The structure of BenefitSolutions 10 centers around a built-in income rider that establishes a protected benefit base used solely for lifetime income calculations. Unlike optional riders that require additional cost elections, this benefits rider is integrated into the contract design. Once activated, it creates a predictable Lifetime Payment Amount (LPA) that can continue for life—even if the underlying account value is depleted due to income withdrawals. For individuals who are unfamiliar with indexed annuity mechanics, reviewing how a fixed indexed annuity works can clarify the distinction between accumulation value and income base value. The account value reflects actual contract performance and liquidity; the income base is used to calculate guaranteed payments and is not available as a lump-sum surrender amount. Understanding that distinction is critical when evaluating payout percentages and deferral strategies.

One of the unique features of BenefitSolutions 10 is its structured step-up mechanism. If income has not yet started, the rider includes guaranteed step-ups to the benefit base on the 5th and 10th contract anniversaries. These increases can enhance future income potential even during flat or modest market environments. Rather than relying solely on roll-up percentages, this design provides contractual checkpoints that increase the income base at defined intervals. For retirees who plan to defer income for several years, this can meaningfully impact future payout levels. When we compare contracts, we evaluate these step-ups alongside other lifetime income annuity structures to ensure competitiveness in both short and long deferral timelines.

Healthcare planning is where BenefitSolutions 10 stands apart. The built-in Lifetime Payment Amount Multiplier allows income to double for up to five years if the policyholder qualifies for long-term care assistance under the rider provisions. This means that if you are unable to perform certain activities of daily living, your income stream can temporarily increase—helping offset assisted living, home healthcare, or nursing facility costs. Importantly, this multiplier is embedded within the rider at no additional charge, eliminating the need for a standalone long-term care policy in some planning scenarios. While it is not a replacement for comprehensive LTC insurance in every case, it can serve as a strategic supplement. For clients concerned about care funding but hesitant to purchase a separate LTC contract, this integration offers meaningful value.

Liquidity remains essential in any retirement plan. Starting in year two, the contract allows penalty-free withdrawals of up to 10% annually, offering flexibility without surrender penalties (subject to rider guidelines). This makes it possible to supplement income for unexpected expenses while maintaining long-term structure. Reviewing annuity free withdrawal rules can help clarify how penalty-free access interacts with surrender schedules and income riders. While annuities are not intended for short-term capital needs, properly structured withdrawal provisions ensure access without dismantling your retirement framework.

Because BenefitSolutions 10 is a fixed indexed annuity, its growth is determined by selected crediting strategies. These may include annual point-to-point with cap rates, participation rates, or spread strategies. Each method calculates interest differently, and renewal rates may adjust at the end of each crediting term. That is why evaluating declared caps alone is not sufficient. We assess carrier history, renewal competitiveness, financial strength, and product consistency. If you are comparing conservative accumulation vehicles, reviewing current fixed annuity rates alongside indexed designs can clarify whether a declared-rate or market-linked approach better matches your goals.

Another often-overlooked advantage of this contract is tax deferral. Interest credited within the annuity compounds without annual taxation until withdrawals occur. This can be especially beneficial for individuals who have already maximized qualified retirement accounts and are repositioning non-qualified funds. Over long periods, tax deferral can enhance net accumulation compared to taxable fixed-income alternatives. Understanding the difference between simple vs compound interest in annuities can also clarify how credited gains build upon prior growth within the contract.

Death benefit provisions further strengthen the strategy. If the rider is active at death, beneficiaries may receive remaining guaranteed payments over a defined period, ensuring the income plan extends to loved ones. This creates a structured legacy pathway while maintaining income security during life. For couples, joint lifetime options can continue payments until the second spouse passes away, offering continuity and planning certainty.

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At Diversified Insurance Brokers, we compare more than 75 top-rated carriers to ensure the BenefitSolutions 10 contract is evaluated in proper context. While this product integrates income guarantees with long-term care multipliers, it may not be ideal for every investor. Suitability depends on liquidity needs, income start age, legacy objectives, and risk tolerance. Our role is to model projections, compare alternatives, and ensure the strategy fits your broader retirement framework.

Retirement planning is not just about accumulation—it is about income durability, healthcare preparedness, and tax efficiency. The North American BenefitSolutions 10 Fixed Index Annuity combines principal protection, lifetime income, defined step-ups, and long-term care income multipliers into a single contract structure. When positioned correctly, it can provide both peace of mind and financial resilience.