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 80, 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 80 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). Deferral bonus Roll-up rate is used to calculate amounts credited to Roll-up to age 80 benefit base through the end of contract year that precedes contract year in which 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 contract. Highest Anniversary Value equal to one of following - 1) highest anniversary value benefit base immediately following most recent withdrawal, or 2) highest protected benefit account value on any contract date anniversary after the withdrawal up to contract date anniversary following owner's 80th birthday. For state DE maximum charge is 1.65%.