Last updated: October 19, 2026
Quick Answer
The company pays income for as long as you live and guarantees to make payments for a set number of years even if you die. This period certain is usually 10 or 20 years.
What happens if you die during or after the period certain
If you live longer than the period certain, you’ll continue to receive payments until you die. If you die during the period certain, your beneficiary gets regular payments for the rest of that period. If you die after the period certain, your beneficiary doesn’t receive any payments from your annuity.
The cost of the period certain
Because the “period certain” is an added benefit, each income payment will be smaller than in a life-only option.
Compared with life only
The company pays income for your lifetime. It doesn’t make any payments to anyone after you die. This payment option usually pays the highest income possible. You might choose it if you have no dependents, if you have taken care of them through other means or if the dependents have enough income of their own.
How income payments are figured
Income payments are usually made monthly but you may choose to receive them less often. The size of income payments is based on the accumulated value in your annuity and the annuity’s benefit rate in effect when income payments start. The benefit rate usually depends on your age and sex, and the annuity payment option you choose.
There is a table of guaranteed benefit rates in each annuity contract. Most companies have current benefit rates as well. The company can change the current rates at any time, but the current rates can never be less than the guaranteed benefit rates.
Receive your free NAIC Buyer’s Guide to Fixed Deferred Annuities at annuitiesexplained.org/get-your-free-consultation-with-me/. Watch short educational videos at youtube.com/@AnnuitiesExplained. Contact Jeffrey Scott McLeod, LUTC for personalized guidance tailored to your state.
Questions & Answers
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is a 10 year certain and life annuity? | The company pays income for as long as you live and guarantees to make payments for a set number of years even if you die. This period certain is usually 10 or 20 years. |
| What is an annuity certain? | If you live longer than the period certain, you’ll continue to receive payments until you die. If you die during the period certain, your beneficiary gets regular payments for the rest of that period. If you die after the period certain, your beneficiary doesn’t receive any payments from your annuity. |
| What is life income period certain? | The company pays income for as long as you live and guarantees to make payments for a set number of years even if you die. This period certain is usually 10 or 20 years. |
| Why are period certain payments smaller? | Because the “period certain” is an added benefit, each income payment will be smaller than in a life-only option. |
Large Print Version
What Is a Life Annuity with Period Certain?
The company pays income for as long as you live and guarantees to make payments for a set number of years even if you die. This period certain is usually 10 or 20 years.
What is a 10 year certain and life annuity?
The company pays income for as long as you live and guarantees to make payments for a set number of years even if you die. This period certain is usually 10 or 20 years.
What is an annuity certain?
If you live longer than the period certain, you’ll continue to receive payments until you die. If you die during the period certain, your beneficiary gets regular payments for the rest of that period. If you die after the period certain, your beneficiary doesn’t receive any payments from your annuity.
What is life income period certain?
The company pays income for as long as you live and guarantees to make payments for a set number of years even if you die. This period certain is usually 10 or 20 years.
Why are period certain payments smaller?
Because the “period certain” is an added benefit, each income payment will be smaller than in a life-only option.
Source: © 2025 National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Reprinted with permission. Further reprint or distribution strictly prohibited without written permission of NAIC.
Annuities Explained is not affiliated with or endorsed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
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 — Texas License #901162 (National Producer #558629).
Questions? Contact Jeff@AnnuitiesExplained.org.
What does your beneficiary get if you die during the period certain?
If you die during the period certain, your beneficiary gets regular payments for the rest of that period.
What if you die after the period certain ends?
If you die after the period certain, your beneficiary doesn’t receive any payments from your annuity.
Do payments continue if you outlive the period certain?
If you live longer than the period certain, you’ll continue to receive payments until you die.