Stepped-Up Death Benefit

Available during accumulation phase only. Upon death of owner or annuitant, benefit will be greater of - 1) Death Benefit Amount; or 2) Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit Amount. Death Benefit Amount is greater of - 1) contract value; or 2) total purchase payments adjusted for withdrawals. GMDB benefit base equals contract anniversary values prior to oldest owner's (or oldest annuitant's in case of non-natural owner), 81st birthday, reduced for withdrawals and increased by purchase payments made.