The settlement option that allows proceeds to remain with the insurer and the earnings to...

The settlement option described is the interest-only option. Under this arrangement, the insurer retains the policy proceeds as principal and pays the beneficiary the interest earned on those proceeds, often on a monthly basis. The principal generally remains intact until a later date or until the beneficiary elects another settlement method, depending on the policy terms. This option is useful when the beneficiary needs periodic income but does not want to immediately receive or manage the full death benefit. A lump-sum settlement pays the entire death benefit at once and does not leave the proceeds with the insurer for interest payments. A fixed-period option pays the proceeds plus interest over a chosen period, such as 10 or 20 years. A fixed-amount option pays a selected dollar amount at regular intervals until the proceeds and interest are exhausted. The phrase “proceeds remain with the insurer” plus “earnings are paid” directly identifies the interest-only settlement option. Reference topics: Life Insurance Settlement Options, Interest-Only Option, Fixed Period, Fixed Amount, Lump Sum.