Annual Step-up Death Benefit Rider

The annual step-up Death Benefit is an optional feature that can be added to an annuity contract for an additional charge. If selected, this feature ensures that the death benefit payable upon the death of the annuitant will equals highest annuity value on any contract anniversary before the annuitant 81st birthday, adjusted upward for additional premiums and downward for any partial surrenders made after that date. This death benefit will not exceed 200% of total premium payments less partial surrenders.