Most annuities include a standard death benefit that pays the remaining contract value — minus prior withdrawals — to your named beneficiary. Enhanced death benefit riders can lock in a higher protected value or guarantee a minimum amount to heirs, typically for an additional annual fee. If the annuity has been annuitized with a life-only payout, payments stop at death; adding a period-certain feature (e.g., “life with 10-year certain”) ensures payments continue to beneficiaries for the guaranteed period even if you die early.