Us Code § 1949 - Beneficiaries

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 1949 — Beneficiaries, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 1949. Beneficiaries

(a) Designation.—A person who enrolls in United States Government life insurance may designate a beneficiary of the insurance policy. Subject to regulations, the insured person shall at all times have the right to change the beneficiary or beneficiaries of a United States Government life insurance policy without the consent of such beneficiary or beneficiaries.

(b) Determination in Cases of Non-Designation.—If a person enrolled in United States Government life insurance does not designate a beneficiary under subsection (a) before the insured person dies, or if a designated beneficiary predeceases the insured person, the Secretary shall determine the beneficiary in the following order:

(1) The surviving spouse of the insured person.

(2) The children of the insured person and descendants of deceased children by representation.

(3) The parents of the insured person or the survivors of the parents.

(4) The duly appointed executor or administrator of the estate of the insured person.

(5) Other next of kin of the insured person entitled under the laws of domicile of the insured person at the time of the death of the insured person.

(Pub. L. 85–857, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1160, §749; renumbered §1949, Pub. L. 102–83, §5(a), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 406; amended Pub. L. 117–313, §3(b)(1), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4400.)


Editorial Notes

Amendments

2022—Pub. L. 117–313 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Subject to regulations, the insured shall at all times have the right to change the beneficiary or beneficiaries of a United States Government life insurance policy without the consent of such beneficiary or beneficiaries."

1991—Pub. L. 102–83 renumbered section 749 of this title as this section.


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2022 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 117–313 applicable with respect to the death of an insured person occurring on or after the date that is two years before Dec. 27, 2022, see section 3(c) of Pub. L. 117–313, set out as a note under section 1917 of this title.

About This Section

38 U.S.C. § 1949 is part of Title 38 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 38 U.S.C. § 1949. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

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Sources

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 1949

What does United States Code § 1949 cover?

Section 1949 ("Beneficiaries") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 1949?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 1949" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 1949 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.