Basic Death Benefit

Available during accumulation phase. The Death Benefit is determined on the Death Benefit Valuation Date. If these are received at different times, the Valuation Date is when the latter is received. If the Participant dies before age 75 and before the Annuity Commencement Date, the death benefit equals the greatest of: (1) the Account Value on the Valuation Date minus applicable premium taxes and loans; (2) total Purchase Payments minus taxes, partial surrenders, and loans; or (3) the highest death benefit on any 5-year Certificate Anniversary before death, minus taxes, post-anniversary surrenders, and loans. If death occurs after age 75 but before the Annuity Commencement Date, the third option is based on 5-year Certificate Anniversaries before age 75.