Common use of Death Benefit Payment Options Clause in Contracts

Death Benefit Payment Options. If death occurs during the Accumulation Phase, a Beneficiary must request that the Death Benefit be paid by one of the payment options below. We do not deduct the Contract Maintenance Charge under these payment options. Option A - A lump sum payment of the Death Benefit. Option B - Deferral of payment of the Death Benefit for up to five years from the date of the death of any Owner. During the deferral period, the Beneficiary can make transfers within their portion of the contract among the Allocation Options. At the end of the fifth year, any remaining Death Benefit is paid in a lump sum. If you select Option B, we continue to assess the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge shown on the Contract Schedule, if applicable, and the Transfer Fee shown on the Contract Schedule. Option C - If the Beneficiary is an individual, payment of the Death Benefit as Annuity Payments under an Annuity Option over the lifetime of the Beneficiary. With our written consent, other options may be available for payment over a period not extending beyond the life expectancy of the Beneficiary under which we continue to assess the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge shown on the Contract Schedule, if applicable, and theTransfer Fee shown on the Contract Schedule. If you do not select a Death Benefit Payment Option, the default payment option is Option B. Any Beneficiary’s portion of the Death Benefit not applied to Annuity Payments under an Annuity Option within one year of the date of the Owner’s death must be distributed within five years of the date of death. If a Beneficiary requests a lump sum payment, and it is not paid within seven days of receipt of a Valid Claim from the Beneficiary, we will pay interest from day 8 until the date of payment at the rate of interest currently paid by the Company on proceeds left under the interest settlement option, unless the Suspension of Payments or Transfers section in this contract is in effect. In cases of multiple Beneficiaries, we will continue to assess the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge shown on the Contract Schedule after receiving the first Valid Claim from any one Beneficiary until there has been a complete distribution of the death benefit.

Death Benefit Payment Options. If death occurs during the Accumulation Phase, a Beneficiary must request that the Death Benefit be paid by one of the payment options below or with our written agreement under a payment option other than Option A, Option B or Option C listed below. We do not deduct the Contract Maintenance Charge under these payment options. Option A - A lump sum payment of the Death Benefit. We deduct the final Product Fee, if applicable, before calculating the Death Benefit. Option B - Deferral of payment of the Death Benefit for up to five years from the date of the death of any Owner. During the deferral period, the Beneficiary can make transfers on an Index Anniversary within their portion of the contract among the Allocation Index Options. At the end of the fifth year, any remaining Death Benefit is paid in a lump sum. If you select Option B, we continue to assess the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge Product Fee shown on the Contract Schedule, if applicable, and the Transfer Fee shown on the Contract Schedule. Option C - If the Beneficiary is an individual, payment of the Death Benefit as Annuity Payments under an Annuity Option Options A, B, or C paid over the lifetime of the BeneficiaryBeneficiary or the guaranteed period as applicable. We deduct the final Product Fee, if applicable, before calculating Annuity Payments. For purposes of this Option C, Annuity Payments do not have to begin on an Index Anniversary. With our written consent, other options may be available for payment over a period not extending beyond the life expectancy of the Beneficiary under which we continue to assess the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge shown on the Contract Schedule, if applicable, and theTransfer Product Fee shown on the Contract Schedule. If you do not select a Death Benefit Payment Option, the default payment option is Option B. Any Beneficiary’s portion of the Death Benefit not applied to Annuity Payments under an Annuity Option within one year of the date of the Owner’s death must be distributed within five years of the date of death. If a Beneficiary requests a lump sum payment, and it is not paid we pay the amount from the Variable Account within seven days of receipt of a Valid Claim from the Beneficiary, we will pay interest from day 8 until the date of payment at the rate of interest currently paid by the Company on proceeds left under the interest settlement option, unless the Suspension of Payments or Transfers section provision in this contract is in effect. In cases of multiple Beneficiaries, we will continue to assess the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge Product Fee shown on the Contract Schedule Schedule, if applicable, after receiving the first Valid Claim from any one Beneficiary until there has been a complete distribution of the death benefitDeath Benefit.

Death Benefit Payment Options. If death occurs during the Accumulation Phase, a Beneficiary must request that the Death Benefit be paid by one of the payment options below. We do not deduct the Contract Maintenance Charge under these payment options. Option A - A lump sum payment of the Death Benefit. We deduct the final Product Fee before calculating the Death Benefit. Option B - Deferral of payment of the Death Benefit for up to five years from the date of the death of any Owner. During the deferral period, the Beneficiary can make transfers within their portion of the contract among the Allocation Options. At the end of the fifth year, any remaining Death Benefit is paid in a lump sum. If you select Option B, we continue to assess the Mortality Product Fee and Expense Risk Charge shown on the Contract Schedule, if applicable, and the Transfer Fee shown on the Contract Schedule. Option C - If the Beneficiary is an individual, payment of the Death Benefit as Annuity Payments under an Annuity Option over the lifetime of the Beneficiary. We deduct the final Product Fee before calculating Annuity Payments. With our written consent, other options may be available for payment over a period not extending beyond the life expectancy of the Beneficiary under which we continue to assess the Mortality Product Fee and Expense Risk Charge shown on the Contract Schedule, if applicable, and theTransfer Transfer Fee shown on the Contract Schedule. If you do not select a Death Benefit Payment Option, the default payment option is Option B. Any Beneficiary’s 's portion of the Death Benefit not applied to Annuity Payments under an Annuity Option within one year of the date of the Owner’s 's death must be distributed within five years of the date of death. If a Beneficiary requests a lump sum payment, and it is not paid within seven days of we pay the amount after receipt of a Valid Claim from the Beneficiary, we will pay interest from day 8 until the date of payment at the rate of interest currently paid by the Company on proceeds left under the interest settlement option, unless the Suspension of Payments or Transfers section in this contract is in effect. In cases of multiple Beneficiaries, we will continue to assess the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge shown on the Contract Schedule after receiving the first Valid Claim from any one Beneficiary until there has been a complete distribution of the death benefit.

Death Benefit Payment Options. If death occurs during the Accumulation Phase, a Beneficiary must request that the Death Benefit be paid by one of the payment options below or with our written agreement under a payment option other than Option A, Option B or Option C listed below. We do not deduct the Contract Maintenance Charge under these payment options. Option A - A lump sum payment of the Death Benefit. We deduct the final Product Fee before calculating the Death Benefit. Option B - Deferral of payment of the Death Benefit for up to five years from the date of the death of any Owner. During the deferral period, the Beneficiary can make transfers within their portion of the contract among the Allocation Options. At the end of the fifth year, any remaining Death Benefit is paid in a lump sum. If you select Option B, we continue to assess the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge shown on the Contract Schedule, if applicable, and the Transfer Product Fee shown on the Contract Schedule. Option C - If the Beneficiary is an individual, payment of the Death Benefit as Annuity Payments under an Annuity Option under Annuity Options 1, 2 or 5, over the lifetime of the Beneficiary. We deduct the final Product Fee before calculating Annuity Payments. With our written consent, other options may be available for payment over a period not extending beyond the life expectancy of the Beneficiary under which we continue to assess the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge shown on the Contract Schedule, if applicable, and theTransfer Product Fee shown on the Contract Schedule. If you do not select a no Death Benefit Payment OptionOption is selected, the we default payment option is to Option B. Any Beneficiary’s 's portion of the Death Benefit not applied to Annuity Payments under an Annuity Option within one year of the date of the Owner’s 's death must be distributed within five years of the date of death. If a Beneficiary requests a lump sum payment, and it is not paid we pay the amount from the Variable Account within seven days of receipt of a Valid Claim from the Beneficiary, we will pay interest from day 8 until the date of payment at the rate of interest currently paid by the Company on proceeds left under the interest settlement option, unless the Suspension of Payments or Transfers section provision in this contract is in effect. In cases of multiple Beneficiaries, we will continue to assess the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge Product Fee shown on the Contract Schedule after receiving the first Valid Claim from any one Beneficiary until there has been a complete distribution of the death benefit.

Death Benefit Payment Options. If death occurs during the Accumulation Phase, a Beneficiary must request that the Death Benefit be paid by one of the payment options below or with our written agreement under a payment option other than Option A, Option B or Option C listed below. We do not deduct the Contract Maintenance Charge under these payment options. Option A - A lump sum payment of the Death Benefit. Option B - Deferral of payment of the Death Benefit for up to five years from the date of the death of any Owner. During the deferral period, the Beneficiary can make transfers within their portion of the contract among the Allocation Options. At the end of the fifth year, any remaining Death Benefit is paid in a lump sum. If you select Option B, we continue to assess the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge shown on the Contract Schedule, if applicable, and the Transfer Fee shown on the Contract Schedule. Option C - If the Beneficiary is an individual, payment of the Death Benefit as Annuity Payments under an Annuity Option under Annuity Options 1, 2 or 5, over the lifetime of the Beneficiary. With our written consent, other options may be available for payment over a period not extending beyond the life expectancy of the Beneficiary under which we continue to assess the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge shown on the Contract Schedule, if applicable, and theTransfer the Transfer Fee shown on the Contract Schedule. If you do not select a no Death Benefit Payment OptionOption is selected, the we default payment option is to Option B. Any Beneficiary’s 's portion of the Death Benefit not applied to Annuity Payments under an Annuity Option within one year of the date of the Owner’s 's death must be distributed within five years of the date of death. If a Beneficiary requests a lump sum payment, and it is not paid within seven days of we pay the amount after receipt of a Valid Claim from the Beneficiary, we will pay interest from day 8 until the date of payment at the rate of interest currently paid by the Company on proceeds left under the interest settlement option, unless the Suspension of Payments or Transfers section in this contract is in effect. In cases of multiple Beneficiaries, we will continue to assess the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge shown on the Contract Schedule after receiving the first Valid Claim from any one Beneficiary until there has been a complete distribution of the death benefit.

Death Benefit Payment Options. If the Owner has not previously designated a Death Benefit payment option and death occurs during the Accumulation Phase, a Beneficiary must request that the Death Benefit be paid by one of the payment options below. We do not deduct the Contract Maintenance Charge under these payment options. Option A - A lump sum payment of the Death Benefit. We deduct the final Product Fee before calculating the Death Benefit. Option B - Deferral of payment of the Death Benefit for up to five years from the date of the death of any Owner. During the deferral period, the Beneficiary can make transfers within their portion of the contract among the Allocation Options. At the end of the fifth year, any remaining Death Benefit is paid in a lump sum. If you select Option B, we continue to assess the Mortality Product Fee and Expense Risk Charge shown on the Contract Schedule, if applicable, and the Transfer Fee shown on the Contract Schedule. Option C - If the Beneficiary is an individual, payment of the Death Benefit as Annuity Payments under an Annuity Option over the lifetime of the Beneficiary. We deduct the final Product Fee before calculating Annuity Payments. With our written consent, other options may be available for payment over a period not extending beyond the life expectancy of the Beneficiary under which we continue to assess the Mortality Product Fee and Expense Risk Charge shown on the Contract Schedule, if applicable, and theTransfer Transfer Fee shown on the Contract Schedule. If you do not select a Death Benefit Payment Option, the default payment option is Option B. Any Beneficiary’s portion of the Death Benefit not applied to Annuity Payments under an Annuity Option within one year of the date of the Owner’s death must be distributed within five years of the date of death. If a Beneficiary requests a lump sum payment, and it is not paid within seven days of we pay the amount after receipt of a Valid Claim from the Beneficiary, we will pay interest from day 8 until the date of payment at the rate of interest currently paid by the Company on proceeds left under the interest settlement option, unless the Suspension of Payments or Transfers section in this contract is in effect. In cases of multiple Beneficiaries, we will continue to assess the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge shown on the Contract Schedule after receiving the first Valid Claim from any one Beneficiary until there has been a complete distribution of the death benefit.

Death Benefit Payment Options. If the Owner has not previously designated a Death Benefit payment option and death occurs during the Accumulation Phase, a Beneficiary must request that the Death Benefit be paid by one of the payment options below. We do not deduct the Contract Maintenance Charge under these payment options. Option A - A lump sum payment of the Death Benefit. We deduct the final Product Fee before calculating the Death Benefit. Option B - Deferral of payment of the Death Benefit for up to five years from the date of the death of any Owner. During the deferral period, the Beneficiary can make transfers within their portion of the contract among the Allocation Options. At the end of the fifth year, any remaining Death Benefit is paid in a lump sum. If you select Option B, we continue to assess the Mortality Product Fee and Expense Risk Charge shown on the Contract Schedule, if applicable, and the Transfer Fee shown on the Contract Schedule. Option C - If the Beneficiary is an individual, payment of the Death Benefit as Annuity Payments under an Annuity Option over the lifetime of the Beneficiary. We deduct the final Product Fee before calculating Annuity Payments. With our written consent, other options may be available for payment over a period not extending beyond the life expectancy of the Beneficiary under which we continue to assess the Mortality Product Fee and Expense Risk Charge shown on the Contract Schedule, if applicable, and theTransfer Transfer Fee shown on the Contract Schedule. If you do not select a Death Benefit Payment Option, the default payment option is Option B. Any Beneficiary’s portion of the Death Benefit not applied to Annuity Payments under an Annuity Option within one year of the date of the Owner’s death must be distributed within five years of the date of death. If a Beneficiary requests a lump sum payment, and it is not paid we pay the amount from the Variable Account within seven days of receipt of a Valid Claim from the Beneficiary, we will pay interest from day 8 until the date of payment at the rate of interest currently paid by the Company on proceeds left under the interest settlement option, unless the Suspension of Payments or Transfers section in this contract is in effect. In cases of multiple Beneficiaries, we will continue to assess the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge shown on the Contract Schedule after receiving the first Valid Claim from any one Beneficiary until there has been a complete distribution of the death benefit.

Death Benefit Payment Options. If the Owner has not previously designated a Death Benefit payment option and death occurs during the Accumulation Phase, a Beneficiary must request that the Death Benefit be paid by one of the payment options below. We do not deduct the Contract Maintenance Charge under these payment options. Option A - A lump sum payment of the Death Benefit. We deduct the final Product Fee before calculating the Death Benefit. Option B - Deferral of payment of the Death Benefit for up to five years from the date of the death of any Owner. During the deferral period, the Beneficiary can make transfers within their portion of the contract among the Allocation Options. At the end of the fifth year, any remaining Death Benefit is paid in a lump sum. If you select Option B, we continue to assess the Mortality Product Fee and Expense Risk Charge shown on the Contract Schedule, if applicable, and the Transfer Fee shown on the Contract Schedule. Option C - If the Beneficiary is an individual, payment of the Death Benefit as Annuity Payments under an Annuity Option over the lifetime of the Beneficiary. We deduct the final Product Fee before calculating Annuity Payments. With our written consent, other options may be available for payment over a period not extending beyond the life expectancy of the Beneficiary under which we continue to assess the Mortality Product Fee and Expense Risk Charge shown on the Contract Schedule, if applicable, and theTransfer Transfer Fee shown on the Contract Schedule. If you do not select a Death Benefit Payment Option, the default payment option is Option B. Any Beneficiary’s portion of the Death Benefit not applied to Annuity Payments under an Annuity Option within one year of the date of the Owner’s death must be distributed within five years of the date of death. If a Beneficiary requests a lump sum payment, and it is not paid we pay the amount from the Variable Account within seven days of receipt of a Valid Claim from the Beneficiary, we will pay interest from day 8 until the date of payment at the rate of interest currently paid by the Company on proceeds left under the interest settlement option, unless the Suspension of Payments or Transfers section provision in this contract is in effect. In cases of multiple Beneficiaries, we will continue to assess the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge shown on the Contract Schedule after receiving the first Valid Claim from any one Beneficiary until there has been a complete distribution of the death benefit.

Death Benefit Payment Options. If death occurs during the Accumulation Phase, a Beneficiary must request that the Death Benefit be paid by one of the payment options below or with our written agreement under a payment option other than Option A, Option B or Option C listed below. We do not deduct the Contract Maintenance Charge under these payment options. Option A - A lump sum payment of the Death Benefit. We deduct the final Product Fee before calculating the Death Benefit. Option B - Deferral of payment of the Death Benefit for up to five years from the date of the death of any Owner. During the deferral period, the Beneficiary can make transfers within their portion of the contract among the Allocation Options. At the end of the fifth year, any remaining Death Benefit is paid in a lump sum. If you select Option B, we continue to assess the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge shown on the Contract Schedule, if applicable, and the Transfer Product Fee shown on the Contract Schedule. Option C - If the Beneficiary is an individual, payment of the Death Benefit as Annuity Payments under an Annuity Option Options A, B, or C paid over the lifetime of the Beneficiary, or the guaranteed period as applicable. We deduct the final Product Fee before calculating Annuity Payments. With our written consent, other options may be available for payment over a period not extending beyond the life expectancy of the Beneficiary under which we continue to assess the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge shown on the Contract Schedule, if applicable, and theTransfer Product Fee shown on the Contract Schedule. If you do not select a no Death Benefit Payment OptionOption is selected, the we default payment option is to Option B. Any Beneficiary’s portion of the Death Benefit not applied to Annuity Payments under an Annuity Option within one year of the date of the Owner’s death must be distributed within five years of the date of death. If a Beneficiary requests a lump sum payment, and it is not paid we pay the amount from the Variable Account within seven days of receipt of a Valid Claim from the Beneficiary, we will pay interest from day 8 until the date of payment at the rate of interest currently paid by the Company on proceeds left under the interest settlement option, unless the Suspension of Payments or Transfers section provision in this contract is in effect. In cases of multiple Beneficiaries, we will continue to assess the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge Product Fee shown on the Contract Schedule after receiving the first Valid Claim from any one Beneficiary until there has been a complete distribution of the death benefitDeath Benefit.

Death Benefit Payment Options. If death occurs during the Accumulation Phase, a Beneficiary must request that the Death Benefit be paid by one of the payment options below or with our written agreement under a payment option other than Option A, Option B or Option C listed below. We do not deduct the Contract Maintenance Charge under these payment optionswhen paying the Death Benefit. Option A - A lump sum payment of the Death Benefit. Option B - Deferral of payment of the Death Benefit for up to five years from the date of the death of any Owner. During the deferral period, the Beneficiary can make transfers within their portion of the contract among the Allocation Options. At the end of the fifth year, any remaining Death Benefit is paid in a lump sum. If you select Option B, we continue to assess the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge shown on the Contract Schedule, if applicable, and the Transfer Fee shown on the Contract Schedule. Option C - If the Beneficiary is an individual, payment of the Death Benefit as Annuity Payments under an Annuity Option Options A, B, or C paid over the lifetime of the BeneficiaryBeneficiary or the guaranteed period as applicable. For Annuity Option A, the guaranteed period can be less than 10 years. For purposes of this Option C, Annuity Payments do not have to begin on an Index Anniversary. With our written consent, other options may be available for payment over a period not extending beyond the life expectancy of the Beneficiary under which we continue to assess the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge shown on the Contract Schedule, if applicable, and theTransfer Fee shown on . Distribution must begin within one year of the Contract Scheduledate of death of any Owner (or Annuitant if the Owner is a non-individual). If you do not select a Death Benefit Payment OptionOption is not selected, the default payment option is Option B. Any Beneficiary’s portion of the Death Benefit not applied to Annuity Payments under an Annuity Option within one year of the date of the Owner’s death must be distributed within five years of the date of death. If a Beneficiary requests a lump sum payment, and it is not paid within seven calendar days of receipt of a Valid Claim from the Beneficiary, we will pay interest from calendar day 8 eight until the date of payment at the rate of interest currently paid by the Company on proceeds left under the interest settlement option, unless the Suspension of Payments or Transfers section in this contract is in effect. In cases of multiple Beneficiaries, we will continue to assess the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge shown on the any applicable Contract Schedule Charges after receiving the first Valid Claim from any one Beneficiary until there has been a complete distribution of the death benefit.Death Benefit. L40538-01-NY

Death Benefit Payment Options. If death occurs during the Accumulation Phase, a Beneficiary must request that the Death Benefit be paid by one of the payment options below or with our written agreement under a payment option other than Option A, Option B or Option C listed below. We do not deduct the Contract Maintenance Charge under these payment optionswhen paying the Death Benefit. Option A - A lump sum payment of the Death Benefit. Option B - Deferral of payment of the Death Benefit for up to five years from the date of the death of any Owner. During the deferral period, the Beneficiary can make transfers within their portion of the contract among the Allocation Options. At the end of the fifth year, any remaining Death Benefit is paid in a lump sum. If you select Option B, we continue to assess the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge shown on the Contract Schedule, if applicable, and the Transfer Fee shown on the Contract Schedule. Option C - If the Beneficiary is an individual, payment of the Death Benefit as Annuity Payments under an Annuity Option Options A, B, or C paid over the lifetime of the BeneficiaryBeneficiary or the guaranteed period as applicable. For Annuity Option A, the guaranteed period can be less than 10 years. For purposes of this Option C, Annuity Payments do not have to begin on an Index Anniversary. With our written consent, other options may be available for payment over a period not extending beyond the life expectancy of the Beneficiary under which we continue to assess the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge shown on the Contract Schedule, if applicable, and theTransfer Fee shown on . Distribution must begin within one year of the Contract Scheduledate of death of any Owner (or Annuitant if the Owner is a non-individual). If you do not select a Death Benefit Payment OptionOption is not selected, the default payment option is Option B. Any Beneficiary’s portion of the Death Benefit not applied to Annuity Payments under an Annuity Option within one year of the date of the Owner’s death must be distributed within five years of the date of death. If a Beneficiary requests a lump sum payment, and it is not paid within seven calendar days of receipt of a Valid Claim from the Beneficiary, we will pay interest from calendar day 8 eight until the date of payment at the rate of interest currently paid by the Company on proceeds left under the interest settlement option, unless the Suspension of Payments or Transfers section in this contract is in effect. In cases of multiple Beneficiaries, we will continue to assess the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge shown on the any applicable Contract Schedule Charges after receiving the first Valid Claim from any one Beneficiary until there has been a complete distribution of the death benefitDeath Benefit. L40538-01-NY Ownership Assignment of this Contract You can, by Authorized Request, assign or otherwise transfer specific rights under this contract during the Accumulation Phase and before the first Valid Claim. Upon receipt of the Authorized Request, we record the assignment, but we will not be responsible for the validity or effect of the assignment, including the tax consequences of such assignment. We will not be liable to the assignee for any actions we take or payments we make before we receive an Authorized Request of the assignment or transfer. If you assign this contract, you can exercise your rights only with the written consent of the assignee. An assignment does not change the Annuitant or Beneficiary(ies). An assignment does not change any Determining Life, except as described under the definition of “Determining Life”. An assignment that is not an absolute assignment does not change the Owner. Change of Ownership You can, by Authorized Request, change ownership of this contract to a new Owner during the Accumulation Phase and before the first Valid Claim. Upon receipt of the Authorized Request, we record the change of ownership. We will not be responsible for the validity or effect of the change of ownership, including the tax consequences of such transfer. We will not be liable to the new Owner for any actions we take or payments we make before we receive an Authorized Request of the change of ownership. A change of ownership does not change the Annuitant or Beneficiary(ies). A change of ownership does not change any Determining Life, except as described under the definition of “Determining Life”. The new Owner can request a change of Annuitant or Beneficiary by providing an Authorized Request. Non-Individual Owners If this contract is owned by a non-individual, then we treat the Annuitant as the Owner for purposes of determining the payment of any Death Benefit and determining when the Accumulation Phase ends. If the Annuitant dies on a non-individually owned contract, we pay the Death Benefit to the Beneficiary(ies) as described in “Who receives the Death Benefit”. The term “non-natural Owner” may also be used to mean “non-individual Owner” in any endorsement and/or rider. Change of Annuitant For individually owned non-qualified contracts, you may, upon Authorized Request, change the Annuitant during the Accumulation Phase. For solely owned individual contracts, where the sole Owner is not the Annuitant, the sole Owner automatically becomes the Annuitant if the Annuitant dies during the Accumulation Phase. The Owner may name another Annuitant at any time. For jointly owned contracts, where neither Joint Owner is the Annuitant, the younger Joint Owner automatically becomes the Annuitant if the Annuitant dies during the Accumulation Phase. The Joint Owners may name another Annuitant at any time. If instead the deceased Xxxxxxxxx was also a Joint Owner, and the surviving Joint Owner continues the Contract, the surviving Joint Owner automatically becomes the Annuitant and may name another Annuitant at any time. For non-individually owned contracts, the Annuitant may not be changed, except as described in the Continuation of Contract by the Surviving Spouse provision. An Annuitant change takes effect as of the date you signed the Authorized Request. We will not be liable for any actions we take or payments we make before the Service Center receives the Authorized Request.