How is a contingent annuitant different from a beneficiary?
An annuity payment with a contingent annuitant option is based on the life expectancy of two lives. If you predecease your contingent annuitant, s/he will continue to receive payments until his/her death. A beneficiary may receive a benefit when you die, but the payment amount you receive is based only on your life expectancy. For example, if you elect a 10-year certain and continuous option, you will be paid an annuity for your life. If you die before the end of the 10-year period, your beneficiary will receive the same monthly payments for the balance of the period. If you live beyond the 10 year guaranteed period, you will continue to receive payments, but your beneficiary will receive nothing when you die. You may change your beneficiary at any time after you begin payments.
Related Questions
- May I change the optional payment plan, contingent annuitant or beneficiary I selected at any time during the retirement process or after retirement?
- What happens to the applications and deposits for individuals in crews subject to possible re-assignment to a different contingent?
- How is a contingent annuitant different from a beneficiary?