Basic Death Benefit

Available during accumulation phase. Upon death of owner or annuitant (if owner is a non-natural entity), benefit will be greater of - 1) contract value; or 2) minimum guaranteed death benefit (benefit base). During first six months benefit base equals purchase payments adjusted for withdrawals. On or after six month benefit base will be equal to highest six month anniversary value on any six month anniversary until age 76 (71 for joint life), adjusted for withdrawals and purchase payments made. For NY contract, the minimum guaranteed death benefit will be recalculated at the beginning of each contract anniversary.