Last updated: October 25, 2026
Quick Answer
If you die after you begin to receive income payments (annuitize), your chosen survivors may not receive anything unless: 1) your annuity guarantees to pay out at least as much as you paid into the annuity, or 2) you chose a payout option that continues to make payments after your death.
If you die during the period certain, your beneficiary gets regular payments for the rest of that period.
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Questions & Answers
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What if I die before the payment period ends? | If you die before the payment period ends, your survivors may not receive any payments, depending on the payout option you choose. |
| What does my beneficiary get if I die after the period certain? | If you die after the period certain, your beneficiary doesn’t receive any payments from your annuity. |
| Do payout options always pay someone after I die? | It doesn’t make any payments to anyone after you die. |
Related Questions
Large Print Version
Do my beneficiaries get anything if I die after my annuity payments start?
If you die after you begin to receive income payments (annuitize), your chosen survivors may not receive anything unless: 1) your annuity guarantees to pay out at least as much as you paid into the annuity, or 2) you chose a payout option that continues to make payments after your death.
What if I die before the payment period ends?
If you die before the payment period ends, your survivors may not receive any payments, depending on the payout option you choose.
What does my beneficiary get if I die after the period certain?
If you die after the period certain, your beneficiary doesn’t receive any payments from your annuity.
Do payout options always pay someone after I die?
It doesn’t make any payments to anyone after you die.
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Educational content provided by Jeffrey Scott McLeod, LUTC, National Insurance Producer License #558629. This is for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any annuity. Guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Always consult your own advisor and read the full NAIC Buyer’s Guide. For residents of your state.
Jeffrey Scott McLeod, LUTC — National Producer #558629.
Questions? Contact Jeff@AnnuitiesExplained.org.