The importance of vRED

  • Published
  • By Judy Trabucco
  • Airman and Family Readiness Center
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  It's important for military members to understand the purpose of their virtual record of emergency data or emergency data card, also known as vRED.

The vRED provides information on the primary next-of-kin, secondary next-of-kin and other persons to notify in case of death, injury, illness or any other emergency. It also serves as the official document required by law for designating beneficiaries for death gratuity pay and unpaid pay and allowances and the person authorized to direct disposition.

Officials encourage servicemembers to take the time to review their vRED card and make sure it reflects the correct information.

The virtual Record of Emergency Data as well as the Servicemembers Group Life Insurance forms are two of the most critical documents a servicemember is responsible for maintaining throughout a military career.

The vRED is also used to designate a beneficiary to receive certain military benefits, as well as identifying the person authorized to make decisions regarding funeral arrangements and the final resting place of the service member upon their death.

The SGLI form is the only document recognized to identify the legal beneficiary for the member's Servicemembers Group Life Insurance payment should a death occur.

The Air Force Casualty Program provides prompt casualty reporting, humane notification and compassionate assistance to the next-of-kin when a casualty occurs. However, outdated or missing information on the vRED or the SGLI form can significantly impact this process, leading to undesirable results for the surviving family members

Although the servicemember identifies who they want to be the beneficiary if an unfortunate event were to occur, it is important to note the Office of SGLI and the Defense Finance Accounting Service states that a beneficiary under the age of 18 will not be paid until legal guardianship and conservatorship is obtained by the guardian. This could be a costly expense that the guardian might not be prepared to pay. DFAS and the OSGLI suggest that a legal age beneficiary be paid.

To make changes to a vRED, go to the Air Force Portal and update the emergency contact information. To update the SGLI form, go to the Military Personnel Section's Customer Service Section, or visit www.insurance.va.gov and select SGLV Form 8286.

Officials note that it does not make sense to take out half a million dollars in civilian life insurance, pay a monthly premium and not name a beneficiary -- leaving the laws of the state to decide who gets the money. It is also advised to not leave a former spouse listed as the beneficiary after being remarried. Servicemembers should take the time to review their vRED card and make sure it reflects the correct information.

For further information or assistance, contact Judy Trabucco at 781-225-2755.