What Happens To Annuities On Death? 
Good question ! What happens to an annuity after the death of the annuitant depends on the type of annuity contract . Some annuity contracts have named beneficiaries where others simply end on the death of the annuitant . If the annuitant dies before the annuity is depleted in a term certain or sum certain contract the balance of payments or the balance of the sum will be paid to the beneficiary . If the annuitant dies having a life certain contract , the balance if any defaults to the issuer . 