Visit our COVID-19 Resource Center for answers to your questions. Menu Log In CERTAINTY MEANS SECURITY Annuities Annuities offer a secure way to build your nest egg. You can use them to save for the future or to ensure your money lasts the rest of your life. An annuity can help meet your needs through a combination of safety, tax deferral and choice. What Is an Annuity and How Does It Work? An annuity is an insurance contract. You pay your premium and the annuity typically grows at a set rate and in a tax-deferred status. You can choose to receive your payments immediately or defer them to a date in the future. What defines an annuity contract? The option to receive your payments as guaranteed income for the rest of your life. KEY FEATURES Earns interest that grows tax deferred until you withdraw it Guarantees payments either beginning immediately or at a future date Gives you the option to receive guaranteed income for the rest of your life WHY CHOOSE THE STANDARD? Flexible Access to Funds Close Strength and Stability Learn More We Go the Extra Mile for You Learn More Access Funds and Keep Your Contract Our annuities let you access funds and keep your contract. Deferred annuities have a period of time you have to wait to withdraw funds without paying a penalty. This time frame is called the surrender-charge period. But with our annuities, you have a number of ways to withdraw funds during the contract's surrender-charge period without any charges. After the surrender-charge period ends, you can withdraw some or all of the annuity funds without charge. Save Money for the Future Looking for steady growth potential and predictable, tax-advantaged savings? An annuity may be a smart choice for you. Explore Deferred Annuities Make Your Money Last If you have a lump sum of money, you can convert it into a safe and steady income stream that lasts for years — or even the rest of your life. Explore Immediate Annuities ANNUITIES EXPLAINED IN PLAIN ENGLISH Need basic insights into how an annuity works? Download our helpful guide. Download the Annuity Answer Booklet Waiting for Rates to Change? If you’re waiting for rates to go up, it could cost you more than time. Find out why it pays to start an annuity now. The Cost of Waiting How Can I Buy an Annuity? Your financial advisor can help you purchase annuities from The Standard. Don’t have an advisor? We can connect you with an expert who can answer your questions and provide the latest rates. Find an Annuity Expert Could Annuities Be Right for You? Talk to your financial advisor about annuity options to fit your investment goals. Connect With an Annuities Expert Find a Dentist Find an Eye Doctor File a Claim Report an Absence Find a Form Individuals & Families Businesses & Organizations Financial Professionals About The Standard Accessibility Statement Responsible Disclosure Program Fraud Prevention Privacy & Legal Contact 14274-A (2/18) Annuities are not (a) insured by the FDIC or any federal government agency, (b) deposits of or guaranteed by any bank or credit union and (c) a provision or condition of any bank or credit union activity. Some annuities are subject to investment risk and may lose value. A surrender charge may apply during the surrender period, and a 10 percent early withdrawal penalty may apply to withdrawals prior to age 59½. The Standard is a marketing name for Standard Insurance Company (Portland, Oregon), licensed in all states except New York. Products and availability vary by state and are solely the responsibility of Standard Insurance Company. © 2021 StanCorp Financial Group, Inc.