When Can You Withdraw From Annuities? 
Annuities are long term contracts . They have two phases . The first phase is known as accumulation . During that phase money can be withdrawn or the contract surrendered . The amount received will be the value of the annuity minus applicable surrender charges . In the second phase or annuitization most contracts can not be surrendered . There are a few that allow surrenders so check with your agent if that is a concern . 