Retirement Income Choice 1.4 Benefit - Death Benefit

Benefit is only available in conjunction with Retirement Income Choice 1.4. Upon death of annuitant, benefit is equal to contract value at issue thereafter, increased by purchase payments made, adjustments for withdrawals. After 5th rider anniversary, annuitant may elect to step-up the benefit base equal to contract value until age 85, upon step-up, Issuer will terminate current benefit and issue a new benefit with new rider date and rider fee percentage Withdrawals up to withdrawal benefit base in a rider year will reduce death benefit by dollar-for-dollar amount; excess withdrawal in a rider year will reduce death benefit either in same proportion or by dollar-for-dollar amount, whichever results in lower death benefit. No additional death benefit is payable if a death benefit payable under contract exceeds Retirement Income Choice 1.4.