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Survivor Gap Calculator

Compare single-life vs joint-life annuity payouts and see how life insurance could fill the gap for your surviving spouse

Understanding the Annuity Choice

If you have a pension or retirement account (e.g., TIAA-CREF, state or public retirement systems, teacher plans) that can be converted to an annuity, you often face a choice: single-life (higher monthly benefit, ends when you die) or joint-life (lower monthly benefit, continues to your survivor). This calculator estimates the capital needed at death to replace the selected survivor payments for an explicit period. The pension reduction while both spouses live is shown separately.

Tip: Get your exact single-life and joint-life amounts from your plan provider (TIAA, state retirement system, etc.) or their online estimator, then enter them here.

Your Annuity Options

Higher amount; benefit ends when you die
Lower amount; survivor continues to receive benefit
Assumed duration, not a guaranteed lifetime horizon

Optional: Premium Budget

An entered premium is only a budget assumption. It does not establish what coverage can be purchased.

Leave blank to skip the premium budget
Typically until expected life expectancy

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RonBelisle.com — educational planning illustration. Review the displayed inputs, timing, assumptions and supported statutory scope. Results are estimates, not guaranteed outcomes or personalized advice. Retain scenario inputs with this printout.