VA Form 29-357: Claim for VA Life Insurance Premium Waiver – VA Form 29-357 is the official application used by veterans with U.S. Government Life Insurance (such as NSLI or S-DVI policies) to request a waiver of premiums due to total disability. This benefit can provide significant financial relief by waiving ongoing insurance premiums if you become totally disabled before age 65.
What Is VA Form 29-357?
VA Form 29-357, titled “Claim for Disability Insurance Benefits—Government Life Insurance,” allows eligible veterans to apply for a premium waiver on their VA life insurance policies when a total disability prevents gainful employment. It may also relate to Total Disability Income Provision (TDIP) payments in some policies.
The form is fillable and updated periodically (current revision as of recent data: December 2025 superseding August 2022). It includes Part I (completed by the veteran or representative) and Part II (completed by a licensed medical practitioner or hospital official).
Who Is Eligible for the Premium Waiver?
To qualify for a premium waiver under VA Government Life Insurance:
- You must hold a qualifying VA life insurance policy (e.g., National Service Life Insurance or Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance).
- You must have a mental or physical impairment that makes it impossible to engage in substantially gainful employment (total disability).
- The total disability must begin before your 65th birthday.
Premium waivers are generally limited to one year prior to the claim filing date, unless circumstances beyond your control (such as severe mental disability) prevented earlier filing. Lack of knowledge of the provision does not qualify as an exception.
Veterans receiving VA disability compensation, pension, or Social Security Disability benefits should provide supporting documentation, such as award letters.
How to File VA Form 29-357 Step by Step?
- Download the Form: Obtain the latest version directly from the official source.
Download VA Form 29-357 PDF Here - Complete Part I: Provide personal information, insurance policy number, details of your disability onset, employment history, education, and medical providers. Sign and date the form.
- Complete Part II: Have your licensed practitioner or hospital official fill out the medical report section, including history, diagnosis, prognosis, and findings on your ability to work.
- Gather Supporting Documents: Include copies of VA award letters, Social Security documents, medical records, and hospital summaries.
- Submit the Claim: Mail to the Department of Veterans Affairs Insurance Center, P.O. Box 5209, Janesville, WI 53547-5209. For faster processing, use the secure online document upload service at https://insurance.va.gov/home/IDU.
VA will review your claim and notify you of the decision. File as soon as possible after disability onset.
Required Information and Supporting Evidence
Key sections on the form include:
- Insurance policy number(s)
- Date disability prevented employment
- Employment and earnings history for the year prior to disability
- Medical providers and hospitalization details
- Education and specialized training
Attach objective medical evidence and any relevant disability award letters. For retroactive waivers beyond one year, provide a detailed statement and supporting medical evidence explaining the delay.
Benefits of the Premium Waiver
A successful claim waives premiums on your VA life insurance policy, preserving coverage without out-of-pocket costs. For Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI), this can apply to basic $10,000 coverage, potentially opening eligibility for additional supplemental coverage.
This benefit helps veterans and their families maintain financial protection during periods of total disability.
Common Questions About VA Form 29-357
Can I file if I’m already rated 100% disabled by VA?
Yes, a VA 100% rating or TDIU can support your claim, but you must still submit Form 29-357 with medical evidence confirming total disability for insurance purposes.
What if I have multiple policies?
Complete a separate form for each policy number.
Is there a time limit?
Apply promptly. Disability must begin before age 65, and refunds are typically limited to one year back.
Tips for a Successful Claim
- Be thorough and truthful in all responses.
- Ensure Part II is completed by a qualified medical professional.
- Use the VA’s document upload tool for quicker processing.
- Contact VA Insurance at 1-800-669-8477 with questions.
- Keep copies of everything submitted.
For the most current information, always refer to official VA resources.
Veterans seeking assistance with completing the form or understanding eligibility can reach out to accredited representatives, Veterans Service Organizations, or VA-accredited attorneys.
Official Resources
This article provides general guidance based on official VA sources as of 2026. Eligibility and procedures can change; verify details with the VA for your specific situation.