<PAGE>
FIRST ALLMERICA FINANCIAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENT
TO PROSPECTUS DATED MAY 1, 1998
GROUP VEL SEPARATE ACCOUNT
* * *
New York Replacement Regulations
The state of New York recently amended its regulations concerning the
purchase of a new life insurance policy or annuity contract to replace an
existing policy or contract (a "replacement"). If you purchase a Certificate
in New York as a replacement, you may return the Certificate within 60 days
after receiving it by mailing or delivering the Certificate to the Principal
Office or to an agent of the Company. If you return the Certificate, it
will be void from the beginning. You will receive a refund equal to the
surrender value of the Certificate plus all fees and charges.
* * *
Supplement dated October 30, 1998