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Joint Life vs Single Life Annuity: Understanding the Key Differences

Everyone wants to have money to live on when they stop working. After retirement, you can receive regular payments with an annuity. Single life annuities and joint life annuities are the two primary varieties.  In simple words, this post will explain the differences between  

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Written ByShruti gujarathi
AboutShruti gujarathi
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Shruti Gujarathi has 5 years of experience in the BFSI sector, and as Manager – Digital Marketing at Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance, manages digital and content marketing. She has had hands-on experience in content strategy, performance marketing and Strategic Alliances over a career spanning 10 years, with deep expertise in insurance domain.
Reviewed ByRituraj Singh
AboutRituraj Singh
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Rituraj Singh,With over 6.5 years of experience in the insurance industry, Rituraj Singh, Manager- Product & Brand Marketing at Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance overlooks new product launches, compliance, and brand projects, leveraging artificial intelligence and technology to enhance outcomes.
Written on: 05th July 2025
Modified on: 08th July 2025
Reading Time: 15 Mins
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Which is Better: Single vs Joint Life Annuity?

Choosing between a single life annuity and a joint life annuity involves understanding how each works. A single life annuity provides income payments to one and stops upon their death. This option may offer higher monthly payments because the insurer only one life. In contrast, a joint life annuity covers two , usually spouses. It continues payments until pass away. Since it covers two people, the payments are typically lower than a single life annuity.

The difference between joint life annuity and single life annuityis mostly about .
for two lives is required or if income for one life is enough. This choice can affect monthly income and the financial security of the l and their family.

 

Overview of an Annuity

An annuity is a insurance company either all at once or in small amounts. People use annuities to get income after they retire, so they don’t run out of money. The difference between a joint life annuity and a single life annuity depends on how many people the .

Annuities can give fixed or variable payments. Fixed annuities pay the same amount each time, so you know exactly what to expect. Annuities help provide steady money after retirement so people can pay their bills and live comfortably.

 

Types of Annuities

There are various types of annuities depending on who receives payments, when they begin, and how much is paid.

  • Single Life Annuity:
  • Joint Life Annuity: Pays money to two people, usually a couple, until both have died.
  • Fixed Annuity: Gives the same amount of money every time.
  • Variable Annuity: Payments can change depending on how well investments do.
  • Immediate Annuity: Payments start soon after you pay a lump sum.
  • Deferred Annuity: Payments start later, giving your money time to grow.

Each type fits different needs. Some give steady, fixed income, while others might change over time. Some start paying right away, others after some years. Choosing the right annuity depends on how much money you want regularly, how much risk you can take, and when you want the payments to begin.

 

When is Single Life Annuity Better?

A single life annuity is good for people who want money every month only for themselves. It stops paying when they pass away. This is suitable for you if you:

  • Don’t need to give money to someone else after you die.
  • Have other ways to help your family.
  • Want higher monthly payments.
  • Are okay with payments stopping after you die.

This helps you get more money each month and manage your own retirement without sharing.

 

How Does Joint Life Annuity Work?

A joint life annuity provides income for two . Its key features include:

  • Income can remain the same or reduced after the first dies, based on the plan.
  • Monthly payments tend to be lower than single life annuities.
  • It is commonly chosen by couples seeking income security for both.
  • This option offers income lasting longer but with smaller monthly amounts.
  • It helps ensure that the surviving continues to receive income without interruption.
  • Joint life annuities may include different payout options depending on individual needs and preferences.

Overall, joint life annuities provide extended income coverage and financial support tailored to two lives, helping couples plan their retirement together.

 

What to Choose Between Single and Joint Life Annuity

Deciding between a single life annuity and a joint life annuity involves several factors to consider carefully:

  • Evaluating desired monthly income levels.
  • Reviewing other income sources or family support.
  • Assessing your comfort with income stopping after one death or continuing for two.
  • Understanding the potential impact on your monthly cash flow and financial security.

A single life annuity usually gives higher monthly payments but ends when the dies. A joint life annuity pays income to two people and usually offers lower monthly payments. Knowing this helps explain the difference between a joint life annuity and a single life annuity in how much money is paid and for how long. .

 

Summing It Up

The difference between a joint life annuity and a single life annuity mainly depends on how many . A single life annuity pays income to one person and ends when they die, often giving higher monthly payments. A joint life annuity pays income to two people and continues until both have passed away, usually offering lower payments for a longer .

After retirement, both varieties offer a consistent income. The decision between joint life vs single life annuity is influenced by individual factors such as family size, income requirements, and the duration of income needs.

  • 'Joint life annuities cover two .
  • Payments differ in amount and duration.

Awareness of these factors supports better retirement income decisions.

 

FAQs

What is the difference between joint life annuity and single life annuity?

A single life annuity pays money to one person for as long as they live. When that person dies, the payments . A joint life annuity pays money to two people, often spouses, and the payments continue until both have passed away. Because it two lives, the payments are usually smaller than single life annuities. The main difference is how many people get the income and how long it lasts.

 

What is the disadvantage of a joint life annuity?

A joint life annuity pays money to two people, but since it covers two , the monthly payments tend to be smaller than payments from a single life annuity. This means the amount of money each month is less. Some people may find this less helpful if they want higher income while both are alive. The trade-off is that the payments last longer, but the monthly amount can be lower.

 

What are the disadvantages of a single life annuity?

A single life annuity stops paying as soon as the person receiving it dies. This means no payments go to anyone else after that. If the person had family or dependents who need income, they will not get payments from the annuity. The monthly payments can be higher while the person lives, but there is no income protection for others after death.

 

Should I take a single life annuity?

A single life annuity provides income for one person until they pass away. The payments may be higher compared to annuities covering more than one person. This type does not provide income for anyone else after the dies. It may suit those who only need income for themselves or have other ways to support dependents. It focuses on providing steady money to a single person for their lifetime.

 

What is single vs joint life?

Single life annuity means payments go to one only. The payments end when that person dies. Joint life annuity means payments two , often spouses, and the payments continue until both have passed away. The single life option usually pays more each month but for a shorter time. The joint life option pays for a longer time but each payment is smaller.

 

Is a joint annuity a good idea?

A joint annuity pays income to two and continues until both have passed away. It helps ensure money lasts longer, especially for couples who to have steady income. The payments tend to be lower than single life annuities because the insurer covers two lifetimes. It provides financial support that lasts for both people, not just one.

 

What is the 75% joint and survivor pension?

A 75% joint and survivor pension means that after the first dies, the payments continue to the secondat 75% of the original amount. For example, if the original payment was ₹10,000, it will reduce to ₹7,500 for the survivor. This option helps provide income to the surviving spouse while reducing the payout.

 

What happens to a joint annuity when one spouse dies?

When one person in a joint annuity dies, the payments usually keep going to the surviving spouse. Sometimes the payments stay the same. Other times, the payments reduce to a smaller amount depending on the plan. The annuity continues to provide income until both l have passed away.

 

What is a 50% joint life annuity?

A 50% joint life annuity pays full income while both are alive. After the first dies, the payment reduces to 50% of the original amount and continues to the survivor. This means the surviving spouse gets half the payment after the first person passes away.

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%%Above illustration is for Bajaj Allianz Life eTouch- A Non Linked, Non-Participating, Individual Life Insurance Term Plan (UIN: 116N172V03) considering Male aged 25 years | Non-Smoker | Policy Term (PT)– 30 years | Premium Payment Term (PPT) – 30 years | Sum Assured opted is Rs. 1,00,00,000 | Online Channel | Standard Life | 1st Year Premium is Rs. 6,238. 2nd Year onwards premium is Rs. 6,659. Total Premium Paid is Rs. 1,99,349 | Medical Rates | Yearly Premium Payment Mode | Death benefit opted is lumpsum payout and monthly installments (Lumpsum Payout Percentage : 45, Income Payout Percentage : 55) | Premium shown above is exclusive of Goods & Service Tax/any other applicable tax levied, subject to changes in tax laws, and any extra premium and is for illustrative purpose only. This is inclusive of all the discounts mentioned above.

##Tax benefits as per prevailing Section 10(10D) and Section 80C of the Income Tax Act shall apply. You are requested to consult your tax consultant and obtain independent advice for eligibility before claiming any benefit under the policy.Above Tax benefit is calculated considering deduction of Rs. 150,000 and applicable tax rate of 31.20%.

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Bajaj Allianz Life eTouch- A Non Linked, Non-Participating, Individual Life Insurance Term Plan (UIN: 116N172V04)

*Tax benefits as per prevailing Section 10(10D) and Section 80C of the Income Tax Act shall apply. You are requested to consult your tax consultant and obtain independent advice for eligibility before claiming any benefit under the policy.Above Tax benefit is calculated considering deduction of Rs. 150,000 and applicable tax rate of 31.20%.

~Individual Death Claim Settlement Ratio for FY 2023-2024

1Premium Holiday has to be selected at inception to avail this benefit and also depends on other policy terms & conditions


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