Annual Step-Up Death Benefit

Available during accumulation phase. Upon death of annuitant, benefit will be greater of - 1) purchase payments adjusted for withdrawals and tax, 2) contract value, or 3) Annual Step-Up Death Benefit. Annual Step-Up Death Benefit equals initial purchase payment at issue, thereafter reset on each contract anniversary, until later of - 1) 5th contract anniversary, or 2) contract anniversary next following annuitant's 80th birthday. At each reset date, benefit base equals greater of - 1) contract value, or 2) benefit base on last reset date, plus purchase payments made, less withdrawals. Issuer will step-up death benefit until age 85, if age at issue - 81 or older.