Which annuity would provide payments for a fixed number of times, regardless of whether the annuitant is alive?

• A. Life annuity
• B. Joint and survivor
• C. Life annuity certain
• D. Fixed period annuity

Answer: (C)

The concept tested is guaranteed or certain payments. A life annuity certain provides payments for the annuitant’s life but includes a guaranteed period. If the annuitant dies before that period ends, the remaining payments are continued to a beneficiary for the rest of the guaranteed period. That means you get a fixed number of payments, no matter when or if the annuitant dies.

This fits the scenario where payments occur for a fixed number of times regardless of survival. A pure life annuity would stop at death, a joint and survivor continues based on two lives, and a fixed period annuity guarantees a fixed number of payments but isn’t tied to the life contingency in the same way; the life annuity certain combines both elements, making it the best match.