What is an immediate annuity?

An immediate annuity is designed to begin making regular payments to the annuitant almost immediately after they make a lump-sum investment. This type of annuity typically starts the payment stream within a month after the initial investment, allowing the individual to receive income without a lengthy waiting period.

This characteristic makes immediate annuities particularly appealing for retirees who are looking for a steady income stream to cover living expenses right away. The payments can be structured in various ways, such as for a specified period or for the lifetime of the annuitant, depending on the specific terms of the annuity contract.

The other options describe features that are not applicable to immediate annuities. For instance, an annuity that makes payments after a waiting period refers to a deferred annuity, while an annuity that requires no upfront investment contradicts the fundamental premise of an annuity, which entails an initial investment or premium. Similarly, an annuity that only pays out upon the death of the annuitant is more akin to a life insurance product than to an immediate annuity, which focuses on providing income during the annuitant's lifetime.