What type of annuity allows income payments to continue to a spouse after the primary annuitant's death?

The type of annuity that allows income payments to continue to a spouse after the primary annuitant's death is a Joint Life and Survivorship Annuity. This particular annuity is designed to provide financial security for two people, typically spouses. It ensures that after one of the annuitants passes away, the other annuitant continues to receive periodic income payments for the remainder of their life. This feature is essential for couples who want to ensure that one partner is supported financially even after the other passes away.

In contrast, a Single Life Annuity terminates upon the death of the annuitant, offering no payouts to beneficiaries or spouses. A Deferred Annuity involves a period where funds are accumulated before any payouts begin, but it does not inherently guarantee ongoing payments to a surviving spouse after the primary annuitant's death. A Fixed Annuity primarily refers to the method of payment (consistent payments) rather than stipulating any survivorship benefits. Each of these alternatives lacks the feature of continued income payments to a survivor, which highlights the Joint Life and Survivorship Annuity's unique value in estate planning and financial security.