, your basic coverage would also be intact.
The Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage, which is in addition to, not a part of, the basic coverage you have, won’t be paid if the death was a result of an “Act of War”.
No. Because the coverage is guaranteed, no exam is required.
Enrollment for our Guaranteed Issue Group Term Life Insurance is easy for newly hired Federal employees within 365 days of their hire date. Here’s what you need to do:
- Choose $25,000, $50,000, $75,000 or $100,000 of coverage and complete and sign the Online Enrollment Form.
To receive guaranteed issue coverage, you must:
- Be a newly hired, first-time Civilian Federal Employee
- Apply within 365 days of your original federal hire date
- Be a United States citizen under 70 years old
You aren’t eligible if you have moved from one federal position to another. Active Members of the U.S. Military are also not eligible.
WAEPA itself, as a nonprofit association, isn’t rated. WAEPA’s insurance program is underwritten by New York Life Insurance Company. New York Life has the highest possible financial strength ratings currently awarded to any life insurer from all four of the major credit rating agencies: A.M. Best (A++), Fitch (AAA), Moody’s Investors Service (Aaa), Standard & Poor’s (AA+)*.
*Third Party Rating Reports as of 10/4/2024
If you are a former military personnel who’s also a former Civilian Federal Employee, you’re eligible for coverage from us. If you haven’t been a Civilian Federal Employee, you can only apply for coverage as an Associate member if your spouse is a WAEPA member.
Yes. WAEPA is excited to extend our membership and exclusive rates to former Civilian Federal Employees.
Yes. WAEPA’s coverage is completely portable.
Yes. The circumstances of your departure from federal service doesn’t affect your eligibility for coverage.
Yes. If you are in a new job, you likely have a policy through your employer. You can also apply for Group Term Life Insurance through WAEPA at any time – no open season required.
No. Your life insurance automatically terminates effective with separation from Federal employment.
You do receive 31 days of free FEGLI coverage after you’ve left your position. During this period, you may apply to conversion to an individual (non-FEGLI) policy.
No. We do not currently collect that information when former Civilian Federal Employees apply for coverage.
No. There is no minimum time requirement of service to become a WAEPA member. You must simply be a current or former Civilian Federal Employee.
Government contractors are only eligible if they were Civilian Federal Employees at some point.
Current and former Civilian Federal Employees must be between the ages of 18 and 65, and actively working at least 30 hours per week to apply for WAEPA's Short-Term Disability Insurance. Once covered, you can keep your policy until your 70th birthday. Eligible spouses of current and former Civilian Federal Employees may also apply for coverage as a WAEPA Associate Member.
Current and former Civilian Federal Employees/annuitants, including non-appropriated fund (NAF) employees and U.S. Postal Service employees under the age of 70 are eligible to apply for Group Term Life Insurance coverage on themselves, spouses and dependent children through WAEPA.
If you’re retired military personnel who’s also a current or former Civilian Federal Employee, you’re eligible for coverage from us. If you’re not and never have been a Civilian Federal Employee/retired annuitant, you can only apply for coverage as an Associate member if your spouse is WAEPA Member.
WAEPA provides Group Term Life Insurance coverage, to current and former Civilian Federal Employees up to age 85. The rates automatically change in five-year increments, and the maximum amount of coverage available begins to reduce starting at age 60. There’s no need to reapply for coverage each year; it automatically renews annually. View the Complete List of Rates for all ages and amounts of coverage available.
To calculate your annualized premium:
- Take the cost of your premium as of December 31, 2024.
- Multiply that cost by your payment frequency:
- if you’re billed monthly, multiply by 12;
- If you’re billed quarterly, multiply by 4;
- If you’re billed annually, multiply by 1;
- Then, take 10% of that number.
For example:
As of 12/31/23, a 50-year-old member who pays premiums quarterly in the amount of $544.00 for $1,000,000 of coverage.
$544.00 x 4 = $2,176.00
Total Premium of $2,176.00 x 10% premium refund = $217.60.
This 50-year-old member will receive a check in the amount of $217.60.
Premium refunds aren’t guaranteed. They are based primarily on the WAEPA’s annual claims ratio and is determined by WAEPA’s board of directors.
Despite constant fluctuations, WAEPA has been able to award a refund to our members 28 of the last 29 years.
Possible answers include: approved for coverage, declined for coverage, or referred for more information. If you receive a referral, a representative will contact you to verify your medical details to process your application. Details about your request will be sent once this is completed.
Prospective members over the age of eligibility or applying for more than $1,000,000 in life insurance coverage are still eligible for Group Term Life Insurance and Group Short-Term Disability Insurance with standard underwriting.
You don’t have to apply separately for QuickDecision. All eligible prospective members will be automatically sent through the QuickDecision process.
Based on your application answers, you may be contacted by a representative to verify your medical details, and medical exams may still be needed.
The standard underwriting process takes an average of about 30 days before a prospective member can be approved for any amount of life insurance and can include medical exams. QuickDecision is an automated underwriting process designed to reach a decision on your application in as little as 30 minutes.
Please call WAEPA Members Services at (800) 368-3484.
New members
To begin coverage please send us your initial premium payment via check to 433 Park Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046, Payable to WAEPA, ATTN: New Business Department.
Existing members
You have the following options to submit your WAEPA premium payment:
- If you have received a bill you can pay by:
- Mailing a check to our payment processing center (WAEPA, PO Box 60217, Charlotte, NC 28260-0217)
- Utilize your financial institution’s bill-payer program
- Initiating a payment via our Member Portal. You will be asked to provide your ACH banking information. Please note, you will not have access to online billing until we have updated your billing handling code.
- An automatic monthly deduction directly from your checking account, handled by our accounting department. Please contact us if you would like this payment method.
- A payroll deduction from your paycheck or annuity*. Please contact us if you would like this payment method
*It is our understanding that OPM will not do a monthly allotment from your retirement annuity unless the amount exceeds $50.00. Additionally, you will not be able to access your retirement account to set up a monthly deduction until OPM has finalized your annuity amount.
No. A spouse is considered an eligible dependent if they are member’s lawful married spouse, who:
- is identified on the request for group insurance;
- has not exceeded the maximum eligibility age;
- is not an eligible member; and
- is not eligible to become insured under the Policy for transfer insurance as a dependent.
You will need to notify your employer of this change. You will receive a separate notification with your new, reduced rate (if applicable).
The time period that begins when a disability first occurs and ends when you become eligible for benefit payments.
Yes, upon request.
No, STDI is a separate program from GTL. No premium refunds are projected for the STDI plan.
No.
No, they are not dependent on another.
You can inform WAEPA Member Services via phone, mail, or email of the request.
You can submit an increase application through our online application.
Not at this time. You will be billed for each product individually.
Yes, provided they are transitioning to a job actively working at least 30 hours per week and will have a W-2 from the new job. You may want to consider if your current coverage amount will still be applicable and confirm if you will have an STDI policy through your new job to prevent being over or under-covered, or duplicating benefits with your new employer.
As long as your spouse is working full-time for at least 30 hours a week, they are eligible to apply for benefits under their own plan as an Associate Member. All plan details and requirements are the same. Like you, they can choose a monthly benefit from $100 to $6,500 a month, in $100 increments, and an elimination period of either 14 or 30 days.
Yes, increases can be made to your monthly benefit on an medically underwritten basis. An application is required to increase your benefits.
Once you’ve been approved for coverage, as long as you maintain your premium payments and your coverage is not terminated due to non-payment, there would be no need for a new physical exam, unless you apply to increase your coverage amount.
It’s easy. You can apply online in a few short minutes. In some cases, a medical exam and/or copies of medical records may be required. Is so, the exam will be performed by a medical examiner appointed by our insurance underwriter, New York Life Insurance Company, at no charge to you. We also cover the cost of obtaining copies of your records. It may take up to eight weeks to complete the application process and receive your Certificate of Insurance.
Use our STDI Rates Calculator to determine the amount of coverage available to you and how much it cost.
Benefits are paid directly to you, to use as you see fit. And, as long as you pay monthly premiums yourself, benefits are tax-free. You should always consult with your qualified tax advisor regarding your specific circumstances.
You can collect benefits for up to six months.
Benefits can begin after either 14 or 30 days. You decide an elimination period that’s right for you.
You can choose a monthly benefit amount from $100 to $6,500 a month in increments of $100. This amount can’t be more than 60% of your average monthly income when combined with the benefits you receive from any other source.
This coverage provides you a fixed monthly benefit if you are unable to work due to a covered illness or injury for up to six months. Coverage is issued by an insurance carrier (New York Life Insurance Company) to a policyholder (WAEPA) for the purpose of insuring the policyholder’s members. The economies of scale provide for competitive premiums.
The Message Center is a quick and easy way to get in touch with WAEPA’s customer service team for assistance with topics like insurance policies, billing, general support, and more. You can track all conversations and receive messages in the Message Center.
Go to the Profile page and look to your personal details section. You’ll find your Member Number and Policy Certificate Number there.
To change your beneficiary, you must complete an online form via DocuSign. Once completed, a confirmation letter will be mailed to your address on file. Please note, you will not receive a copy of the form. If you would like to request a printed copy or have any further questions, please contact our Member Services team in the WAEPA Member Portal or at (800) 368-3484, M-Th 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. ET and F 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET or email us at waepa@waepa.org.
Yes, head over to the Profile page in your Member Portal and click on the Pay My Bill button, which will direct you to the Pay My Bill screen.
This button is located in several places on the Member Portal including: the "Your Plans" card on the dashboard, the "Make a Payment" option from the "Popular Actions" card on the dashboard, the "Plans" page, the "Plans Details" page, and the "Profile" page.
Decrease your life insurance coverage by locating the “Change Your Coverage Today” section on the main Member Portal dashboard, click Change Coverage, then click Decrease Coverage. You’ll need to fill out a short form and submit it for verification to decrease your coverage amount.
Increase your life insurance coverage by locating the “Change Your Coverage Today” section on the main Member Portal dashboard, click Change Coverage, then click Increase Coverage. You’ll need to apply for more life insurance coverage by completing the application form from there.
You can update your personal information in two ways:
First, from only on your desktop, you can click on the Popular Actions dropdown tab at the top right corner of your screen and select Personal Information in the drop-down menu.
Second, from your desktop, look to the left-hand side of your screen for the vertical, blue menu and click on Profile. This will take you to a new page where you can edit your personal details.
To access this page from mobile, simply tap on the hamburger menu in the top right corner of your device, and click on Profile from there.
Rest assured, your sensitive data is protected through encryption.
Yes, the member portal can be accessed across multiple devices.
Registering for the Member Portal is your choice to make. If you’re not ready to register an account just yet, you can still complete account actions by visiting the Manage Your Account page on the WAEPA website.
You’ll need your Member ID ready and quick access to your email to receive your verification code.
To file a claim, they would visit our website to access the claim form or contact our claims department at (800) 368-3484 option 1.
Dependent upon a number of factors (age, amount of coverage, health history, etc.), a medical exam may be required. In light of COVID-19, the underwriters have adjusted their guidelines to minimize the likelihood of an exam requirement.
Yes, partial payments can be made. Please contact us at (800) 368-3484 to make partial payment arrangements.
Please contact us at (800) 368-3484 to speak with a billing representative to discuss your options.
No.
As a result of COVID-19, our underwriter New York Life (NYL) understands that making a premium payment during these very challenging times may not be possible for some of our certificate/policy owners. Please contact us at (800) 368-3484 to speak with a billing representative to discuss your options.
At WAEPA, the financial health and wellbeing of America’s federal employees is our top priority. Since 1943, we've taken steps to provide financial assistance to federal workers who have struggled to make ends meet during uncertain times. We've provided large scale relief when our members have been out of work, such as during the last long-term government shutdown. Thankfully, at this time, the vast majority of the federal civilian workforce remains hard at work, keeping the government operating and coordinating the response to the pandemic.
We'll continue to closely monitor the wellbeing of our members, and remain committed to reassessing how best we can provide relief to those in need. We remain true to our mission and will continue to provide the life insurance products and services our members and their families count on.
Yes. Your WAEPA Group Term Life Insurance policy doesn't include exclusions related to death from COVID-19 or a pandemic overall. Some states have come out with special provisions in light of the pandemic, but overall, yes, you are protected.
While premium refunds are not guaranteed each year, when a premium refund can be awarded, WAEPA’s board of directors which is made up of current Civilian Feds, they work to determine the annual refund amount.
Members must have an issue date of 12/31/2023 or earlier.
Members must maintain their Group Term Life Insurance coverage through 8/31/2024.
As soon as your spouse’s Associate member coverage is issued, the spousal dependent coverage will be canceled automatically. However, coverage on your dependent children will remain in effect. (Please remember that one premium covers all eligible dependents. Therefore, there may be no reduction in premium for your dependent coverage, even if your spouse is no longer insured.)
The coverage amounts are the same for WAEPA Members and Associate members. The only difference is in how one gained membership initially.
To view our complete list of rates for all ages and amounts of coverage available for Associate members, visit our Rates page.
No. Like the Federal Employee Group Life Insurance (FEGLI), WAEPA premiums are not pre-tax.
No. The rates we post on our website are the only rates offered.
Associate Membership was created so that spouses of WAEPA members could enjoy the same level of benefits as the members themselves.
There are limits on the amount of insurance available to spouses under the dependent group life program. Many of our members have indicated that their spouses need higher levels of insurance coverage.
Yes, additional benefits include AD&D* (Accidental Death & Dismemberment) and Common Carrier** coverage.
*In the event an insured Member’s death is a result of an accident, an additional benefit will be payable to your beneficiary(ies). Exclusions apply.
In the event an insured Member loses use of specific body parts or body functions (dismemberment) as a result of an accident, an additional benefit will be payable to your beneficiary(ies).
**In the event an insured Member’s death is a result of an accident, whilst a fare-paying passenger on a commercial mode of transportation (common carrier), such as a bus, train, airline, or ship, an additional benefit will be payable to your beneficiary(ies). The Common Carrier benefit is an additional benefit separate from the AD&D benefit. Exclusions apply.
No. WAEPA premium refunds are not dividends, so they are not taxable.
To begin the claims process, WAEPA requires notification from a person (spouse, relative, friend, etc.) that the insured has died. This can be done either by phone at (800) 368-3484 or by email at claims@waepa.org.
Please be prepared to provide the required information when reporting the death of a member/dependent. We require the member or dependent’s name, certificate number, date of death, manner of death, notifier’s name, phone number, and the notifier’s relationship to the member/dependent. A letter of instructions and a claim form will then be mailed or emailed to the beneficiary to be completed and returned to WAEPA. This information would then be forwarded to our insurance carrier, New York Life Insurance Company to process the claim.
If you're less than age 60, you may apply for up to $1.5 million of Group Term Life Insurance for yourself. The maximum amount of available coverage begins reducing at age 60 and beyond. Eligible dependent children may be insured for up to $25,000 depending on the level of dependent spouse coverage selected. Dependent spouse coverage is limited to no more than 50% of the member’s coverage for a maximum of $500,000.
Please view our complete list of rates for all ages and amounts of coverage available.
To cancel your policy or reduce the coverage amount, click here to submit your request or contact us at (800) 368-3484.
As long as you maintain your premium payments and your coverage isn’t terminated due to non-payment, there would be no need for a new physical exam.
However, if you submit an application for more coverage than you already have with WAEPA, your application will be subject to a medical underwriting process, which may require an exam. Rest assured, in the event the application for additional coverage isn't approved, you won't lose your existing coverage.
You can purchase coverage as an Associate member, provided your spouse is a WAEPA member, even if they don’t purchase insurance through WAEPA. They must complete a membership form. WAEPA Associate Members are provided a maximum amount of $1.5 million coverage depending on age. Please view the complete list of rates for all ages and amounts of coverage available.
All insurance coverage terminates at age 85. You'll have the option to convert the coverage to an individual whole life policy with our insurance carrier, New York Life Insurance Company.
Yes, you can reduce your coverage at any time, and you can apply to increase your coverage if you are less than age 70. Managing your policy and personal information is easy in WAEPA's Member Portal.
You can also click here to reduce your coverage amount.
Please allow up to eight weeks (even for existing members) to complete the application process and receive your Certificate of Insurance.
A medical examination may be required, even for existing members, depending on your age, the amount of insurance for which you’re applying, and your health question answers. If a medical examination is required, it will be performed at no cost to you, at your convenience, by a medical examiner appointed by WAEPA through ExamOne.
It’s easy. Complete your application online in a matter of minutes. A medical exam and/or copies of medical records may be required. If so, the exam will be performed by a medical examiner appointed by our insurance underwriter, New York Life Insurance Company, at no charge to you. We also cover the cost of obtaining copies of your records. It may take up to eight weeks to complete the application process and receive your Certificate of Insurance.
Premiums for all coverage are based on your age and will increase when you enter each new five-year age group. View the Complete List of Rates for all ages and amounts of coverage available.
Yes. Once insured with WAEPA, this coverage is yours to keep. You won’t lose this coverage — even if you’re no longer a government employee or your employment status changes. Your coverage may continue until age 85.
As of 2022, former Civilian Federal Employees are eligible to apply for a new Group Term Life Insurance policy from WAEPA.
Absolutely. Because WAEPA is a nonprofit association, separate from the federal benefits plan, you can hold coverage with both WAEPA and FEGLI.
If you need more than $100,000 in coverage you can apply to increase your WAEPA coverage at any time prior to your 70th birthday. You can also apply to add coverage for your dependent spouse and children.
Yes, additional benefits include AD&D* (Accidental Death & Dismemberment) and Common Carrier** coverage.
*In the event an insured Member’s death is a result of an accident, an additional benefit will be payable to your beneficiary(ies). Exclusions apply.
In the event an insured Member loses the use of specific body parts or body functions (dismemberment) as a result of an accident, an additional benefit will be payable.
**In the event an insured Member’s death is a result of an accident, while a fare-paying passenger on a commercial mode of transportation (common carrier), such as a bus, train, airline, or ship, an additional benefit will be payable to your beneficiary(ies). The Common Carrier benefit is an additional benefit separate from the AD&D benefit. Exclusions apply.
While WAEPA doesn’t have an open season, newly-hired Federal employees can apply for up to $100,000 in coverage on a Guaranteed Issue basis within 365 days of their hire date.
No. Only the member or Associate member may cover dependent children.
No. One cannot be covered under more than one WAEPA certificate at any given time.
Your dependent children can remain insured until their 26th birthday, provided they are primarily supported by you, are not married, and not a full-time member of the Armed Forces.
You must be under the age of 70 to apply for additional coverage on yourself. You can apply to add a dependent spouse, provided they are under the age of 70. However, it’s recommended your spouse applies on their own for coverage as an Associate member, as the rate will be lower.
No. WAEPA members have two ways to purchase life insurance protection for family members:
- As Dependents – Cover your spouse and dependent children under your own certificate. Dependent spouse coverage is limited to no more than 50% of the member’s coverage, for a maximum of $500,000 depending on the member’s (your) age.
- As Associate WAEPA Members – Enable your spouse to purchase their own insurance through WAEPA. Coverage levels go up to a maximum of $1.5 million depending on age.
Yes. To add dependent coverage for a spouse or child, simply submit an application selecting spouse and/or children. Keep in mind, if your spouse is closer in age or younger than you, it would be more cost-effective for them to apply on their own as an Associate member.
Submit a claim form and have your healthcare provider certify that you suffered from a qualifying chronic illness or permanent severe cognitive impairment for at least 30 consecutive days. Such medical evidence must be certified each year benefits are paid.
The rider can remain in effect until age 80. It will end earlier if maximum benefits are reached, if you discontinue your rider, or the Group Term Life Insurance policy ends.
You don’t risk losing benefits with this added coverage. Any remaining benefits will be paid to your beneficiary.
That’s not a problem. You can cancel your rider at any time without impacting your life insurance policy.
Rates will increase over time as you enter each new five-year age bracket.
This added coverage typically adds just one to five percent to your life insurance premium. Find the rate for your age on our rate calculator.
It’s not likely, but it’s possible to be approved for life insurance and be turned down for a Chronic Illness Rider. They’re considered two separate insurance options with separate medical underwriting requirements in order to qualify.
Premiums aren’t deductible on your federal income tax form.
These benefits aren’t intended to be taxable, but you should consult with a tax advisor to ensure that’s not the case with your personal situation.
No physical exam is required, but you will need to answer a few health questions over the phone. A representative from ExamOne will call you after you’ve submitted the application.
WAEPA Group Term Life Insurance member rates change in five-year increments and the maximum amount of coverage available begins to reduce starting at age 60. To view our complete list of rates for all ages and amounts of coverage available, visit our Rates page.
Yes, your spouse could be covered as a Dependent under your WAEPA Certificate, restricted to no more than 50% of your coverage, with a maximum of $500,000, and rates are based on your, the Member's, age.
OR
Your spouse may be covered as an Associate member. Your spouse may apply for up to the Member maximum of $1.5 million (dependent on age) and, in this case, the rates would be based on your spouse’s age.
An Associate Member is a full-fledged member with all of the same rights and privileges as a Member who gained their eligibility from federal service. Once a person becomes a WAEPA Member they can pass Associate Membership to their respective spouse. You just need to join WAEPA, as a current or former Civilian Federal Employee to gain this opportunity for your family.
Please view our WAEPA vs. FEGLI Benefit Comparison page. To apply for Associate membership, a spouse must be a legal permanent resident with a tax ID or SSN. WAEPA member dependent coverage applies to dependents (regardless of U.S. resident status).
That’s defined as one of two things: the permanent inability to perform two of six Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) — bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, transferring, continence — or as a permanent severe cognitive impairment requiring substantial supervision.
Applying to add this rider gives you the ability to collect 50% of your benefit amount, up to $500,000, if you become permanently chronically ill. This tax-free benefit (consult a qualified tax advisor) is paid directly to you over a four-year period to be used as you see fit. That could be to help with medical costs, ongoing living expenses, or to replace lost income. This rider is available for an additional cost and must be selected when completing the application for Group Term Life Insurance.
Effective the date your spouse’s Associate member coverage is issued, the spouse portion of your dependent coverage will be canceled automatically. However, coverage on your dependent children will remain in effect. (Please remember that one premium covers all eligible dependents. Therefore, there may be no reduction in premium for your dependent coverage, even if your spouse is no longer insured.)
Absolutely. Once your spouse or family member becomes an Associate member, their coverage cannot be cancelled even if you terminate yours.
No. Premiums and coverage benefits are identical.
Spouses of WAEPA members are eligible for Associate Membership.
Managing your policy and personal information is easy in WAEPA's Member Portal. You can also click here to update your contact information.
We ask that you allow up to three weeks to receive your check before notifying us.
Click here to learn more about our most recent premium refund amount, eligibility criteria, and when to expect your refund (if applicable this year).
No. Other than non-payment, or the cancellation of WAEPA’s group master policy, the only other possible way for your coverage to be canceled is by you officially requesting termination or by you reaching the age of 85; end of the coverage term.
You can pay premiums one of the following ways:
- Receive a bill on a quarterly, semi-annual, or annual basis, which can be paid by check, money order, online, or via your financial institution’s billpayer program.
- Via a monthly draft directly from your checking or savings account.
- Via an allotment directly from your paycheck or Retirement Annuity using your agency’s payroll program (i.e., EmployeeExpress, MyPay, EPP, PostalEase, etc.) To set up automatic payroll deductions we will provide you with the information required to initiate the allotment.
Yes, WAEPA accepts payment from Bill Payment services. Most bill pay services send payments via EFT. However, some will physically mail a check.
The payment address is:
WAEPA-Payment Processing Center
PO Box 60217
Charlotte, NC 28260-0217
Note: Please ensure your WAEPA certificate number is on the check and do not include any correspondence.
You may apply for up to $1.5 million of Group Term Life Insurance for yourself depending on age and up to $500,000 of dependent coverage for your spouse. Alternatively, your spouse may apply for up to $1.5 million if they apply as an Associate Member.
Eligible, dependent children may be insured for up to $25,000 depending on the level of spousal coverage selected. Dependent spouse coverage is limited to 50% of the member’s coverage for up to $500,000.
WAEPA's Group Term Life Insurance rates continue to change in five-year increments and the maximum amount of coverage available begins to reduce starting at age 60. Click here to view the rates for all coverage amounts available in each age group.
Please make your payment payable to “WAEPA.”
You and your spouse can apply at the same time. When they complete the application for Associate Membership, they would simply provide your name. A membership number is not required. If your spouse applies for coverage on their own, they cannot be covered under your Certificate of Insurance; only your children could be covered as Dependents.
There's no “waiting period” for benefits to be payable. If an insured dies within the first two years of coverage, the full benefit is paid, provided death is not a result of suicide or the application does not contain incorrect medical/health information (misstatements).
If the payment date is incorrect, please contact WAEPA at (800) 368-3484 (option 2).
If the payment amount is incorrect, please contact WAEPA at (800) 368-3484 (option 2).
Yes. If you intend to pay an amount different from your bill, WAEPA recommends that you advise us via email (info@waepa.org) of the reason for the alternate payment amount.
We suggest you schedule your payment for at least three business days before the actual payment due date.
The funds for the payment are debited from your account on the scheduled payment date. Keep in mind that you should always have funds available to cover the payment on that date.
You’ll still receive a bill, unless you opt-out of paper bills. To opt-out, please contact one of our Member Billing Services Representatives at (800) 368-3484 (option 2).
WAEPA accepts credit card payments only for your initial premium payment.
After your policy is issued, we are unable to accept credit card payments due to the exchange fees charged by credit card and debit card companies.
Payments cannot be combined. To ensure payments are applied to the correct WAEPA account, you must login into each individual account to remit payment.
Your certificate number is unique to you and is printed on your bill, as well as your other insurance documentation. Your certificate number should be entered as a six-digit number. If you have a four- or five-digit certificate number, you must enter a leading zero to reach a full six-digit number.
Example: Certificate number 50000 should be entered as 050000.
If you can't locate your certificate number, please contact WAEPA.
Many Americans could be underinsured or over-insured, perhaps because they didn’t take some time to consider just how much coverage they might need. However, it’s essential to figure out your true coverage needs in order to ensure loved ones are protected financially for years to come.
For your convenience, you can use our Coverage Calculator to help determine how much coverage is right for you.
Click here to review WAEPA’s Privacy Policy.
After you’ve submitted your Group Term Life Insurance application, it will be forwarded to a New York Life Insurance Company underwriter for review. The underwriter will determine if an exam and/or copies of medical records are needed. If an exam is required, a representative from ExamOne will contact you to schedule an appointment.
Once you receive your Certificate of Insurance, you’ll have 30 days to examine it in the privacy of your own home. If you’re not completely satisfied, simply return it, without claim, for a full refund of any premium paid.
You can choose $25,000, $50,000, $75,000, or $100,000 of coverage.
Yes. Your premiums can be automatically deducted from your paycheck via your agency’s payroll program (i.e., EmployeeExpress, MyPay, EPP, PostalEase, etc.). Upon request, we will furnish the information you’ll need to start the allotment.
Yes. If diagnosed with a terminal illness and given a life expectancy of 12 months or less, you can access up to half your Group Term Life Insurance benefit amount. In addition to the terminal illness benefit, you can add a Chronic Illness Rider for even more living benefits.
There’s just one: suicide is not covered for the first two years your policy is in place. In that event, premiums paid for the insured's coverage will be returned.
Premiums are based on your age and will increase as you enter each new five-year age band. To find the rate for your age, use our premium calculator or look at the rate chart.
Your coverage can continue until your 85th birthday, as long as premiums continue to be paid and the group policy remains in force.
With traditional underwriting, please allow for up to eight weeks to complete the application process and receive your Certificate of Insurance. WAEPA also offers QuickDecision underwriting, which allows eligible applicants to get a decision in minutes with no medical exams or blood tests.
Group Term Life Insurance is a type of life insurance where one contract covers multiple people or a group of people. This allows for group rates for each policy issued under a single contract. WAEPA's Group Term Life Insurance is underwritten by New York Life Insurance company.
Yes. Once insured with WAEPA, there will be no change to your coverage due to a change in your employment status. Your coverage may continue until age 85 as long as premiums continue to be paid and the group policy remains in force.
No. WAEPA is an independent nonprofit organization. WAEPA is governed by a Board of Directors comprised exclusively of current, former, and retired Civilian Federal Employees who serve in their personal capacities.