Can Annuity Payments Be Inherited?

Can Annuity Payments Be Inherited?

From Retire For Less With The Annuity Expert by Shawn Plummer

May 7, 2026 · 5 min · Episode 430

About this episode

Shawn Plummer discusses the complexities of inheriting annuity payments and the factors that determine if they can be passed on to beneficiaries.

Are you navigating the complicated process of inheriting an annuity, or are you looking to buy an annuity and want to guarantee your family receives your leftover money when you die? In this video, Shawn Plummer from The Annuity Expert answers the highly requested question: Can annuity payments be inherited? The candid truth is that it depends entirely on how the contract was originally structured! Shawn breaks down the worst-case scenario: if the deceased chose a "Life Only" annuitized payout, the payments stop at death and the insurance company legally keeps the rest of the money! However, if the contract was set up with a "Period Certain" or "Cash Refund," beneficiaries are guaranteed to receive the remaining payments or principal. For anyone currently shopping for an annuity, Shawn explains why a Fixed Index Annuity with a Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefit (GLWB) is almost always the superior choice, as it guarantees you a lifetime paycheck while ensuring whatever is left in your account automatically passes to your heirs as a lump sum! 📖 Inheriting an annuity can be confusing and highly taxable. Read our complete guide for beneficiaries right here…

People in this episode

Host: Shawn Plummer

Topics covered

  • inheritance
  • annuities
  • financial planning
  • beneficiaries
  • payout structures

Keywords

  • annuity payments
  • inherited annuity
  • Life Only payout
  • Period Certain
  • Cash Refund
  • Fixed Index Annuity
  • Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefit
  • beneficiaries
  • financial legacy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Annuity Expert, insurance company

Products: Fixed Index Annuity, Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefit

Places: 770-755-1565

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