Annuity Payout Options

Life only pays the most per month; joint and survivor pays the least.

What is Annuity Payout Options?

Life only (straight life) pays for the annuitant's life and stops at death - the highest payment. Life with period certain guarantees payments for a minimum term. Unit refund returns any unpaid value to a beneficiary. Joint and last survivor pays until the second of two annuitants dies - the lowest payment, because the insurer expects to pay longest.

Annuity Payout Options: a worked example

A married couple wanting income for both lives chooses joint and last survivor, accepting a smaller check.

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