Greater of Death Benefit

Available during accumulation phase. Upon death of owner, benefit will be greatest of - 1) protected benefit account value, 2) benefit base. Benefit base is equal to - 1) Roll-up to age 85, or 2) Highest Anniversary Value. Annual Ratchet benefit base equals - 1) initial and any subsequent contributions to the protected benefit account variable investment options, either directly or through a special DCA program; plus 2) any amounts contributed to a Special DCA program that are designated for future transfers to the protected benefit account variable investment options; plus 3) any amounts transferred to the protected benefit account variable investment options; less 4) excess withdrawal; plus 5) any deferral bonus roll-up amount or annual roll-up amount minus a deduction that reflects any withdrawals up to the annual withdrawal amount. The Annual Roll-up rate is used to calculate amounts credited to your Roll-up to age 85 benefit base for the contract year in which the first withdrawal is made from protected benefit account and all subsequent contract years. This rate is calculated using the Ten-Year Treasuries Rate Formula (rate will never be less than 4% or greater than 8% in all contract years). The Deferral bonus Roll-up rate is used to calculate amounts credited to Roll-up to age 85 benefit base through the end of the contract year that precedes the contract year in which the first withdrawal is made from Protection with Investment Performance account. Annual Roll-up rates and Deferral bonus Roll-up applicable at the time of contract issue will be applicable for the first two contract years, starting with the third contract year, a new Annual Roll-up rate will apply to the contract. Highest Anniversary Value equal to one of the following - 1) highest anniversary value benefit base immediately following the most recent withdrawal, or 2) highest protected benefit account value on any contract date anniversary after the withdrawal up to the contract date anniversary following the owner's 85th birthday.