Basic Death Benefit

Available during accumulation phase. Upon death of Annuitant, Benefit is greatest of 1) Contract Value; 2) Net Purchase Payments adjusted for withdrawals; or 3) Three-Year Stepped-Up Death Benefit amount if the contract has been in effect for at least 3 years. For 3-year period beginning on third contract anniversary, the Three-Year Stepped-Up Death Benefit will be the greater of i) Contract Value as of the third Contract Anniversary or ii) Net Purchase Payements adjusted for withdrawals made on or before third anniversary. At the beginning of each later 3-Year period prior to Annuitant's age 85, the Three-Year Stepped-Up Death Benefit will be the greater of - 1) Contract Value on that date or 2) The Death Benefit as of the last day of the preceding 3-Year period, adjusted for withdrawals.