38 CFR § 8.32 - Authority of the guardian.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t38/s8.32"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "38 CFR § 8.32 - Authority of the guardian."
title_number: 38
title_name: "Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief"
section_number: "8.32"
section_name: "Authority of the guardian."
chapter_name: "DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS"
part_number: "8"
part_name: "NATIONAL SERVICE LIFE INSURANCE"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "38 U.S.C. 501, 1901-1929, 1981-1988, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "8"
---


# 8.32 Authority of the guardian.

*What actions does a guardian have the authority to take for insurance purposes?* The guardian of an insured or beneficiary has the authority to take the following actions:

(a) Apply for insurance or for conversion of a policy or change of plan;

(b) Reinstate a policy;

(c) Withdraw dividends held on deposit or credit;

(d) Select or change a dividend option;

(e) Obtain a policy loan;

(f) Cash surrender a policy;

(g) Authorize a deduction from benefits or allotment from military retired pay to pay premiums;

(h) Apply for and receive payment of proceeds on a matured policy;

(i) Select or change the premium payment option;

(j) Apply for waiver of premiums and total disability income benefits;

(k) Select or change settlement options for beneficiaries; and

(l) Assign a beneficiary's interest as provided under section 1918 of title 38 U.S.C.

(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 1906)

[67 FR 54739, Aug. 26, 2002]