Certain Annuity
Updated: 17 April 2026
What Does Certain Annuity Mean?
A certain annuity is a policy in which the annuitant determines both the duration and the scheduled payout. This control over the payment schedule is one of the main differences between the various types of annuities available to buyers.
Insuranceopedia Explains Certain Annuity
A certain annuity allows the annuitant to choose the number of years over which they will receive payments, or be annuitized. If the annuitant passes away during the payout period, the remaining funds are paid to their beneficiary or estate. Who receives the money depends on how the beneficiary is named, so it helps to know the life insurance beneficiary rules that apply when the contract is set up.