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ALLMERICA FINANCIAL LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY
WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS
SEPARATE ACCOUNT VA-K
This Prospectus provides important information about the Delaware Golden
Medallion variable annuity contract issued by Allmerica Financial Life Insurance
and Annuity Company in all jurisdictions except New York. The contract is a
flexible payment tax-deferred combination variable and fixed annuity offered on
both a group and individual basis. PLEASE READ THIS PROSPECTUS CAREFULLY BEFORE
INVESTING AND KEEP IT FOR FUTURE REFERENCE. ANNUITIES INVOLVE RISKS INCLUDING
POSSIBLE LOSS OF PRINCIPAL.
A Statement of Additional Information dated May 1, 2000 containing more
information about this annuity is on file with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. A copy may be
obtained free of charge by calling Annuity Client Services at 1-800-423-5252.
The Table of Contents of the Statement of Additional Information is listed on
page 4 of this Prospectus.
The Variable Account, known as Separate Account VA-K is subdivided into
Sub-Accounts. Each Sub-Account offered as an investment option under this
contract invests exclusively in shares of one of the following funds:
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
DELAWARE GROUP PREMIUM FUND AIM VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS ALLIANCE VARIABLE PRODUCTS SERIES
DGPF Growth & Income Series AIM V.I. Growth Fund FUND, INC. (CLASS B)
DGPF Devon Series AIM V.I. High Yield Fund Alliance Growth Portfolio
DGPF Growth Opportunities Series AIM V.I. International Equity Fund Alliance Growth and Income Portfolio
DGPF U.S. Growth Series AIM V.I. Value Fund Alliance Premier Growth Portfolio
DGPF Select Growth Series Alliance Technology Portfolio
DGPF Social Awareness Series THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND
DGPF REIT Series Alger American Leveraged AllCap FRANKLIN TEMPLETON VARIABLE
DGPF Small Cap Value Series Portfolio INSURANCE PRODUCTS TRUST (CLASS 2)
DGPF Trend Series Alger American MidCap Growth Franklin Small Cap Fund
DGPF International Equity Series Portfolio Mutual Shares Securities Fund
DGPF Emerging Markets Series Alger American Small Capitalization Templeton Growth Securities Fund
DGPF Balanced Series Portfolio Templeton International Securities Fund
DGPF Convertible Securities Series
DGPF High Yield Series PIONEER VARIABLE CONTRACTS
DGPF Capital Reserves Series TRUST (CLASS II)
DGPF Strategic Income Series DGPF Pioneer Emerging Markets VCT
Cash Reserve Series Portfolio
DGPF Global Bond Series Pioneer Mid-Cap Value VCT Portfolio
</TABLE>
The Fixed Account, which is part of the Company's General Account, is an
investment option that pays an interest rate guaranteed for one year from the
time a payment is received. Another investment option, the Guarantee Period
Accounts, offers fixed rates of interest for specified periods. A Market Value
Adjustment is applied to payments removed from a Guarantee Period Account before
the end of the specified period. The Market Value Adjustment may be positive or
negative. Payments allocated to a Guarantee Period Account are held in the
Company's Separate Account GPA (except in California where they are allocated to
the General Account).
This Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information can also be obtained
from the Securities and Exchange Commission's website (http://www.sec.gov).
THIS ANNUITY IS NOT A BANK DEPOSIT OR OBLIGATION; FEDERALLY INSURED; OR ENDORSED
BY ANY BANK OR GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY.
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS NOT APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE
SECURITIES OR DETERMINED THAT THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS TRUTHFUL OR
COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
DATED MAY 1, 2000
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
SPECIAL TERMS............................................... 5
SUMMARY OF FEES AND EXPENSES................................ 7
SUMMARY OF CONTRACT FEATURES................................ 15
DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPANY, THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT, AND THE
UNDERLYING INVESTMENT COMPANIES............................ 21
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES.......................... 23
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION..................................... 26
DESCRIPTION OF THE CONTRACT -- THE ACCUMULATION PHASE....... 28
A. Payments............................................. 28
B. Payment Credits...................................... 29
C. Computation of Values................................ 29
The Accumulation Unit............................... 29
Net Investment Factor............................... 29
D. Right to Cancel...................................... 30
E. Transfer Privilege.................................. 30
Automatic Transfers (Dollar Cost Averaging)......... 31
Automatic Account Rebalancing....................... 32
F. Surrender and Withdrawals............................ 32
Systematic Withdrawals.............................. 33
Life Expectancy Distributions....................... 34
Systematic Level Free of Surrender Charge Withdrawal
Program............................................. 34
G. Death Benefit........................................ 34
Standard Death Benefit.............................. 35
Optional Enhanced Death Benefit Rider............... 35
Payment of the Death Benefit Prior to the Annuity
Date................................................ 37
H. The Spouse of the Owner as Beneficiary............... 37
I. Optional Minimum Guaranteed Annuity Payout (M-GAP)
Rider................................................... 37
J. Assignment........................................... 39
ANNUITIZATION -- THE PAYOUT PHASE........................... 40
A. Electing the Annuity Date............................ 40
B. Choosing the Annuity Payout Option................... 40
Fixed Annuity Payout Options........................ 41
Variable Annuity Payout Options..................... 41
C. Description of Annuity Payout Options................ 42
D. Variable Annuity Benefit Payments.................... 43
The Annuity Unit.................................... 43
Determination of the First Annuity Benefit
Payment............................................. 43
Determination of the Number of Annuity Units........ 43
Dollar Amount of Subsequent Variable Annuity Benefit
Payments............................................ 43
Payment of Annuity Benefit Payments................. 44
E. Transfers of Annuity Units........................... 44
F. Withdrawals After the Annuity Date................... 44
Calculation of Proportionate Reduction.............. 46
Calculation of Present Value........................ 47
Deferral of Withdrawals............................. 48
G. Reversal of Annuitization............................ 48
H. NORRIS Decision...................................... 48
</TABLE>
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<TABLE>
<S> <C>
CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS...................................... 49
A. Variable Account Deductions.......................... 49
Mortality and Expense Risk Charge................... 49
Administrative Expense Charge....................... 49
Other Charges....................................... 49
B. Contract Fee......................................... 50
C. Optional Rider Charges............................... 50
D. Premium Taxes........................................ 50
E. Surrender Charge..................................... 51
Calculation of Surrender Charge..................... 51
Withdrawal Without Surrender Charge................. 52
Effect of Withdrawal Without Surrender Charge
Amount.............................................. 52
Reduction or Elimination of Surrender Charge and
Additional Amounts Credited......................... 53
F. Transfer Charge...................................... 55
G. Withdrawal Adjustment Charge......................... 55
GUARANTEE PERIOD ACCOUNTS................................... 56
FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS.................................. 59
A. General.............................................. 59
The Company......................................... 59
Diversification Requirements........................ 59
Investor Control.................................... 59
B. Qualified and Non-Qualified Contracts................ 60
C. Taxation of the Contract in General.................. 60
Withdrawals Prior to Annuitization.................. 60
Withdrawals After Annuitization..................... 60
Annuity Payouts After Annuitization................. 61
Penalty on Distribution............................. 61
Assignments or Transfers............................ 61
Nonnatural Owners................................... 61
Deferred Compensation Plans of State and Local
Governments and Tax-Exempt Organizations............ 62
D. Tax Withholding...................................... 62
E. Provisions Applicable to Qualified Employer Plans.... 62
Corporate and Self-Employed Pension and Profit
Sharing Plans....................................... 62
Individual Retirement Annuities..................... 62
Tax-Sheltered Annuities............................. 63
Texas Optional Retirement Program................... 63
STATEMENTS AND REPORTS...................................... 63
ADDITION, DELETION OR SUBSTITUTION OF INVESTMENTS........... 63
CHANGES TO COMPLY WITH LAW AND AMENDMENTS................... 64
VOTING RIGHTS............................................... 65
DISTRIBUTION................................................ 65
LEGAL MATTERS............................................... 65
FURTHER INFORMATION......................................... 66
APPENDIX A -- MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FIXED ACCOUNT...... A-1
APPENDIX B -- SURRENDER CHARGES AND THE MARKET VALUE
ADJUSTMENT................................................. B-1
APPENDIX C -- CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION............... C-1
APPENDIX D -- EXAMPLES OF PRESENT VALUE WITHDRAWALS AND
PAYMENT WITHDRAWALS........................................ D-1
</TABLE>
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<TABLE>
<S> <C>
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL INFORMATION AND HISTORY............................. 2
TAXATION OF THE CONTRACT, THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT AND THE
COMPANY.................................................... 3
SERVICES.................................................... 3
UNDERWRITERS................................................ 4
ANNUITY BENEFIT PAYMENTS.................................... 4
ENHANCED AUTOMATIC TRANSFER (DOLLAR COST AVERAGING)
PROGRAM.................................................... 6
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION..................................... 6
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS........................................ F-1
</TABLE>
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SPECIAL TERMS
ACCUMULATED VALUE: the total dollar amount of all values in the Sub-Accounts,
the Fixed Account and the Guarantee Period Accounts credited to the Contract on
any day before the Annuity Date. The Accumulated Value includes all Payment
Credits applied to the Contract.
ACCUMULATION UNIT: a measure used to calculate the value of a Sub-Account before
annuity benefit payments begin.
ANNUITANT: the person designated in the Contract whose life is used to determine
the duration of annuity benefit payments involving a life contingency. Joint
Annuitants are permitted and, unless otherwise indicated, any reference to
Annuitant shall include Joint Annuitants.
ANNUITY BENEFIT PAYMENT CHANGE FREQUENCY: the frequency (monthly, quarterly,
semi-annually or annually) that changes due to investment performance will be
reflected in the dollar value of an annuity benefit payment under a variable
annuity payout option.
ANNUITY DATE: the date specified in the Contract or a date elected later by the
Owner to begin annuity benefit payments. This date must be at least two years
after the issue date and may not be later than the Owner's (or youngest Joint
Owner's) 99th birthday.
ANNUITY UNIT: a measure used to calculate annuity benefit payments under a
variable payout option.
ANNUITY VALUE: the value of the amount applied under an annuity payout option.
COMPANY: unless otherwise specified, any reference to the "Company" shall refer
exclusively to Allmerica Financial Life Insurance and Annuity Company.
CONTRACT YEAR: a period of twelve consecutive months starting on the Contract's
issue date or on any anniversary of the Issue Date.
FIXED ACCOUNT: an investment option under the Contract that guarantees principal
and a fixed minimum interest rate and which is part of the Company's General
Account.
FIXED ANNUITY PAYOUT: an annuity payout option with annuity benefit payments
that are fixed in amount and guaranteed throughout the annuity benefit payment
period.
GENERAL ACCOUNT: all the assets of the Company other than those held in a
separate account.
GROSS PAYMENT BASE: the total of all payments invested in the Contract, less any
withdrawals which exceed the Withdrawal Without Surrender Charge amount.
GUARANTEE PERIOD: the number of years that a Guaranteed Interest Rate is
credited.
GUARANTEE PERIOD ACCOUNT: an account that corresponds to a Guaranteed Interest
Rate for a specified Guarantee Period.
GUARANTEED INTEREST RATE: the annual effective rate of interest, after daily
compounding, credited to a Guarantee Period Account.
ISSUE DATE: the date the Contract is issued and the date that is used to
determine Contract days, Contract months, Contract years and Contract
anniversaries.
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MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT: a positive or negative adjustment assessed if any
portion of a Guarantee Period Account is withdrawn or transferred prior to the
end of its Guarantee Period.
OWNER (YOU): the person, persons (Joint Owners) or entity entitled to exercise
the rights and privileges under this Contract. Unless otherwise indicated, any
reference to Owner shall include Joint Owners.
PAYMENT CREDIT: an amount added to the Contract by the Company when a payment is
made to the Contract. The amount will be a specified percentage of the payment.
SUB-ACCOUNT: a subdivision of the Variable Account investing exclusively in the
shares of a corresponding investment portfolio of Delaware Group Premium Fund
("DGPF"), AIM Variable Insurance Funds ("AVIF"), The Alger American Fund
("Alger"), Alliance Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. ("Alliance"), Franklin
Templeton Variable Insurance Products Trust ("FT VIP") and Pioneer Variable
Contracts Trust ("Pioneer VCT").
SURRENDER VALUE: the Accumulated Value of the Contract on full surrender after
application of any applicable Contract fee, surrender charge, rider charges and
Market Value Adjustment.
UNDERLYING FUNDS (FUNDS): an investment portfolio of DGPF, AVIF, Alger,
Alliance, FT VIP and Pioneer VCT in which a Sub-Account invests.
VALUATION DATE: a day on which the unit values of the Sub-Accounts are
determined. Valuation Dates currently occur on each day on which the New York
Stock Exchange is open for trading, and on such other days (other than a day
during which no payment, withdrawal or surrender of a Contract was received)
when there is a sufficient degree of trading in an Underlying Portfolio's
portfolio securities such that the current unit value of the Sub-Accounts may be
affected materially.
VARIABLE ACCOUNT: Separate Account VA-K, one of the Company's separate accounts,
consisting of assets segregated from other assets of the Company. The investment
performance of the assets of the Variable Account is determined separately from
the other assets of the Company and the assets are not chargeable with
liabilities arising out of any other business which the Company may conduct.
VARIABLE ANNUITY PAYOUT: an annuity payout option providing for payments varying
in amount in accordance with the investment experience of certain of the
Underlying Funds.
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SUMMARY OF FEES AND EXPENSES
There are certain fees and expenses that you will incur directly or indirectly
under the Delaware Golden Medallion Contract. The purpose of the following
tables is to help you understand these various charges. The tables show
(1) charges under the Contract, (2) annual expenses of the Sub-Accounts, and
(3) annual expenses of the Underlying Funds during the accumulation phase. In
addition to the charges and expenses described below, premium taxes are
applicable in some states and are deducted as described under "D. Premium Taxes"
under CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS.
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<CAPTION>
COMPLETE
YEARS FROM
DATE OF PAYMENT CHARGE
(1) CONTRACT CHARGES: --------------- ------
<S> <C> <C>
0 - 4 8.5%
More than 4 7.5%
More than 5 6.5%
More than 6 5.5%
More than 7 3.5%
More than 8 1.5%
More than 9 0
SURRENDER CHARGE:*
This charge may be assessed upon surrender, withdrawals or
reversal of annuitization. The charge is a percentage of
payments applied to the amount surrendered (in excess of
any amount that is free of surrender charge) within the
indicated time period.
TRANSFER CHARGE: None
The Company currently does not charge for processing
transfers and guarantees that the first 12 transfers in a
Contract year will not be subject to a transfer charge.
For each subsequent transfer, the Company reserves the
right to assess a charge, guaranteed never to exceed $25,
to reimburse the Company for the costs of processing the
transfer.
ANNUAL CONTRACT FEE: $35**
The fee is deducted annually and upon surrender prior to
the Annuity Date when Accumulated Value is less than
$75,000. The fee is waived for Contracts issued to and
maintained by the trustee of a 401(k) plan.
OPTIONAL RIDER CHARGES:
Under the following riders, 1/12th of the annual charge is
deducted pro-rata on a monthly basis at the end of each
month and, if applicable, at termination of the rider. The
charge for these riders on an annual basis as a percentage
of Accumulated Value is:
1. Minimum Guaranteed Annuity Payout Rider with a 0.35%
ten-year waiting period:
2. Minimum Guaranteed Annuity Payout Rider with a 0.20%
fifteen-year waiting period:
3. Enhanced Death Benefit With Annual Step-Up: 0.15%
4. 5% Enhanced Death Benefit With Annual Step-Up: 0.25%
5. 7% Enhanced Death Benefit With Annual Step-Up: 0.35%
</TABLE>
*From time to time, the Company may reduce or eliminate the surrender charge,
the period during which it applies, or both, and/or credit additional amounts on
Contracts when Contracts are sold to individuals or groups in a manner that
reduces sales expenses or where the Owner and Annuitant on the date of issue is
within certain classes of eligible individuals. For more information see
"Reduction or Elimination of Surrender Charge and Additional Amounts Credited"
under "E. Surrender Charge" in the CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS section.
**The fee may be lower in some jurisdictions. See Contract Specifications for
specific charge.
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WITHDRAWAL ADJUSTMENT CHARGE AFTER THE ANNUITY DATE:
During the Annuity Payout Phase, you may request withdrawals which will result
in a calculation by the Company of the Present Value of future annuity payments.
For withdrawals taken within 5 years of the Issue Date, the Assumed Investment
Return ("AIR") you have chosen (in the case of a variable annuity payout option)
or the interest rate (in the case of a fixed annuity payout option) used to
determine the Present Value is increased by a Withdrawal Adjustment Charge in
the following manner:
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<S> <C>
ADJUSTMENT TO AIR OR INTEREST RATE:
If 15 or more years of annuity payments are being valued, 1.00%
the increase is
If 10-14 years of annuity payments are being valued, the 1.50%
increase is
If less than 10 years of annuity payments are being 2.00%
valued, the increase is
</TABLE>
The increase to the AIR or the interest rate used to determine the Present Value
results in a greater proportionate reduction in the number of Annuity Units
(under a variable annuity payout option) or dollar amount (under a fixed annuity
payout option), than if the increase had not been made. Because each variable
annuity benefit payment is determined by multiplying the number of Annuity Units
by the value of an Annuity Unit, the reduction in the number of Annuity Units
will result in lower future variable annuity benefit payments. See "D. Variable
Annuity Benefit Payments" and "F. Withdrawals After the Annuity Date" under
ANNUITIZATION -- THE PAYOUT PHASE for additional information.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(2) ANNUAL SUB-ACCOUNT EXPENSES:
(on an annual basis as a percentage of average daily net assets)
<S> <C>
Mortality and Expense Risk Charge: 1.25%
Administrative Expense Charge: 0.15%
------
Total Annual Expenses: 1.40%
</TABLE>
(3) ANNUAL UNDERLYING FUND EXPENSES: Total expenses of the Underlying Funds are
not fixed or specified under the terms of the Contract and will vary from year
to year. The levels of fees and expenses also vary among the Underlying Funds.
The following table shows the expenses of the Underlying Funds as a percentage
of average net assets for the year ended December 31, 1999, as adjusted for any
material changes.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MANAGEMENT FEE OTHER EXPENSES TOTAL FUND
(AFTER ANY (AFTER ANY EXPENSES (AFTER ANY
FUND VOLUNTARY WAIVERS) 12B-1 FEES REIMBURSEMENTS) WAIVERS/REIMBURSEMENTS)
- ---- ------------------ ---------- --------------- -----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
DGPF Growth & Income Series..... 0.60% -- 0.11% 0.71%(2)
DGPF Devon Series............... 0.65% -- 0.12% 0.77%(2)
DGPF Growth Opportunities
Series......................... 0.75% -- 0.07% 0.82%(2)
DGPF U. S. Growth Series*....... 0.61% -- 0.14% 0.75%(1)(2)
DGPF Select Growth Series....... 0.74% -- 0.06% 0.80%(1)(2)
DGPF Social Awareness Series.... 0.70% -- 0.15% 0.85%(1)(2)
DGPF REIT Series................ 0.64% -- 0.21% 0.85%(1)(2)
DGPF Small Cap Value Series..... 0.75% -- 0.10% 0.85%(2)
DGPF Trend Series............... 0.75% -- 0.07% 0.82%(2)
DGPF International Equity
Series......................... 0.83% -- 0.12% 0.95%(1)(2)
DGPF Emerging Markets Series.... 1.19% -- 0.28% 1.47%(1)(2)
DGPF Balanced Series............ 0.65% -- 0.11% 0.76%(2)
DGPF Convertible Securities
Series......................... 0.75% -- 0.08% 0.83%(2)
DGPF High Yield Series.......... 0.65% -- 0.09% 0.74%(2)
DGPF Capital Reserves Series.... 0.50% -- 0.26% 0.76%(2)
DGPF Strategic Income Series.... 0.65% -- 0.15% 0.80%(2)
DGPF Cash Reserve Series........ 0.45% -- 0.10% 0.55%(2)
DGPF Global Bond Series......... 0.75% -- 0.10% 0.85%(2)
AIM V.I. Growth Fund............ 0.63% -- 0.10% 0.73%
</TABLE>
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MANAGEMENT FEE OTHER EXPENSES TOTAL FUND
(AFTER ANY (AFTER ANY EXPENSES (AFTER ANY
FUND VOLUNTARY WAIVERS) 12B-1 FEES REIMBURSEMENTS) WAIVERS/REIMBURSEMENTS)
- ---- ------------------ ---------- --------------- -----------------------
AIM V.I. High Yield Fund. % 0.35 -- % 0.79 %(3) 1.14
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
AIM V.I. International Equity
Fund........................... 0.75% -- 0.22% 0.97%
AIM V.I. Value Fund............. 0.61% -- 0.15% 0.76%
Alger American Leveraged AllCap
Portfolio...................... 0.85% -- 0.08%(4) 0.93%
Alger American MidCap Growth
Portfolio...................... 0.80% -- 0.05% 0.85%
Alger American Small
Capitalization Portfolio....... 0.85% -- 0.05% 0.90%
Alliance Growth Portfolio
(Class B)...................... 0.75% 0.25% 0.12% 1.12%
Alliance Growth and Income
Portfolio (Class B)............ 0.63% 0.25% 0.09% 0.97%
Alliance Premier Growth
Portfolio (Class B)............ 1.00% 0.25% 0.04% 1.29%
Alliance Technology Portfolio
(Class B)...................... 1.00% 0.25% 0.27% 1.52%(5)
Franklin Small Cap Fund
(Class 2)...................... 0.55% 0.25% 0.27% 1.07%(6)(7)
Mutual Shares Securities Fund
(Class 2)...................... 0.60% 0.25% 0.19% 1.04%(6)(8)
Templeton Growth Securities Fund
(Class 2)...................... 0.83%(9) 0.25% 0.05% 1.13%(6)(10)
Templeton International
Securities Fund (Class 2)...... 0.69% 0.25% 0.19% 1.13%(6)(11)
Pioneer Emerging Markets VCT
Portfolio** (Class II)......... 0.00% 0.25% 1.88% 2.13%(12)
Pioneer Mid-Cap Value VCT
Portfolio** (Class II)......... 0.65% 0.25% 0.11% 1.01%
</TABLE>
*The DGPF U.S. Growth Series commenced operations on November 15, 1999. Expenses
shown are based on annualized amounts.
**Class II shares of the Pioneer Emerging Markets VCT Portfolio and Pioneer
Mid--Cap Value VCT Portfolio commenced operations on May 1, 2000; therefore,
expenses shown are estimated and annualized.
(1)For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, before waiver and/or
reimbursement by the investment adviser, total Series expenses as a percentage
of average daily net assets were 0.81% for DGPF Select Growth Series, 0.90% for
DGPF Social Awareness Series, 0.96% for DGPF REIT Series, 1.53% for DGPF
Emerging Markets Series, 0.97% for DGPF International Equity Series and 0.79%
for DGPF U.S. Growth Series.
(2)The investment adviser for the DGPF Growth & Income Series, DGPF Devon
Series, DGPF Growth Opportunities Series (formerly known as "DelCap Series"),
DGPF U.S. Growth Series, DGPF Select Growth Series (formerly known as
"Aggressive Growth Series"), DGPF Social Awareness Series, DGPF REIT Series,
DGPF Small Cap Value Series, DGPF Trend Series, DGPF Balanced Series (formerly
known as "Delaware Balanced Series"), DGPF Convertible Securities Series, DGPF
High Yield Series (formerly known as "Delchester Series"), DGPF Capital Reserves
Series, DGPF Strategic Income Series, and DGPF Cash Reserve Series is Delaware
Management Company, a series of Delaware Management Business Trust ("Delaware
Management"). The investment adviser for the DGPF International Equity Series,
DGPF Emerging Markets Series and the DGPF Global Bond Series is Delaware
International Advisers Ltd. ("Delaware International"). Effective May 1, 2000
through October 31, 2000, the investment advisers for the Series of DGPF have
agreed voluntarily to waive their management fees and reimburse each Series for
expenses to the
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extent that total expenses will not exceed 1.50% for the DGPF Emerging Markets
Series; 0.95% for the DGPF International Equity Series; 0.85% for DGPF Growth
Opportunities Series, DGPF Select Growth Series, DGPF Social Awareness Series,
DGPF REIT Series, DGPF Small Cap Value Series, DGPF Trend Series, DGPF
Convertible Securities Series and DGPF Global Bond Series, 0.75% for DGPF U.S.
Growth Series, and 0.80% for all other Series. The fee ratios shown above have
been restated, if necessary, to reflect the new voluntary limitations which took
effect on May 1, 2000. The declaration of a voluntary expense limitation does
not bind the investment advisers to declare future expense limitations with
respect to these Funds.
(3)Had there been no fee waivers or expense reimbursements, the Management Fee,
Other Expenses and Total Fund Expenses would have been 0.63%, 0.79% and 1.42%,
respectively.
(4)Included in "Other Expenses" of the Alger American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio
is 0.01% of interest expense.
(5)From time to time, the Alliance Technology Portfolio's investment adviser, in
its own discretion, may voluntarily waive all or part of its fees and/or
voluntarily assume certain portfolio expenses. An expense cap of 1.20% which was
in effect during 1999, is no longer in effect as of May 1, 2000. Therefore, the
expenses shown in the above table have been restated to reflect current fees
without the cap.
(6)The fund's class 2 distribution plan or "rule 12b-1 plan" is described in the
fund's prospectus.
(7)On 2/8/00, a merger and reorganization was approved that combined the assets
of the Franklin Small Cap Fund with a similar fund of the Templeton Variable
Products Series Fund, effective 5/1/00. On 2/28/00, fund shareholders approved
new management fees, which apply to the combined fund effective 5/1/00. The
table shows restated total expenses based on the new fees and assets of the fund
as of 12/31/99, and not the assets of the combined fund. However, if the table
reflected both the new fees and the combined assets, the fund's expenses after
May 1, 2000 would be estimated to be the same.
(8)On 2/8/00, a merger and reorganization was approved that combined the assets
of the Mutual Shares Securities Fund with a similar fund of the Templeton
Variable Products Series Fund, effective 5/1/00. The table shows total expenses
based on the fund's assets as of 12/31/99, and not the assets of the combined
fund.
(9)The fund administration fee is paid indirectly through the management fee.
(10)On 2/8/00, a merger and reorganization was approved that combined the assets
of the Templeton Growth Securities Fund with a similar fund of the Templeton
Variable Products Series Fund, effective 5/1/00. The table shows total expenses
based on the fund's assets as of 12/31/99, and not the assets of the combined
fund. However, if the table reflected combined assets, the fund's expenses after
5/1/00 would be estimated as: Management Fees 0.80%, 12b-1 Fees 0.25%, Other
Expenses 0.05%, and Total Fund Expenses 1.10%.
(11)On 2/8/00, shareholders approved a merger and reorganization that combined
the fund with the Templeton International Equity Fund, effective 5/1/00. The
shareholders of that fund had approved new management fees, which apply to the
combined fund effective 5/1/00. The table shows restated total expenses based on
the new fees and the assets of the fund as of 12/31/99, and not the assets of
the combined fund. However, if the table reflected both the new fees and the
combined assets, the fund's expenses after 5/1/00 would be estimated as:
Management Fees 0.65%, 12b-1 Fees 0.25%, Other Expenses 0.20%, and Total Fund
Expenses 1.10%.
(12)Fees and expenses reflect waivers/reimbursements currently applicable to the
portfolio. As of May 1, 2000, Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. has agreed
voluntarily to limit its management fee and, if necessary, to limit other
operating expenses of Class I shares to 1.75% of the Pioneer Emerging Markets
VCT Portfolio's average daily net assets attributable to Class I shares. The
portion of portfolio expenses attributable to Class II shares will be reduced
only to the extent such expenses are reduced for Class I shares. This agreement
is voluntary and temporary and may be revised or terminated at any time.
10
<PAGE>
The Underlying Fund information above was provided by the Underlying Funds and
was not independently verified by the Company.
EXPENSE EXAMPLES: The following examples demonstrate the cumulative expenses
which an Owner would pay at 1-year, 3-year, 5-year, and 10-year intervals under
certain contingencies. Each example assumes a $1,000 investment in a Sub-Account
and a 5% annual return on assets and assumes that the Underlying Fund expenses
listed above remain the same in each of the 1, 3, 5, and 10-year intervals. As
required by rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), the
Contract fee is reflected in the examples by a method designed to show the
"average" impact on an investment in the Variable Account. The total Contract
fees collected are divided by the total average net assets attributable to the
Contracts. The resulting percentage is 0.04%, and the amount of the Contract fee
is assumed to be $0.40 in the examples. The Contract fee is only deducted when
the Accumulated Value is less than $75,000. Lower costs apply to Contracts owned
and maintained under a 401(k) plan. Because the expenses of the Underlying Funds
differ, separate examples are used to illustrate the expenses incurred by an
Owner on an investment in the various Sub-Accounts.
THESE EXAMPLES SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE
EXPENSES. ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN.
(1)(a) If, at the end of the applicable time period, you surrender your
Contract, you would have paid the following expenses on a $1,000 investment,
assuming a 5% annual return on assets, and no Riders.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WITH SURRENDER CHARGE 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
- --------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
DGPF Growth & Income Series................................ $ 96 $146 $188 $247
DGPF Devon Series.......................................... $ 97 $147 $191 $253
DGPF Growth Opportunities Series........................... $ 97 $149 $194 $258
DGPF U.S. Growth Series.................................... $ 96 $147 $190 $251
DGPF Select Growth Series.................................. $ 97 $148 $193 $256
DGPF Social Awareness Series............................... $ 97 $150 $195 $262
DGPF REIT Series........................................... $ 97 $150 $195 $262
DGPF Small Cap Value Series................................ $ 97 $150 $195 $262
DGPF Trend Series.......................................... $ 97 $149 $194 $258
DGPF International Equity Series........................... $ 98 $152 $200 $272
DGPF Emerging Markets Series............................... $103 $167 $224 $322
DGPF Balanced Series....................................... $ 96 $147 $191 $252
DGPF Convertible Securities Series......................... $ 97 $149 $194 $260
DGPF High Yield Series..................................... $ 96 $146 $190 $250
DGPF Capital Reserves Series............................... $ 96 $147 $191 $252
DGPF Strategic Income Series............................... $ 97 $148 $193 $256
DGPF Cash Reserve Series................................... $ 95 $141 $181 $231
DGPF Global Bond Series.................................... $ 97 $150 $195 $262
AIM V.I. Growth Fund....................................... $ 96 $146 $189 $249
AIM V.I. High Yield Fund................................... $100 $158 $208 $290
AIM V.I. International Equity Fund......................... $ 98 $153 $201 $274
AIM V.I. Value Fund........................................ $ 96 $147 $191 $252
Alger American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio.................. $ 98 $152 $199 $270
Alger American MidCap Growth Portfolio..................... $ 97 $150 $195 $262
Alger American Small Capitalization Portfolio.............. $ 98 $151 $197 $267
Alliance Growth Portfolio.................................. $100 $157 $207 $289
Alliance Growth and Income Portfolio....................... $ 98 $153 $201 $274
Alliance Premier Growth Portfolio.......................... $101 $162 $215 $305
Alliance Technology Portfolio.............................. $104 $168 $226 $327
Franklin Small Cap Fund.................................... $ 99 $156 $205 $284
Mutual Shares Securities Fund.............................. $ 99 $155 $204 $281
Templeton Growth Securities Fund........................... $100 $157 $208 $290
Templeton International Securities Fund.................... $100 $157 $208 $290
Pioneer Emerging Markets VCT Portfolio..................... $109 $185 $253 $383
Pioneer Mid-Cap Value VCT Portfolio........................ $ 99 $154 $202 $278
</TABLE>
11
<PAGE>
(1)(b) If, at the end of the applicable time period, you surrender your
Contract, you would have paid the following expenses on a $1,000 investment,
assuming a 5% annual return on assets and election at issue of the Minimum
Guaranteed Annuity Payout Rider with a ten-year waiting period and the 7%
Enhanced Death Benefit Rider With Annual Step-Up.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WITH SURRENDER CHARGE 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
- --------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
DGPF Growth & Income Series................................ $103 $165 $221 $317
DGPF Devon Series.......................................... $103 $167 $224 $322
DGPF Growth Opportunities Series........................... $104 $168 $226 $327
DGPF U.S. Growth Series.................................... $103 $166 $223 $320
DGPF Select Growth Series.................................. $103 $167 $225 $325
DGPF Social Awareness Series............................... $104 $169 $227 $330
DGPF REIT Series........................................... $104 $169 $227 $330
DGPF Small Cap Value Series................................ $104 $169 $227 $330
DGPF Trend Series.......................................... $104 $168 $226 $327
DGPF International Equity Series........................... $105 $172 $232 $339
DGPF Emerging Markets Series............................... $110 $186 $255 $386
DGPF Balanced Series....................................... $103 $166 $223 $321
DGPF Convertible Securities Series......................... $104 $168 $226 $328
DGPF High Yield Series..................................... $103 $166 $222 $319
DGPF Capital Reserves Series............................... $103 $166 $223 $321
DGPF Strategic Income Series............................... $103 $167 $225 $325
DGPF Cash Reserve Series................................... $101 $161 $213 $301
DGPF Global Bond Series.................................... $104 $169 $227 $330
AIM V.I. Growth Fund....................................... $103 $166 $222 $319
AIM V.I. High Yield Fund................................... $106 $177 $240 $357
AIM V.I. International Equity Fund......................... $105 $172 $233 $341
AIM V.I. Value Fund........................................ $103 $166 $223 $321
Alger American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio.................. $105 $171 $231 $337
Alger American MidCap Growth Portfolio..................... $104 $169 $227 $330
Alger American Small Capitalization Portfolio.............. $104 $170 $229 $335
Alliance Growth Portfolio.................................. $106 $176 $239 $355
Alliance Growth and Income Portfolio....................... $105 $172 $233 $341
Alliance Premier Growth Portfolio.......................... $108 $181 $247 $370
Alliance Technology Portfolio.............................. $110 $187 $257 $391
Franklin Small Cap Fund.................................... $106 $175 $237 $350
Mutual Shares Securities Fund.............................. $106 $174 $236 $348
Templeton Growth Securities Fund........................... $106 $176 $240 $356
Templeton International Securities Fund.................... $106 $176 $240 $356
Pioneer Emerging Markets VCT Portfolio..................... $116 $203 $283 $442
Pioneer Mid-Cap Value VCT Portfolio........................ $105 $173 $234 $345
</TABLE>
12
<PAGE>
(2)(a) If, at the end of the applicable time period, you do not surrender your
Contract or you annuitize,* you would have paid the following expenses on a
$1,000 investment, assuming a 5% annual return on assets, and no Riders.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WITHOUT SURRENDER CHARGE 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
- ------------------------ -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
DGPF Growth & Income Series................................ $22 $ 67 $115 $247
DGPF Devon Series.......................................... $22 $ 69 $118 $253
DGPF Growth Opportunities Series........................... $23 $ 70 $120 $258
DGPF U.S. Growth Series.................................... $22 $ 68 $117 $251
DGPF Select Growth Series.................................. $23 $ 70 $119 $256
DGPF Social Awareness Series............................... $23 $ 71 $122 $262
DGPF REIT Series........................................... $23 $ 71 $122 $262
DGPF Small Cap Value Series................................ $23 $ 71 $122 $262
DGPF Trend Series.......................................... $23 $ 70 $120 $258
DGPF International Equity Series........................... $24 $ 74 $127 $272
DGPF Emerging Markets Series............................... $29 $ 90 $153 $322
DGPF Balanced Series....................................... $22 $ 69 $117 $252
DGPF Convertible Securities Series......................... $23 $ 71 $121 $260
DGPF High Yield Series..................................... $22 $ 68 $116 $250
DGPF Capital Reserves Series............................... $22 $ 69 $117 $252
DGPF Strategic Income Series............................... $23 $ 70 $119 $256
DGPF Cash Reserve Series................................... $20 $ 62 $107 $231
DGPF Global Bond Series.................................... $23 $ 71 $122 $262
AIM V.I. Growth Fund....................................... $22 $ 68 $116 $249
AIM V.I. High Yield Fund................................... $26 $ 80 $137 $290
AIM V.I. International Equity Fund......................... $24 $ 75 $128 $274
AIM V.I. Value Fund........................................ $22 $ 69 $117 $252
Alger American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio.................. $24 $ 74 $126 $270
Alger American MidCap Growth Portfolio..................... $23 $ 71 $122 $262
Alger American Small Capitalization Portfolio.............. $24 $ 73 $125 $267
Alliance Growth Portfolio.................................. $26 $ 79 $136 $289
Alliance Growth and Income Portfolio....................... $24 $ 75 $128 $274
Alliance Premier Growth Portfolio.......................... $28 $ 84 $144 $305
Alliance Technology Portfolio.............................. $30 $ 91 $155 $327
Franklin Small Cap Fund.................................... $25 $ 78 $133 $284
Mutual Shares Securities Fund.............................. $25 $ 77 $132 $281
Templeton Growth Securities Fund........................... $26 $ 80 $136 $290
Templeton International Securities Fund.................... $26 $ 80 $136 $290
Pioneer Emerging Markets VCT Portfolio..................... $36 $109 $185 $383
Pioneer Mid-Cap Value VCT Portfolio........................ $25 $ 76 $130 $278
</TABLE>
13
<PAGE>
(2)(b) If, at the end of the applicable time period, you do not surrender your
Contract or you annuitize,* you would have paid the following expenses on a
$1,000 investment, assuming a 5% annual return on assets and election at issue
of the Minimum Guaranteed Annuity Payout Rider with a ten-year waiting period
and the 7% Enhanced Death Benefit Rider With Annual Step-Up.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WITHOUT SURRENDER CHARGE 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
- ------------------------ -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
DGPF Growth & Income Series................................ $29 $ 88 $150 $317
DGPF Devon Series.......................................... $29 $ 90 $153 $322
DGPF Growth Opportunities Series........................... $30 $ 91 $155 $327
DGPF U.S. Growth Series.................................... $29 $ 89 $152 $320
DGPF Select Growth Series.................................. $30 $ 91 $154 $325
DGPF Social Awareness Series............................... $30 $ 92 $157 $330
DGPF REIT Series........................................... $30 $ 92 $157 $330
DGPF Small Cap Value Series................................ $30 $ 92 $157 $330
DGPF Trend Series.......................................... $30 $ 91 $155 $327
DGPF International Equity Series........................... $31 $ 95 $162 $339
DGPF Emerging Markets Series............................... $36 $110 $186 $386
DGPF Balanced Series....................................... $29 $ 89 $152 $321
DGPF Convertible Securities Series......................... $30 $ 92 $156 $328
DGPF High Yield Series..................................... $29 $ 89 $151 $319
DGPF Capital Reserves Series............................... $29 $ 89 $152 $321
DGPF Strategic Income Series............................... $30 $ 91 $154 $325
DGPF Cash Reserve Series................................... $27 $ 83 $142 $301
DGPF Global Bond Series.................................... $30 $ 92 $157 $330
AIM V.I. Growth Fund....................................... $29 $ 89 $151 $319
AIM V.I. High Yield Fund................................... $33 $101 $171 $357
AIM V.I. International Equity Fund......................... $31 $ 96 $163 $341
AIM V.I. Value Fund........................................ $29 $ 89 $152 $321
Alger American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio.................. $31 $ 95 $161 $337
Alger American MidCap Growth Portfolio..................... $30 $ 92 $157 $330
Alger American Small Capitalization Portfolio.............. $31 $ 94 $159 $335
Alliance Growth Portfolio.................................. $33 $100 $170 $355
Alliance Growth and Income Portfolio....................... $31 $ 96 $163 $341
Alliance Premier Growth Portfolio.......................... $34 $105 $178 $370
Alliance Technology Portfolio.............................. $37 $112 $189 $391
Franklin Small Cap Fund.................................... $32 $ 99 $167 $350
Mutual Shares Securities Fund.............................. $32 $ 98 $166 $348
Templeton Growth Securities Fund........................... $33 $100 $170 $356
Templeton International Securities Fund.................... $33 $100 $170 $356
Pioneer Emerging Markets VCT Portfolio..................... $43 $129 $217 $442
Pioneer Mid-Cap Value VCT Portfolio........................ $32 $ 97 $164 $345
</TABLE>
* The Contract fee is not deducted after annuitization. No surrender charges are
deducted at or after annuitization under any of the available annuity payout
options.
14
<PAGE>
SUMMARY OF CONTRACT FEATURES
WHAT IS THE DELAWARE GOLDEN MEDALLION VARIABLE ANNUITY?
The Delaware Golden Medallion variable annuity contract ("Contract") is an
insurance contract designed to help you, the Owner, accumulate assets for your
retirement or other important financial goals on a tax-deferred basis. The
Contract may be purchased up to age 85 of the oldest Owner or, if the Owner is
not a natural person, the oldest Annuitant. The Contract combines the concept of
professional money management with the attributes of an annuity contract.
Features available through the Contract include:
- a customized investment portfolio;
- a Fixed Account;
- Guarantee Period Accounts;
- a Payment Credit equal to 4% of your payment, added to the Contract's
Accumulated Value as soon as your payment is applied;
- experienced professional investment advisers;
- tax deferral on earnings;
- guarantees that can protect your family;
- withdrawals during the accumulation and annuitization phases; and
- income that you can receive for life.
The Contract has two phases: an accumulation phase and, if you choose to
annuitize, an annuity payout phase (described below). During the accumulation
phase, you may allocate your initial payment and any additional payments you
choose to make among the Sub-Accounts investing in the investment portfolios
("Underlying Funds"), to the Guarantee Period Accounts, and to the Fixed Account
(collectively "the investment options.") You select the investment options most
appropriate for your investment needs. As those needs change, you may also
change your allocation without incurring any tax consequences. Your Contract's
Accumulated Value is based on the investment performance of the Underlying Funds
and any accumulations in the Guarantee Period Accounts and the Fixed Account.
You do not pay taxes on any earnings under the Contract until you withdraw
money. In addition, during the accumulation phase, your beneficiaries receive
certain protections in the event of your death. See discussion below: WHAT
HAPPENS UPON MY DEATH DURING THE ACCUMULATION PHASE?
WHAT HAPPENS UPON MY DEATH DURING THE ACCUMULATION PHASE?
If you or a Joint Owner dies before the Annuity Date, a standard death benefit
will be paid to the beneficiary. (No death benefit is payable at the death of
any Annuitant except when the Owner is not a natural person.) Three optional
Enhanced Death Benefit Riders are also available at issue for a separate monthly
charge. See "G. Death Benefit" under DESCRIPTION OF THE CONTRACT -- THE
ACCUMULATION PHASE.
15
<PAGE>
WHAT HAPPENS IN THE ANNUITY PAYOUT PHASE?
During the annuity payout phase, you, or the payee you designate, can receive
income based on one of the numerous annuity payout options available under the
Contract. You choose:
- the annuity payout option;
- the date annuity benefit payments begin but no earlier than 2 years after
the Issue Date;
- whether you want variable annuity benefit payments based on the investment
performance of the Underlying Funds, fixed-amount annuity benefit payments
with payment amounts guaranteed by the Company, or a combination of
fixed-amount and variable annuity benefit payments; and
- whether you want certain protections provided under optional riders.
You may also take withdrawals during the annuity payout phase. The type of
withdrawal and the number of withdrawals that may be made each calendar year
depend upon whether the Owner annuitizes under an annuity payout option with
payments based on the life of one or more Annuitants with no guaranteed payments
(a "Life" annuity payout option), under a life annuity payout option that in
part provides for a guaranteed number of payments (a "Life With Period Certain"
or "Life With Cash Back" annuity payout option), or an annuity payout option
based on a guaranteed number of payments (a "Period Certain" annuity payout
option). Under a Life annuity payout option, the Owner may make one Payment
Withdrawal each calendar year. Under a Life with Period Certain or Life with
Cash Back annuity payout option, the Owner may make one Payment Withdrawal and
one Present Value Withdrawal in each calendar year. Under a Period Certain
annuity payout option, the Owner may make multiple Present Value Withdrawals
each calendar year. For more information, see "F. Withdrawals After the Annuity
Date" under ANNUITIZATION -- THE PAYOUT PHASE. In addition, if you choose a
variable payout option, you may transfer among the available Sub-Accounts.
M-GAP RIDER. When applying for the Contract, in most jurisdictions the Owner
currently may elect to purchase the Minimum Guaranteed Annuity Payout ("M-GAP")
Rider for a separate monthly charge. This optional rider provides a guaranteed
minimum amount of income after a specified waiting period under a life
contingent fixed annuity payout option, subject to certain conditions. The M-GAP
Rider is based on the Company's guaranteed fixed annuity option rates as set
forth in the Contract. These annuity option rates determine the dollar amount of
the first payment under each life contingent fixed annuity payout option for
each $1,000 of applied value. The rates are based on the Annuity 2000 Mortality
Table and a 3% Assumed Investment Return ("AIR"). The M-GAP Rider is not
available at all ages.
For more information on this optional rider, see "I. Optional Minimum Guaranteed
Annuity Payout (M-GAP) Rider" under DESCRIPTION OF THE CONTRACT -- THE
ACCUMULATION PHASE.
WHO ARE THE KEY PERSONS UNDER THE CONTRACT?
The Contract is between you, (the "Owner"), and us, Allmerica Financial Life
Insurance and Annuity Company. Each Contract has an Owner (or an Owner and a
Joint Owner), an Annuitant (or an Annuitant and a Joint Annuitant) and one or
more beneficiaries. As Owner, you may:
- make payments
- choose investment allocations
- choose annuity payout options
16
<PAGE>
- receive annuity benefit payments (or designate someone else to receive
annuity benefit payments)
- select the Annuitant and beneficiary.
The Annuitant is the person whose life is used to determine the duration of
annuity benefit payments involving a life contingency. There must be at least
one Annuitant at all times. If an Annuitant dies and a replacement is not named,
the Owner will become the new Annuitant. The beneficiary is the person(s) or
entity entitled to the death benefit at the death of a sole Owner prior to the
Annuity Date. In the case of the death of a Joint Owner, the surviving Joint
Owner will receive the death benefit. Under certain circumstances, the
beneficiary may be entitled to annuity benefit payments upon the death of an
Owner on or after the Annuity Date.
HOW MUCH CAN I INVEST AND HOW OFTEN?
During the Accumulation Phase, you may make additional payments. Total payments
under the Contract can exceed $5,000,000 only with the Company's prior approval.
The number and frequency of your payments are flexible, subject only to a $600
minimum ($1,000 in Washington) for your initial payment and a $50 minimum for
any additional payments. A lower initial payment is permitted for certain
qualified plans and where monthly payments are being forwarded directly from a
financial institution. A minimum of $1,000 is always required to establish a
Guarantee Period Account.
Each time you make a payment, you will immediately receive a Payment Credit
equal to 4% of your payment. This Payment Credit will be immediately invested
along with your payment. However, if you cancel the Contract under its "Right to
Examine" provision, your refund will be reduced by the amount of the Payment
Credit. For more information, see "D. Right to Cancel" under DESCRIPTION OF THE
CONTRACT -- THE ACCUMULATION PHASE.
WHAT ARE MY INVESTMENT CHOICES?
You may choose among the Sub-Accounts investing in the Underlying Funds, the
Guarantee Period Accounts, and the Fixed Account.
THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT. You have the choice of Sub-Accounts investing in the
following Underlying Funds:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
DGPF Growth & Income Series AIM V.I. Growth Fund
DGPF Devon Series AIM V.I. High Yield Fund
Growth Opportunities Series AIM V.I. International Equity Fund
DGPF U.S. Growth Series AIM V.I. Value Fund
DGPF Select Growth Series Alger American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio
DGPF Social Awareness Series Alger American MidCap Growth Portfolio
DGPF REIT Series Alger American Small Capitalization Portfolio
DGPF Small Cap Value Series Alliance Growth Portfolio
DGPF Trend Series Alliance Growth and Income Portfolio
DGPF International Equity Series Alliance Premier Growth Portfolio
DGPF Emerging Markets Series Alliance Technology Portfolio
DGPF Balanced Series Franklin Small Cap Fund
DGPF Convertible Securities Series Mutual Shares Securities Fund
DGPF High Yield Series Templeton Growth Securities Fund
DGPF Capital Reserves Series Templeton International Securities Fund
DGPF Strategic Income Series Pioneer Emerging Markets VCT Portfolio
DGPF Cash Reserve Series Pioneer Mid-Cap Value VCT Portfolio
DGPF Global Bond Series
</TABLE>
17
<PAGE>
Each Underlying Fund operates pursuant to different investment objectives, and
this range of investment options enables you to allocate your money among the
Underlying Funds to meet your particular investment needs. For a more detailed
description of the Underlying Funds, see INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES.
GUARANTEE PERIOD ACCOUNTS. Assets supporting the guarantees under the Guarantee
Period Accounts are held in the Company's Separate Account GPA, a non-unitized
insulated separate account (except in California where assets are held in the
Company's General Account). Values and benefits calculated on the basis of
Guarantee Period Account allocations, however, are obligations of the Company's
General Account. Amounts allocated to a Guarantee Period Account earn a
Guaranteed Interest Rate declared by the Company. The level of the Guaranteed
Interest Rate depends on the number of years of the Guarantee Period selected.
The Company may offer up to nine Guarantee Periods ranging from two to ten years
in duration. Once declared, the Guaranteed Interest Rate will not change during
the duration of the Guarantee Period.
If amounts allocated to a Guarantee Period Account are transferred, surrendered
or applied to any annuity payout option at any time other than the day following
the last day of the applicable Guarantee Period, a Market Value Adjustment will
apply that may increase or decrease the value. However, this adjustment will
never be applied against your principal. In addition, earnings in the GPA after
application of the Market Value Adjustment will not be less than an effective
annual rate of 3%. For more information about the Guarantee Period Accounts and
the Market Value Adjustment, see GUARANTEE PERIOD ACCOUNTS.
THE GUARANTEE PERIOD ACCOUNTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE IN ALL STATES AND ARE NOT
OFFERED AFTER ANNUITIZATION. SOME OF THE SUB-ACCOUNTS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE IN
ALL STATES.
FIXED ACCOUNT. The Fixed Account is part of the General Account, which consists
of all the Company's assets other than those allocated to the Variable Account
and any other separate account. Allocations to the Fixed Account are guaranteed
as to principal and a minimum rate of interest. Additional excess interest may
be declared periodically at the Company's discretion. The initial rate in effect
on the date an amount is allocated to the Fixed Account will be guaranteed for
one year from that date. For more information about the Fixed Account, see
APPENDIX A -- MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FIXED ACCOUNT.
WHO ARE THE INVESTMENT ADVISERS OF THE UNDERLYING FUNDS?
Delaware Management Company, a series of Delaware Management Business Trust
("Delaware Management") is the investment adviser for the DGPF Growth & Income
Series, DGPF Devon Series, DGPF Growth Opportunities Series, DGPF U. S. Growth
Series, DGPF Select Growth Series, DGPF Social Awareness Series, DGPF REIT
Series, DGPF Small Cap Value Series, DGPF Trend Series, DGPF Balanced Series,
DGPF Convertible Securities Series, DGPF High Yield Series, DGPF Capital
Reserves Series, DGPF Strategic Income Series, and DGPF Cash Reserve Series. The
investment adviser for the DGPF International Equity Series, DGPF Emerging
Markets Series and the DGPF Global Bond Series is Delaware International
Advisers Ltd. ("Delaware International"). A I M Advisors, Inc. is the investment
adviser for the AIM V.I. Growth Fund, AIM V.I. High Yield Fund, AIM V.I.
International Equity Fund and AIM V.I. Value Fund of AIM Variable Insurance
Funds. The investment adviser of the Alger American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio,
Alger American MidCap Growth Portfolio and Alger American Small Capitalization
Portfolio is Fred Alger Management, Inc. Alliance Capital Management, L.P.
serves as the investment adviser to the Alliance Growth Portfolio, Alliance
Growth and Income Portfolio, Alliance Premier Growth Portfolio and Alliance
Technology Portfolio of Alliance Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. The
investment adviser for Franklin Small Cap Fund is Franklin Advisers, Inc. The
investment adviser to the Mutual Shares Securities Fund is Franklin Mutual
Advisers, LLC. Templeton Global Advisors Limited is the investment adviser for
the Templeton Growth Securites Fund. Templeton Investment Counsel, Inc. is the
investment adviser of the Templeton International Securities Fund. Pioneer
Investment Management, Inc. is the investment adviser to the Pioneer Emerging
Markets VCT Portfolio and Pioneer Mid-Cap Value VCT Portfolio.
18
<PAGE>
CAN I MAKE TRANSFERS AMONG THE INVESTMENT OPTIONS?
Yes. Prior to the Annuity Date, you may transfer among the Sub-Accounts
investing in the Underlying Funds, the Guarantee Period Accounts, and the Fixed
Account. On and after the Annuity Date, if you have elected a variable option,
you may transfer only among the Sub-Accounts. You will incur no current taxes on
transfers while your money remains in the Contract. See "E. Transfer Privilege"
under DESCRIPTION OF THE CONTRACT -- THE ACCUMULATION PHASE and "E. Transfers of
Annuity Units" under ANNUITIZATION -- THE PAYOUT PHASE.
The first 12 transfers in a Contract year are guaranteed to be free of a
transfer charge. For each subsequent transfer in a Contract year, the Company
does not currently charge but reserves the right to assess a processing charge
guaranteed never to exceed $25.
If you authorize automatic periodic transfers (under an Asset Allocation Model
Reallocation program, Automatic Transfers program (Dollar Cost Averaging) or
Automatic Account Rebalancing program), the first automatic transfer or
rebalancing under a request counts as one transfer for purposes of the 12
transfers guaranteed to be free of a transfer charge in each Contract year. Each
subsequent automatic transfer or rebalancing under that request is without
charge and does not reduce the remaining number of transfers which may be made
free of charge in that Contract year.
WHAT IF I NEED MY MONEY BEFORE THE ANNUITY PAYOUT PHASE BEGINS?
Before the annuity payout phase begins, you may surrender your Contract or make
withdrawals at any time. Each calendar year, you can take without a surrender
charge the greater of:
(1) 100% of cumulative earnings (excluding Payment Credits); or
(2) 15% of the total of all payments invested in the Contract less that
portion of any prior withdrawal(s) of payments that are subject to the
surrender charge table (even if the applicable surrender charge is 0%) as
of the Valuation Date for the withdrawal (the Gross Payment Base), less
any prior withdrawal(s) during the same calendar year to which the
surrender charge table was not applicable.
If greater than the amount available under either (1) or (2) above, the Owner of
a qualified Contract or a Contract issued under a Section 457 Deferred
Compensation Plan may take each calendar year without charge an amount
calculated by the Company based on his or her life expectancy. A 10% tax penalty
may apply on all amounts deemed to be earnings if you are under age 59 1/2.
In addition, WHERE PERMITTED BY LAW, the Company will waive surrender charges
if, after the Contract is issued:
- you become disabled before you attain age 65; or
- you are diagnosed with a fatal illness or are confined in a medical care
facility for the later of 90 consecutive days or one year after the Issue
Date.
Additional amounts may be withdrawn at any time. However, the withdrawal of
payments that have not been invested in the Contract for more than nine years
may be subject to a surrender charge. A Market Value Adjustment will apply to
withdrawals from a Guarantee Period Account prior to the expiration of the
Guarantee Period.
CAN I EXAMINE THE CONTRACT?
Yes. Your Contract will be delivered to you after your purchase. If you return
the Contract to the Company within ten days of receipt, the Contract will be
cancelled. There may be a longer period in certain jurisdictions; see the "Right
to Examine" provision on the cover of your Contract.
19
<PAGE>
If you cancel the Contract, you will receive the Contract's Accumulated Value
adjusted for any Market Value Adjustment for amounts allocated to a Guarantee
Period Account, plus any fees or charges that may have been deducted, less the
Payment Credit(s). However, if required in your state or if the Contract was
issued as an Individual Retirement Annuity (IRA), you will generally receive a
refund of your gross payment(s). In certain jurisdictions this refund may be the
greater of (1) your gross payment(s) or (2) the Accumulated Value adjusted for
any Market Value Adjustment, less any Payment Credit(s), plus any fees or
charges previously deducted. See "D. Right to Cancel" under DESCRIPTION OF THE
CONTRACT -- THE ACCUMULATION PHASE.
Each time you make a payment, you will receive a Payment Credit equal to 4% of
the payment. The Payment Credit will be immediately invested along with your
payment. However, if you cancel the Contract under its "Right to Examine"
provision, your refund will be reduced by the amount of the Payment Credit(s).
If the "Right to Examine" provision in your state provides that you will receive
the Accumulated Value of the Contract (adjusted as described above), this means
that you receive any gains and bear any losses attributable to the Payment
Credit. For more information, see "D. Right to Cancel" under DESCRIPTION OF THE
CONTRACT -- THE ACCUMULATION PHASE.
CAN I MAKE FUTURE CHANGES UNDER MY CONTRACT?
You can make several changes after receiving your Contract:
- You may assign your ownership to someone else, except under certain
qualified plans.
- You may change the beneficiary, unless you have designated an irrevocable
beneficiary.
- You may change your allocation of payments.
- You may make transfers among the Sub-Accounts without any tax
consequences.
- You may cancel your Contract within ten days of delivery (or longer if
required by state law).
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DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPANY, THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT, AND
THE UNDERLYING INVESTMENT COMPANIES
THE COMPANY. Allmerica Financial Life Insurance and Annuity Company ("Allmerica
Financial") is a life insurance company organized under the laws of Delaware in
July 1974. Its Principal Office is located at 440 Lincoln Street, Worcester, MA
01653, telephone 508-855-1000. Allmerica Financial is subject to the laws of the
state of Delaware governing insurance companies and to regulation by the
Commissioner of Insurance of Delaware. In addition, Allmerica Financial is
subject to the insurance laws and regulations of other states and jurisdictions
in which it is licensed to operate. As of December 31, 1999, Allmerica Financial
had over $17 billion in assets and over $26 billion of life insurance in force.
Effective October 1, 1995, Allmerica Financial changed its name from SMA Life
Assurance Company to Allmerica Financial Life Insurance and Annuity Company.
Allmerica Financial is a wholly owned subsidiary of First Allmerica Financial
Life Insurance Company ("First Allmerica") which, in turn, is a wholly owned
subsidiary of Allmerica Financial Corporation ("AFC"). First Allmerica,
originally organized under the laws of Massachusetts in 1844 as a mutual life
insurance company and known as State Mutual Life Assurance Company of America,
converted to a stock life insurance company on October 16, 1995 and adopted its
present name. First Allmerica is the fifth oldest life insurance company in
America.
Allmerica Financial is a charter member of the Insurance Marketplace Standards
Association ("IMSA"). Companies that belong to IMSA subscribe to a rigorous set
of standards that cover the various aspects of sales and service for
individually sold life insurance and annuities. IMSA members have adopted
policies and procedures that demonstrate a commitment to honesty, fairness, and
integrity in all customer contacts involving sales and service of individual
life insurance and annuity products.
THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT. The Company maintains a separate account referred to as
Separate Account VA-K (the "Variable Account"). The Variable Account was
authorized by vote of the Board of Directors of the Company on November 1, 1990.
The Variable Account is registered with the SEC as a unit investment trust under
the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("the 1940 Act"). This registration does not
involve the supervision or management of investment practices or policies of the
Variable Account or the Company by the SEC.
Each Sub-Account invests in a corresponding investment portfolio. The assets
used to fund the variable portions of the Contract are set aside in the
Sub-Accounts of the Variable Account, and are kept separate and apart from the
general assets of the Company. Each Sub-Account is administered and accounted
for as part of the general business of the Company. The income, capital gains or
capital losses of each Sub-Account, however, are allocated to each Sub-Account,
without regard to any other income, capital gains or capital losses of the
Company. Obligations under the Contract are obligations of the Company. Under
Delaware law, the assets of the Variable Account may not be charged with any
liabilities arising out of any other business of the Company.
The Company reserves the right, subject to compliance with applicable law, to
change the names of the Variable Account and the Sub-Accounts. The Company may
offer other variable annuity contracts investing in the Variable Account which
are not discussed in this Prospectus. The Variable Account also may invest in
other underlying funds which are not available to the Contracts described in
this Prospectus.
THE UNDERLYING INVESTMENT COMPANIES
DELAWARE GROUP PREMIUM FUND. Delaware Group Premium Fund ("DGPF") is an
open-end, diversified management investment company registered with the SEC
under the 1940 Act. Such registration does not involve supervision by the SEC of
the investments or investment policy of DGPF or its separate investment series.
DGPF was established to serve as an investment vehicle for various separate
accounts supporting
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variable insurance contracts. DGPF currently has 18 investment portfolios, each
issuing a series of shares ("Series"): DGPF Growth & Income Series, DGPF Devon
Series, DGPF Growth Opportunities Series, DGPF U. S. Growth Series, DGPF Select
Growth Series, DGPF Social Awareness Series, DGPF REIT Series, DGPF Small Cap
Value Series, DGPF Trend Series, DGPF International Equity Series, DGPF Emerging
Markets Series, DGPF Balanced Series, DGPF Convertible Securities Series, DGPF
High Yield Series, DGPF Capital Reserves Series, DGPF Strategic Income Series,
DGPF Cash Reserve Series, and DGPF Global Bond Series. The assets of each Series
are held separate from the assets of the other Series. Each Series operates as a
separate investment vehicle, and the income or losses of one Series have no
effect on the investment performance of another Series. Shares of the Series are
not offered to the general public but solely to separate accounts of life
insurance companies.
The investment adviser for the DGPF Growth & Income Series, DGPF Devon Series,
DGPF Growth Opportunities Series, DGPF U. S. Growth Series, DGPF Select Growth
Series, DGPF Social Awareness Series, DGPF REIT Series, DGPF Small Cap Value
Series, DGPF Trend Series, DGPF Balanced Series, DGPF Convertible Securities
Series, DGPF High Yield Series, DGPF Capital Reserves Series, DGPF Strategic
Income Series, and DGPF Cash Reserve Series is Delaware Management Company, a
series of Delaware Management Business Trust ("Delaware Management"). The
investment adviser for the DGPF International Equity Series, DGPF Emerging
Markets Series and the DGPF Global Bond Series is Delaware International
Advisers Ltd. ("Delaware International").
AIM VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS. AIM Variable Insurance Funds ("AVIF"), an
open-end, series, management investment company, was organized as a Maryland
corporation on January 22, 1993, changed to a Delaware business trust on May 1,
2000, and is registered with the SEC under the 1940 Act. The investment adviser
for the AIM V.I. Growth Fund, AIM V.I. High Yield Fund, AIM V.I. International
Equity Fund, and AIM V.I. Value Fund is A I M Advisors, Inc. ("AIM"). AIM was
organized in 1976, and, together with its subsidiaries, manages or advises over
120 investment company portfolios encompassing a broad range of investment
objectives.
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND. The Alger American Fund ("Alger"), is an open-end,
diversified management investment company established as a Massachusetts
business trust on April 6, 1988 and registered with the SEC under the 1940 Act.
The investment adviser for the Alger American Leveraged AllCap Portfolio, Alger
American MidCap Growth Portfolio, and Alger American Small Capitalization
Portfolio is Fred Alger Management, Inc.
ALLIANCE VARIABLE PRODUCTS SERIES FUND, INC. Alliance Variable Products Series
Fund, Inc. ("Alliance") is registered with the SEC as an open-end, management
investment company. Four of its separate investment portfolios are currently
available under the Contract. Alliance Capital Management, L.P. ("Alliance
Capital"), serves as the investment adviser to Alliance. Alliance Capital
Management Corporation, the sole general partner of Alliance Capital, is an
indirect wholly owned subsidiary of The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the
United States, which is in turn a wholly owned subsidiary of the Equitable
Companies Incorporated, a holding company which is controlled by AXA, a French
insurance holding company.
FRANKLIN TEMPLETON VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS TRUST. Franklin Templeton
Variable Insurance Products Trust ("FT VIP") and the funds' investment managers
and their affiliates manage over $224 billion (as of December 31, 1999) in
assets. In 1992, Franklin joined forces with Templeton, a pioneer in
international investing. The Mutual Advisers organization became part of the
Franklin Templeton organization four years later. The investment adviser to the
Franklin Small Cap Fund is Franklin Advisers, Inc. Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC
is the investment adviser to the Mutual Shares Securities Fund. Templeton Global
Advisors Limited is the investment adviser to the Templeton Growth Securities
Fund. Templeton Investment Counsel, Inc. is the investment adviser to the
Templeton International Securities Fund.
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PIONEER VARIABLE CONTRACTS TRUST. Pioneer Variable Contracts Trust ("Pioneer
VCT") is an open-end, management investment company registered with the SEC
under the 1940 Act. Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. ("Pioneer") is the
investment adviser to the Pioneer Emerging Markets VCT Portfolio and Pioneer
Mid-Cap Value VCT Portfolio. Pioneer also provides investment research and
portfolio management services to a number of other retail mutual funds and
certain institutional clients. Pioneer is a wholly owned subsidiary of The
Pioneer Group, Inc. ("PGI"). PGI, established in 1928, is one of America's
oldest investment managers and has its principal place of business at 60 State
Street, Boston, Massachusetts.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
A summary of investment objectives of each of the Underlying Funds is set forth
below. MORE DETAILED INFORMATION REGARDING THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES,
RESTRICTIONS AND RISKS, EXPENSES PAID BY THE UNDERLYING FUNDS, AND OTHER
RELEVANT INFORMATION REGARDING THE UNDERLYING INVESTMENT COMPANIES MAY BE FOUND
IN THE PROSPECTUSES FOR THE UNDERLYING FUNDS, WHICH ACCOMPANY THIS PROSPECTUS.
PLEASE READ THEM CAREFULLY BEFORE INVESTING. Also, the Statements of Additional
Information ("SAI") for the Underlying Funds are available upon request. There
can be no assurance that the investment objectives of the Underlying Funds can
be achieved or that the value of the Contract will equal or exceed the aggregate
amount of payments made under the Contract.
DELAWARE GROUP PREMIUM FUND:
DGPF GROWTH & INCOME SERIES -- seeks the highest possible total rate of return
by selecting issues that exhibit the potential for capital appreciation while
providing higher than average dividend income.
DGPF DEVON SERIES -- seeks current income and capital appreciation. It seeks to
achieve its objective by investing primarily in income-producing common stocks,
with a focus on common stocks that the investment manager believes exhibit the
potential for above-average dividend increases over time.
DGPF GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES SERIES -- seeks long-term capital appreciation by
investing its assets in a diversified portfolio of securities exhibiting the
potential for significant growth. This Series formerly was known as the DelCap
Series.
DGPF U.S. GROWTH SERIES -- seeks to achieve maximum capital appreciation.
DGPF SELECT GROWTH SERIES -- seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation
which the Fund attempts to achieve by investing primarily in equity securities
of companies which the investment manager believes have the potential for high
earnings growth. This Series formerly was known as the Aggressive Growth Series.
DGPF SOCIAL AWARENESS SERIES -- seeks to achieve long-term capital appreciation.
It seeks to achieve its objective by investing primarily in equity securities of
medium- to large-sized companies expected to grow over time that meet the
Series' "Social Criteria" strategy.
DGPF REIT SERIES -- seeks to achieve maximum long-term total return. Capital
appreciation is a secondary objective. It seeks to achieve its objective by
investing in securities of companies primarily engaged in the real estate
industry.
DGPF SMALL CAP VALUE SERIES -- seeks capital appreciation by investing in
small-to- mid cap common stocks whose market value appears low relative to their
underlying value or future earnings and growth potential. Emphasis also will be
placed on securities of companies that temporarily may be out of favor or whose
value is not yet recognized by the market.
DGPF TREND SERIES -- seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily
in small-cap common stocks and convertible securities of emerging and other
growth-oriented companies. These securities will have
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been judged to be responsive to changes in the marketplace and to have
fundamental characteristics to support growth. Income is not an objective.
DGPF INTERNATIONAL EQUITY SERIES -- seeks long-term growth without undue risk to
principal by investing primarily in equity securities of foreign issuers
providing the potential for capital appreciation and income.
DGPF EMERGING MARKETS SERIES -- seeks to achieve long-term capital appreciation.
It seeks to achieve its objective by investing primarily in equity securities of
issuers located or operating in emerging countries. The Series is an
international fund. As such, under normal market conditions, at least 65% of the
Series' assets will be invested in equity securities of issuers organized or
having a majority of their assets or deriving a majority of their operating
income in at least three countries that are considered to be emerging or
developing.
DGPF BALANCED SERIES -- seeks a balance of capital appreciation, income and
preservation of capital. It uses a dividend-oriented valuation strategy to
select securities issued by established companies that are believed to
demonstrate potential for income and capital growth. This Series formerly was
known as Delaware Balanced Series.
DGPF CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES SERIES -- seeks a high level of total return on its
assets through a combination of capital appreciation and current income by
investing primarily in convertible securities, which may include privately
placed convertible securities.
DGPF HIGH YIELD SERIES -- seeks total return and, as a secondary objective, high
current income. The Series invests in rated and unrated corporate bonds
(including high-yield bonds commonly known as "junk bonds"), foreign bonds, U.S.
government securities and commercial paper. Please read the Series' prospectus
disclosure regarding the risk factors before investing in this Series. This
Series formerly was known as Delchester Series.
DGPF CAPITAL RESERVES SERIES -- seeks a high, stable level of current income
while minimizing fluctuations in principal by investing in a diversified
portfolio of short- and intermediate-term securities.
DGPF STRATEGIC INCOME SERIES -- seeks high current income and total return. It
seeks to achieve its objective by using a multi-sector investment approach,
investing primarily in three sectors of the fixed-income securities market: high
yield, higher-risk securities; investment grade fixed-income securities; and
foreign government and other foreign fixed-income securities. The Series also
may invest in U.S. equity securities.
DGPF CASH RESERVE SERIES -- a money market fund which seeks the highest level of
income consistent with the preservation of capital and liquidity through
investments in short-term money market instruments.
DGPF GLOBAL BOND SERIES -- seeks current income consistent with preservation of
principal by investing primarily in fixed-income securities that also may
provide the potential for capital appreciation. At least 65% of the Series'
assets will be invested in fixed-income securities of issuers organized or
having a majority of their assets in or deriving a majority of the operating
income in at least three different countries, one of which may be the United
States.
AIM VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS:
AIM V.I. GROWTH FUND -- seeks to provide growth of capital primarily by
investing in seasoned and better capitalized companies considered to have strong
earnings momentum.
AIM V.I. HIGH YIELD FUND -- seeks to achieve a high level of current income. The
Fund seeks to meet this objective by investing at least 65% of the value of its
assets in publicly traded, lower-quality debt securities, i.e., "junk bonds".
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AIM V.I. INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND -- seeks to provide long-term growth of
capital by investing in a diversified portfolio of international equity
securities whose issuers are considered to have strong earnings momentum.
AIM V.I. VALUE FUND -- seeks to achieve long-term growth of capital by investing
primarily in equity securities judged by the fund's investment advisor to be
undervalued relative to the investment advisor's appraisal of the current or
projected earnings of the companies issuing the securities, or relative to
current market values of assets owned by the companies issuing the securities or
relative to the equity market generally. Income is a secondary objective.
THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND:
ALGER AMERICAN LEVERAGED ALLCAP PORTFOLIO -- seeks long-term capital
appreciation. Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests in the equity
securities of companies of any size that demonstrate promising growth potential.
ALGER AMERICAN MIDCAP GROWTH PORTFOLIO -- seeks long-term capital appreciation.
The Portfolio focuses on midsize companies with promising growth potential.
ALGER AMERICAN SMALL CAPITALIZATION PORTFOLIO -- seeks long-term capital
appreciation. The Portfolio focuses on small, fast-growing companies that offer
innovative products, services or technologies to a rapidly expanding
marketplace.
ALLIANCE VARIABLE PRODUCTS SERIES FUND, INC.:
ALLIANCE GROWTH PORTFOLIO (CLASS B) -- seeks to provide long-term growth of
capital. Current income is only an incidental consideration.
ALLIANCE GROWTH AND INCOME PORTFOLIO (CLASS B) -- seeks reasonable current
income and reasonable appreciation through investments primarily in
dividend--paying common stocks of good quality.
ALLIANCE PREMIER GROWTH PORTFOLIO (CLASS B) -- seeks growth of capital by
pursuing aggressive investment policies.
ALLIANCE TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO (CLASS B) -- seeks growth of capital and invests
for capital appreciation. Current income is only an incidental consideration.
FRANKIN TEMPLETON VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS TRUST:
FRANKLIN SMALL CAP FUND (CLASS 2) -- seeks long-term capital growth. The fund
invests primarily in equity securities of small cap U.S. companies.
MUTUAL SHARES SECURITIES FUND (CLASS 2) -- seeks capital appreciation. Its
secondary goal is income. The fund invests primarily in equity securities of
companies the manager believes are available at market prices less than their
value based on certain recognized or objective criteria (intrinsic value).
TEMPLETON GROWTH SECURITIES FUND (CLASS 2) -- seeks long-term capital growth.
The fund invests primarily in the equity securities of companies located
anywhere in the world, including the U.S. and emerging markets.
TEMPLETON INTERNATIONAL SECURITIES FUND (CLASS 2) -- seeks long-term capital
growth. The fund invests in the equity securities of companies located outside
the U.S., including emerging markets.
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PIONEER VARIABLE CONTRACTS TRUST:
PIONEER EMERGING MARKETS VCT PORTFOLIO (CLASS II) -- seeks long-term growth of
capital. The Portfolio invests primarily in securities of issuers in countries
with emerging economies or securities markets and related depositary receipts.
PIONEER MID-CAP VALUE VCT PORTFOLIO (CLASS II) -- seeks capital appreciation
through a diversified portfolio of securities consisting primarily of common
stocks.
If there is a material change in the investment policy of a Sub-Account or the
Fund in which it invests, the Owner will be notified of the change. If the Owner
has values allocated to that Sub-Account, the Company will transfer it without
charge on written request by the Owner to another Sub-Account or to the Fixed
Account. The Company must receive such written request within 60 days of the
later of (1) the effective date of the change in the investment policy, or
(2) the receipt of the notice of the Owner's right to transfer.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
This Contract was first offered to the public in 1999. However, in order to help
people understand how investment performance can affect money invested in the
Sub-Accounts, the Company may advertise "total return" and "average annual total
return" performance information based on (1) the periods that the Sub-Accounts
have been in existence and (2) the periods that the Underlying Funds have been
in existence. Performance results in Tables 1A and 2A reflect the applicable
deductions for the Contract fee, Sub-Account charges and Underlying Fund charges
under this Contract and also assume that the Contract is surrendered at the end
of the applicable period. Performance results in Tables 1B and 2B do not include
the Contract fee and assume that the Contract is not surrendered at the end of
the applicable period. Neither set of tables includes optional Rider charges.
Both the total return and yield figures are based on historical earnings and are
not intended to indicate future performance. All performance tables referenced
in this section may be found in the SAI.
The "total return" of a Sub-Account refers to the total of the income generated
by an investment in the Sub-Account and of the changes in the value of the
principal (due to realized and unrealized capital gains or losses) for a
specified period, reduced by Variable Account charges, and expressed as a
percentage. The "average annual total return" represents the average annual
percentage change in the value of an investment in the Sub-Account over a given
period of time. It represents averaged figures as opposed to the actual
performance of a Sub-Account, which will vary from year to year.
The yield of the Sub-Account investing in the DGPF Cash Reserve Series refers to
the income generated by an investment in the Sub-Account over a seven-day period
(which period will be specified in the advertisement). This income is then
"annualized" by assuming that the income generated in the specific week is
generated over a 52-week period. This annualized yield is shown as a percentage
of the investment. The "effective yield" calculation is similar but, when
annualized, the income earned by an investment in the Sub-Account is assumed to
be reinvested. Thus the effective yield will be slightly higher than the yield
because of the compounding effect of this assumed reinvestment.
The yield of a Sub-Account investing in a Fund other than the DGPF Cash Reserve
Series refers to the annualized income generated by an investment in the
Sub-Account over a specified 30-day or one-month period. The yield is calculated
by assuming that the income generated by the investment during that 30-day or
one-month period is generated each period over a 12-month period and is shown as
a percentage of the investment.
Quotations of average annual total return as shown in Table 1A are calculated in
the manner prescribed by the SEC and show the percentage rate of return of a
hypothetical initial investment of $1,000 for the most recent one, five and ten
year period or for a period covering the time the Sub-Account has been in
existence, if less
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than the prescribed periods. The calculation is adjusted to reflect the
deduction of the annual Sub-Account asset charge of 1.40%, the effect of the $35
annual Contract fee, the Underlying Fund charges and the surrender charge which
would be assessed if the investment were completely withdrawn at the end of the
specified period. The calculation is not adjusted to reflect the deduction of
any optional Rider charges. Quotations of supplemental average total returns, as
shown in Table 1B, are calculated in exactly the same manner and for the same
periods of time except that they do not reflect the Contract fee and assume that
the Contract is not surrendered at the end of the periods shown.
The performance shown in Tables 2A and 2B in the SAI is calculated in exactly
the same manner as the performance in Tables 1A and 1B; however, the period of
time is based on the Underlying Fund's lifetime, which may predate the
Sub-Account's inception date. These performance calculations are based on the
assumption that the Sub-Account corresponding to the applicable Underlying Fund
was actually in existence throughout the stated period and that the contractual
charges and expenses during that period were equal to those currently assessed
under this Contract. For more detailed information about these performance
calculations, including actual formulas, see the SAI.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION FOR ANY SUB-ACCOUNT REFLECTS ONLY THE PERFORMANCE OF A
HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT IN THE SUB-ACCOUNT DURING THE TIME PERIOD ON WHICH THE
CALCULATIONS ARE BASED. PERFORMANCE INFORMATION SHOULD BE CONSIDERED IN LIGHT OF
THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES AND RISK CHARACTERISTICS OF THE
UNDERLYING FUND IN WHICH THE SUB-ACCOUNT INVESTS AND THE MARKET CONDITIONS
DURING THE GIVEN TIME PERIOD, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS A REPRESENTATION
OF WHAT MAY BE ACHIEVED IN THE FUTURE.
Performance information for a Sub-Account may be compared, in reports and
promotional literature, to:
(1) the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index ("S&P 500"), Dow
Jones Industrial Average ("DJIA"), Shearson Lehman Aggregate Bond Index
or other unmanaged indices, so that investors may compare the Sub-Account
results with those of a group of unmanaged securities widely regarded by
investors as representative of the securities markets in general; or
(2) other groups of variable annuity separate accounts or other investment
products tracked by Lipper, Inc., a widely used independent research firm
which ranks mutual funds and other investment products by overall
performance, investment objectives, and assets, or tracked by other
services, companies, publications, or persons, who rank such investment
products on overall performance or other criteria; or
(3) the Consumer Price Index (a measure for inflation) to assess the real
rate of return from an investment in the Sub-Account. Unmanaged indices
may assume the reinvestment of dividends but generally do not reflect
deductions for administrative and management costs and expenses. In
addition, relevant broad -- based indices and performance from
independent sources may be used to illustrate the performance of certain
Contract features.
At times, the Company may also advertise the ratings and other information
assigned to it by independent rating organizations such as A.M. Best Company
("A.M. Best"), Moody's Investors Service ("Moody's"), Standard & Poor's
Insurance Rating Services ("S&P") and Duff & Phelps. A.M. Best's and Moody's
ratings reflect their current opinion of the Company's relative financial
strength and operating performance in comparison to the norms of the life/health
insurance industry. S&P's and Duff & Phelps' ratings measure the ability of an
insurance company to meet its obligations under insurance policies it issues and
do not measure the ability of such companies to meet other non-policy
obligations. The ratings also do not relate to the performance of the Underlying
Portfolios.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE CONTRACT -- THE ACCUMULATION PHASE
A. PAYMENTS
The latest Issue Date is age 85 of the oldest Owner or, if the Owner is not a
natural person, the oldest Annuitant. The Company will issue a Contract when its
underwriting requirements are met. These requirements include receipt of the
initial payment and allocation instructions by the Company at its Principal
Office and may include the proper completion of an application; however, where
permitted by law, the Company may issue a Contract without completion of an
application. If all issue requirements are not completed within five business
days of the Company's receipt of the initial payment, the payment will be
returned immediately unless the applicant authorizes the Company to retain it
pending completion of all issue requirements.
Payments may be made to the Contract at any time prior to the Annuity Date, or
prior to the death of an Owner, subject to certain minimums:
- Currently the initial payment must be at least $600 ($1,000 in
Washington).
- Under a salary deduction or monthly automatic payment plan, the minimum
initial payment is $50.
- Each subsequent payment must be at least $50.
- Where the contribution on behalf of an employee under an
employer-sponsored retirement plan is less than $600 but more than $300
annually, the Company may issue a Contract on the employee if the plan's
average annual contribution per eligible plan participant is at least
$600.
- The minimum allocation to a Guarantee Period Account is $1,000. If less
than $1,000 is allocated to a Guarantee Period Account, the Company
reserves the right to apply that amount to the DGPF Cash Reserve Series.
Payments are to be made payable to the Company. The Company may reduce a payment
by any applicable premium tax before applying it to the Contract. The initial
net payment is credited to the Contract and allocated among the requested
investment options as of the date that all issue requirements are properly met.
The allocation instructions for the initial net payment will serve as the
allocation instructions for all future payments. You can change the allocation
instructions for future payments by notifying the Company.
You also have the option of specifying how a specific payment should be
allocated. This will not change the allocation instructions for any subsequent
payment.
For a discussion of future payments to an Automatic Transfer Program (Dollar
Cost Averaging), please see "Automatic Transfers (Dollar Cost Averaging)" under
"E. Transfer Privilege" below.
In order for the Owner to be able to initiate transactions over the telephone, a
properly completed authorization must be on file before telephone requests will
be honored. The policy of the Company and its agents and affiliates is that we
will not be responsible for losses resulting from acting upon telephone requests
reasonably believed to be genuine. The Company will employ reasonable procedures
to confirm that instructions communicated by telephone are genuine; otherwise,
the Company may be liable for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent
instructions. Such procedures may include, among other things, requiring some
form of personal identification prior to acting upon instructions received by
telephone. All telephone instructions are tape-recorded.
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B. PAYMENT CREDITS
A Payment Credit will be added to the Contract's Accumulated Value each time a
payment is made. The Payment Credit is funded from the Company's General Account
and is currently equal to 4% of each payment received. The Company guarantees
that the Payment Credit will never be less than 4%. Payment Credits are not
considered to be "investment in the contract" for income tax purposes. See
FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS.
Each Payment Credit is immediately allocated among the investment options in the
same proportion as the applicable payment. However, if you cancel the Contract
under its "Right to Examine" provision, the amount refunded to you will be
reduced by the amount of the Payment Credit(s). If the applicable "Right to
Examine" provision in your state provides that you will receive the adjusted
Accumulated Value of the Contract, this means that you receive any gains and
bear any losses attributable to the Payment Credit. For more information, see
"D. Right to Cancel," below.
C. COMPUTATION OF VALUES
The Owner may allocate payments among the Sub-Accounts, Guarantee Period
Accounts, and the Fixed Account. Allocations to the Guarantee Period Accounts
and the Fixed Account are not converted into Accumulation Units, but are
credited interest at a rate periodically set by the Company. See GUARANTEE
PERIOD ACCOUNTS and APPENDIX A -- MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FIXED ACCOUNT.
The Accumulated Value under the Contract is determined by:
(1) multiplying the number of Accumulation Units in each Sub-Account by the
value of an Accumulation Unit of that Sub-Account on the Valuation Date,
(2) adding together the values of each Sub-Account, and
(3) adding the amount of the accumulations in the Fixed Account and
Guarantee Period Accounts, if any.
THE ACCUMULATION UNIT. Allocations to the Sub-Accounts are credited to the
Contract in the form of Accumulation Units. Accumulation Units are credited
separately for each Sub-Account. The number of Accumulation Units of each
Sub-Account credited to the Contract is equal to the portion of the payment and
Payment Credit allocated to the Sub-Account, divided by the dollar value of the
applicable Accumulation Unit as of the Valuation Date. The number of
Accumulation Units resulting from each payment and Payment Credit will remain
fixed unless changed by a subsequent split of Accumulation Unit value, a
transfer, a withdrawal, or surrender. The dollar value of an Accumulation Unit
of each Sub-Account varies from Valuation Date to Valuation Date based on the
investment experience of that Sub-Account, and will reflect the investment
performance, expenses and charges of its Underlying Funds. The value of an
Accumulation Unit was arbitrarily set at $1.00 on the first Valuation Date for
each Sub-Account.
NET INVESTMENT FACTOR. The net investment factor is an index that measures the
investment performance of a Sub-Account from one Valuation Period to the next.
This factor is equal to 1.000000 plus the result (which may be positive or
negative) from dividing (1) by (2) and subtracting (3) and (4) where:
(1) is the investment income of a Sub-Account for the Valuation Period,
including realized or unrealized capital gains and losses during the
Valuation Period, adjusted for provisions made for taxes, if any;
(2) is the value of that Sub-Account's assets at the beginning of the
Valuation Period;
(3) is a charge for mortality and expense risks equal to 1.25% on an annual
basis of the daily value of the Sub-Account's assets; and
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(4) is an administrative charge equal to 0.15% on an annual basis of the
daily value of the Sub-Account's assets.
The dollar value of an Accumulation Unit as of a given Valuation Date is
determined by multiplying the dollar value of the corresponding Accumulation
Unit as of the immediately preceding Valuation Date by the appropriate net
investment factor.
For an illustration of an Accumulation Unit calculation using a hypothetical
example see the SAI.
D. RIGHT TO CANCEL
An Owner may cancel the Contract at any time within ten days after receipt of
the Contract (or longer if required by law) and receive a refund. In order to
cancel the Contract, the Owner must mail or deliver it to the Company's
Principal Office at 440 Lincoln Street, Worcester, MA 01653, or to an authorized
representative. Mailing or delivery must occur within ten days after receipt of
the Contract for cancellation to be effective. The Company will normally provide
the refund within seven days of receipt of the Contract.
In most states, the Company will pay the Owner the Contract's Accumulated Value
adjusted for any Market Value Adjustment for amounts allocated to a Guarantee
Period Account, plus any amounts deducted for taxes, charges or fees, minus any
Payment Credit(s). However, if the Contract was purchased as an IRA or issued in
a state that requires a full refund of the initial payment(s), the Company will
provide a refund equal to your gross payment(s). In some states, the refund may
equal the greater of (a) your gross payment(s) or (b) the Accumulated Value
adjusted for any Market Value Adjustment, plus any amounts deducted for taxes,
charges or fees minus any Payment Credit(s). At the time the Contract is issued,
the "Right to Examine" provision on the cover of the Contract will specifically
indicate what the refund will be and the time period allowed to exercise the
right to cancel.
Each time you make a payment, you receive a Payment Credit equal to 4% of the
payment. If you cancel the Contract under its "Right to Examine" provision, your
refund will be reduced by the amount of the Payment Credit(s). If the "Right to
Examine" provision in your state provides that you will receive the Accumulated
Value of the Contract (adjusted as described above), this means that you receive
any gains and bear any losses attributable to the Payment Credit.
The liability of the Variable Account under this provision is limited to the
Owner's Accumulated Value in the Sub-Accounts on the date of cancellation. Any
additional amounts refunded to the Owner will be paid by the Company.
E. TRANSFER PRIVILEGE
Prior to the Annuity Date, the Owner may transfer amounts among investment
options at any time upon written or telephone request to the Company. As
discussed in "A. Payments" above, a properly completed authorization form must
be on file before telephone requests will be honored. Transfer values will be
based on the Accumulated Value next computed after receipt of the transfer
request.
Transfers to a Guarantee Period Account must be at least $1,000. If the amount
to be transferred to a Guarantee Period Account is less than $1,000, the Company
may transfer that amount to the DGPF Cash Reserve Series. Transfers from a
Guarantee Period Account prior to the expiration of the Guarantee Period will be
subject to a Market Value Adjustment.
Currently, the Company does not charge for transfers. The first 12 transfers in
a Contract year are guaranteed to be free of any transfer charge. For each
subsequent transfer in a Contract year, the Company reserves the right to assess
a charge, guaranteed never to exceed $25, to reimburse it for the expense of
processing transfers. The first automatic transfer or rebalancing under an Asset
Allocation Model Reallocation program,
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Automatic Transfers (Dollar Cost Averaging) program, or Automatic Account
Rebalancing program counts as one transfer for purposes of the 12 transfers
guaranteed to be free of a transfer charge in each Contract year. Each
subsequent automatic transfer or rebalancing under that request is without
charge and does not reduce the remaining number of transfers which may be made
free of charge in that Contract year.
The Company also reserves the right to restrict transfer privileges when
exercised by a market timing firm or any other third party authorized to
initiate allocations, transfers or exchanges on behalf of multiple Contract
Owners. The Company may, among other things, not accept:
- the transfer or exchange instructions of any agent acting under a power of
attorney on behalf of more than one Owner, or
- the transfer or exchange instructions of individual Owners who have
executed pre-authorized transfer or exchange forms which are submitted by
market timing firms or other third parties on behalf of more than one
Owner at the same time.
The Owner may authorize an independent third party to transact allocations and
transfers in accordance with an asset allocation strategy or other investment
strategy. The Company may provide administrative or other support services to
these independent third parties, however, the Company does not engage any third
parties to offer allocation or other investment services under this Contract,
does not endorse or review any allocation or transfer recommendations and is not
responsible for the investment results of such allocations or transfers
transacted on the Owner's behalf. In addition, the Company reserves the right to
discontinue services or limit the number of Portfolios that it may provide such
services for as well as to restrict such transactions altogether when exercised
by a market timing firm or any other third party authorized to initiate
allocations, transfers or exchanges on behalf of Contract owners. The Company
does not charge the Owner for providing additional support services.
AUTOMATIC TRANSFERS (DOLLAR COST AVERAGING). You may elect automatic transfers
of a predetermined dollar amount on a periodic basis from the Fixed Account or
the Sub-Accounts investing in the DGPF Capital Reserves Series and the DGPF Cash
Reserve Series ("source accounts"). You may elect these automatic transfers to
one or more Sub-Accounts, subject to the following:
- the predetermined dollar amount may not be less than $100;
- the periodic basis may be monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually;
- automatic transfers may not be made into the selected source account,
Fixed Account, or the Guarantee Period Accounts; and
- if an automatic transfer would reduce the balance in the source account(s)
to less than $100, the entire balance will be transferred proportionately
to the chosen Sub-Accounts.
Automatic transfers from a particular source account will continue until the
earlier of:
- the amount in the source account on a transfer date is zero; or
- the Owner's request to terminate the option is received by the Company.
If additional amounts are allocated to a source account before its balance has
fallen to zero, those additional amounts will also be automatically transferred.
The original automatic transfer allocations will apply to all amounts in that
source account unless you provide new allocation instructions. New allocation
instructions will apply to the entire balance in the source account. If
additional amounts are allocated to a source account
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after its balance has fallen to zero, automatic transfers will not begin again
unless you specifically notify the Company to do so.
To the extent permitted by law, the Company reserves the right, from time to
time, to credit an enhanced interest rate to an initial and/or subsequent
payment made to the Fixed Account, which is then used as the source account from
which to process automatic transfers. For more information see "ENHANCED
AUTOMATIC TRANSFER (DOLLAR COST AVERAGING) PROGRAM" in the SAI.
AUTOMATIC ACCOUNT REBALANCING. The Owner may request automatic rebalancing of
Sub-Account allocations on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis in
accordance with his/her specified percentage allocations. As frequently as
elected by the Owner, the Company will review the percentage allocations in the
Underlying Funds and, if necessary, transfer amounts to ensure conformity with
the designated percentage allocation mix. If the amount necessary to
re-establish the mix on any scheduled date is less than $100, no transfer will
be made.
Automatic Account Rebalancing will continue until (1) the Owner's request to
terminate or change the option is received by the Company or (2) the end date
designated by the Owner when the option was elected. If a subsequent payment is
allocated in a manner different from the percentage allocation mix in effect on
the date the payment is received, on the next scheduled rebalancing date the
payment will be reallocated in accordance with the existing mix.
The first automatic transfer or rebalancing under a request counts as one
transfer for purposes of the 12 transfers guaranteed to be free of a transfer
charge in each Contract year. Each subsequent automatic transfer or rebalancing
under that request is without charge and does not reduce the remaining number of
transfers which may be made free of charge in that Contract year.
Currently, Dollar Cost Averaging and Automatic Account Rebalancing may not be in
effect simultaneously. Either option may be elected at no additional charge when
the Contract is purchased or at a later date. The Company reserves the right to
limit the number of Sub-Accounts that may be utilized for automatic transfers
and rebalancing, and to discontinue either option upon advance written notice.
F. SURRENDERS AND WITHDRAWALS
Before the Annuity Date, an Owner may surrender the Contract for its Surrender
Value or withdraw a portion of its Accumulated Value. In the case of surrender,
the Owner must send the Contract and a signed written request for surrender,
satisfactory to the Company, to the Principal Office. The Surrender Value will
be calculated based on the Contract's Accumulated Value as of the Valuation
Date.
In the case of a withdrawal, the Owner must submit to the Principal Office a
signed, written request indicating the desired dollar amount and the investment
options from which such amount is to be withdrawn. A withdrawal from a
Sub-Account will result in cancellation of a number of units equivalent in value
to the amount withdrawn. The amount withdrawn will equal the amount requested by
the Owner plus any applicable surrender charge. Each withdrawal must be a
minimum of $100. No withdrawal will be permitted if the Accumulated Value
remaining under the Contract would be reduced to less than $1,000.
A surrender charge, a Contract fee and, if applicable, a rider charge, may apply
when a withdrawal is made or a Contract is surrendered. See CHARGES AND
DEDUCTIONS. However, each calendar year prior to the Annuity Date, an Owner may
withdraw a portion of the Contract's Surrender Value without any applicable
surrender charge; see "E. Surrender Charge," "Withdrawal Without Surrender
Charge" under CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS. Amounts withdrawn from a Guarantee Period
Account prior to the end of the applicable Guarantee Period will be subject to a
Market Value Adjustment, as described under GUARANTEE PERIOD ACCOUNTS.
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Any distribution is normally payable within seven days following the Company's
receipt of the surrender or withdrawal request. The Company reserves the right
to defer surrenders and withdrawals of amounts allocated to the Company's Fixed
Account and Guarantee Period Accounts for a period not to exceed six months. The
Company reserves the right to defer surrenders and withdrawals of amounts in
each Sub-Account in any period during which:
- trading on the New York Stock Exchange is restricted as determined by the
SEC or such Exchange is closed for other than weekends and holidays,
- the SEC has by order permitted such suspension, or
- an emergency, as determined by the SEC, exists such that disposal of
portfolio securities or valuation of assets of a separate account is not
reasonably practicable.
The Company reserves the right to defer surrenders and withdrawals of amounts
allocated to the Company's Fixed Account and Guarantee Period Accounts for a
period not to exceed six months.
The surrender and withdrawal rights of Owners who are participants under Section
403(b) plans or who are participants in the Texas Optional Retirement Program
(Texas ORP) are restricted; see "Tax-Sheltered Annuities" and "Texas Optional
Retirement Program" under FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS.
For important tax consequences, which may result from surrender or withdrawals,
see FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS.
For information about Withdrawals after the Annuity Date, see "F. Withdrawals
After the Annuity Date" under ANNUITIZATION -- THE PAYOUT PHASE.
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWALS. The Owner may elect an automatic schedule of
withdrawals (systematic withdrawals) from amounts in the Sub-Accounts and/or the
Fixed Account on a periodic basis (monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, semi-annually
or annually). Systematic withdrawals from Guarantee Period Accounts are not
available. The Owner may request:
- the withdrawal of a SPECIFIC DOLLAR AMOUNT and the percentage of this
amount to be taken from each designated Sub-Account and/or the Fixed
Account; or
- the withdrawal of a SPECIFIC PERCENTAGE of the Accumulated Value
calculated as of the withdrawal dates, and may designate the percentage of
this amount which should be taken from each account.
The first withdrawal will take place on the latest of 15 days after the Issue
Date, the date the written request is received at the Principal Office, or on a
date specified by the Owner.
Systematic withdrawals will first be taken from amounts available as a
"Withdrawal Without Surrender Charge" (see "E. Surrender Charge," "Withdrawal
Without Surrender Charge" under CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS); then from any
applicable payments not subject to a surrender charge, if any; then from
payments subject to a surrender charge; and last, from Payment Credits. Any
applicable surrender charge will be deducted from the Contract's remaining
Accumulated Value.
The minimum amount of each automatic withdrawal is $100. If a withdrawal would
cause the remaining Accumulated Value to be less than $1,000, systematic
withdrawals may be discontinued. Systematic withdrawals will cease automatically
on the Annuity Date. The Owner may change or terminate systematic withdrawals
only by written request to the Principal Office.
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LIFE EXPECTANCY DISTRIBUTIONS. (For Qualified Contracts and Contracts issued
under Section 457 Deferred Compensation Plans only.) Prior to the Annuity Date,
an Owner may elect to make a series of systematic withdrawals from the Contract
according to the Company's life expectancy distribution ("LED") option by
returning a properly signed LED request form to the Principal Office. Where the
Owner is a trust or other nonnatural person, the Owner may elect the LED option
based on the Annuitant's life expectancy.
If an Owner elects the Company's LED option, in each calendar year a fraction of
the Accumulated Value is withdrawn without a surrender charge, based on the
Owner's life expectancy (or the joint life expectancy of the Owner and a
beneficiary.) The numerator of the fraction is 1 (one). The denominator of the
fraction will be either:
- the remaining life expectancy of the Owner (or Owner and beneficiary), as
determined annually by the Company; or
- the prior year's life expectancy, minus one.
The resulting fraction, expressed as a percentage, is then applied to the
Accumulated Value at the beginning of the year to determine the amount to be
distributed during the year. The Owner may choose to have the applicable life
expectancy redetermined each year or use the prior year's life expectancy, minus
one. Under the Company's LED option, the amount withdrawn from the Contract
changes each year.
The Owner may elect periodic LED distributions on a monthly, bi-monthly,
quarterly, semi-annual, or annual basis. The Owner may terminate the LED option
at any time. The LED option will terminate automatically on the maximum Annuity
Date permitted under the Contract, at which time an annuity payout option must
be selected.
The LED option may not produce annual distributions that meet the definition of
"substantially equal periodic payments" as defined under Code Section 72(t). The
withdrawals may be treated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as premature
distributions from the Contract and may be subject to a 10% federal tax penalty.
Owners seeking distributions over their life under this definition should
consult their tax advisor. For more information, see "C. Taxation of the
Contract in General" under FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS. IN ADDITION, IF THE
AMOUNT NECESSARY TO MEET THE "SUBSTANTIALLY EQUAL PERIODIC PAYMENT" DEFINITION
IS GREATER THAN THE COMPANY'S LED AMOUNT, A SURRENDER CHARGE MAY APPLY TO THE
AMOUNT IN EXCESS OF THE LED AMOUNT.
SYSTEMATIC LEVEL FREE OF SURRENDER CHARGE WITHDRAWAL PROGRAM. In order to
receive withdrawals without application of any surrender charge, the Owner may
preauthorize level periodic withdrawals under the Systematic Level Free of
Surrender Charge Withdrawal Program. Withdrawals under the Program may be made
on a monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis. In order to
ensure that no surrender charge is ever applied to withdrawals made under this
program, the periodic withdrawals in any calendar year are limited to 15% of the
total of all payments invested in the Contract as reduced by certain prior
withdrawal(s) of payments. For more information on how this amount is
calculated, see "E. Surrender Charge," "Withdrawal Without Surrender Charge"
under CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS.
The program will automatically terminate if a withdrawal that is not part of the
program is made. Otherwise, withdrawals will continue until all available
Accumulated Value has been exhausted or until the Owner terminates the program
by written request.
G. DEATH BENEFIT
A death benefit is payable if the Owner or the first of Joint Owners dies prior
to the Annuity Date. If the Owner is a natural person, no death benefit is
payable at the death of any Annuitant. If the Owner is not a natural person, a
death benefit will be paid upon the death of any Annuitant. A spousal
beneficiary may elect
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to continue the Contract rather than receive the death benefit as provided in
"H. The Spouse of the Owner as Beneficiary."
STANDARD DEATH BENEFIT. Unless an enhanced death benefit is elected at issue,
the standard death benefit will be paid. The standard death benefit is equal to
the greater of (a) the Contract's Accumulated Value on the Valuation Date that
the Company receives proof of death, increased by any positive Market Value
Adjustment or (b) gross payments prior to the date of death, proportionately
reduced to reflect withdrawals.
For each withdrawal under (b) the proportionate reduction is calculated by
multiplying the standard death benefit immediately prior to the withdrawal by
the following fraction:
Amount of the withdrawal
------------------------------------------------
Accumulated Value immediately prior to the withdrawal
OPTIONAL ENHANCED DEATH BENEFIT RIDER. When applying for the Contract, an Owner
may elect one of three optional Enhanced Death Benefit (EDB) Riders: (1) an
Enhanced Death Benefit With Annual Step-Up; (2) a 5% Enhanced Death Benefit With
Annual Step-Up; or (3) a 7% Enhanced Death Benefit With Annual Step-Up. A
separate charge for an EDB Rider is made against the Contract's Accumulated
Value on the last day of each Contract month for the coverage provided during
that month. The charge is made through a pro-rata reduction (based on relative
values) of Accumulation Units in the Sub-Accounts and dollar amounts in the
Fixed and Guarantee Period Accounts. For specific charges and more detail, see
"C. Optional Rider Charges" under CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS.
1. THE EDB WITH ANNUAL STEP-UP PROVIDES THE FOLLOWING BENEFIT:
I. Death BEFORE 90th Birthday. If an Owner (or an Annuitant if the Owner is not
a natural person) dies before the Annuity Date and before his/her 90th birthday,
the death benefit is equal to the GREATEST of:
(a) the Accumulated Value on the Valuation Date that the Company receives
proof of death increased by any positive Market Value Adjustment;
(b) gross payments made to the Contract until the date of death,
proportionately reduced to reflect withdrawals; or
(c) the highest Accumulated Value on any Contract anniversary date prior to
the date of death, as determined after being increased for any positive
Market Value Adjustment and subsequent payments and proportionately
reduced for subsequent withdrawals.
II. Death ON OR AFTER 90th Birthday. If an Owner (or an Annuitant if the Owner
is not a natural person) dies before the Annuity Date but on or after his/her
90th birthday, the death benefit is equal to the GREATER of:
(a) the Accumulated Value on the Valuation Date that the Company receives
proof of death increased by any positive Market Value Adjustment; or
(b) the death benefit, as calculated under Section I, that would have been
payable on the Contract anniversary prior to the deceased's 90th
birthday, increased for subsequent payments and proportionately reduced
for subsequent withdrawals.
Proportionate reductions are calculated in the same manner as described above
under "Standard Death Benefit."
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2. THE 5% EDB WITH ANNUAL STEP-UP PROVIDES THE FOLLOWING BENEFIT:
I. Death BEFORE 90th Birthday. If an Owner (or an Annuitant if the Owner is not
a natural person) dies before the Annuity Date and before his/her 90th birthday,
the death benefit will be the GREATER of:
(a) the Accumulated Value on the Valuation Date that the Company receives
proof of death increased by any positive Market Value Adjustment; or
(b) gross payments, accumulated daily at an effective annual yield of 5%
from the date each payment is applied until the date of death,
proportionately reduced to reflect subsequent withdrawals;
(c) the highest Accumulated Value on any Contract anniversary date prior to
the date of death, as determined after being increased for any positive
Market Value Adjustment and subsequent payments and proportionately
reduced for subsequent withdrawals.
II. Death ON OR AFTER 90th Birthday. If an Owner (or an Annuitant if the Owner
is not a natural person) dies before the Annuity Date but on or after his/her
90th birthday, the death benefit is equal to the GREATER of:
(a) the Accumulated Value on the Valuation Date that the Company receives
proof of death increased by any positive Market Value Adjustment; or
(b) the death benefit, as calculated under Section I above, that would have
been payable on the Contract anniversary prior to the deceased's 90th
birthday, increased for subsequent payments and proportionately reduced
for subsequent withdrawals.
Proportionate reductions are calculated in the same manner as described above
under "Standard Death Benefit."
3. THE 7% EDB WITH ANNUAL STEP-UP PROVIDES THE FOLLOWING BENEFIT:
I. Death BEFORE 90th Birthday. If an Owner (or an Annuitant if the Owner is not
a natural person) dies before the Annuity Date and before his/her 90th birthday,
the death benefit will be the GREATEST of:
(a) the Accumulated Value on the Valuation Date that the Company receives
proof of death increased by any positive Market Value Adjustment;
(b) gross payments, accumulated daily at an effective annual yield of 7%
from the date each payment is applied until the date of death,
proportionately reduced to reflect withdrawals; and
(c) the highest Accumulated Value on any Contract anniversary date prior to
the date of death, as determined after being increased for any positive
Market Value Adjustment and subsequent payments and proportionately
reduced for subsequent withdrawals.
The value determined in section (b) above cannot exceed 200% of the total of
gross payments and Payment Credits, proportionately reduced for subsequent
withdrawals.
II. Death ON OR AFTER 90th Birthday. If an Owner (or the Annuitant if the Owner
is not a natural person) dies before the Annuity Date but on or after his/her
90th birthday, the death benefit is equal to the GREATER of:
(a) the Accumulated Value on the Valuation Date that the Company receives
proof of death increased by any positive Market Value Adjustment; or
(b) the death benefit, as calculated under Section I above, that would have
been payable on the Contract anniversary prior to the deceased's 90th
birthday, increased for subsequent payments and proportionately reduced
for subsequent withdrawals.
Proportionate reductions are calculated in the same manner as described above
under "Standard Death Benefit."
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PAYMENT OF THE DEATH BENEFIT PRIOR TO THE ANNUITY DATE. The death benefit
generally will be paid to the beneficiary in one sum upon receipt of due proof
of death at the Principal Office, unless the Owner has elected to apply the
proceeds to a life annuity not extending beyond the beneficiary's life
expectancy. Instead of payment in one sum, the beneficiary may, by written
request, elect to:
(1) defer distribution of the death benefit for a period no more than five
years from the date of death; or
(2) receive distributions over the life of the beneficiary or for a period
certain not extending beyond the beneficiary's life expectancy, with
annuity benefit payments beginning within one year from the date of
death.
If distribution of the death benefit is deferred under (1) or (2), any value in
the Guarantee Period Accounts will be transferred to the DGPF Cash Reserve
Series Sub-Account. The excess, if any, of the death benefit over the
Accumulated Value also will be transferred to the DGPF Cash Reserve
Series Sub-Account. The beneficiary may, by written request, effect transfers
and withdrawals during the deferral period and prior to annuitization under (2),
but may not make additional payments. The death benefit will reflect any
earnings or losses experienced during the deferral period. If there are multiple
beneficiaries, the consent of all is required.
H. THE SPOUSE OF THE OWNER AS BENEFICIARY
If the sole beneficiary is the deceased Owner's spouse, he or she may, by
written request, continue the Contract rather than receiving payment of the
death benefit. The spouse will then become the Owner and Annuitant subject to
the following:
(1) any value in the Guarantee Period Accounts will be transferred to the
DGPF Cash Reserve Series Sub-Account; and
(2) the excess, if any, of the death benefit over the Contract's Accumulated
Value also will be added to the DGPF Cash Reserve Series Sub-Account.
The resulting value will never be subject to a surrender charge when withdrawn.
The new Owner may also make additional payments, but a surrender charge will
apply to these additional amounts if they are withdrawn before they have been
invested in the Contract for at least nine years. All other rights and benefits
provided in the Contract will continue, except that any subsequent spouse of the
new Owner, if named as beneficiary, will not be entitled to continue the
Contract when the new Owner dies.
I. OPTIONAL MINIMUM GUARANTEED ANNUITY PAYOUT (M-GAP) RIDER
An optional Minimum Guaranteed Annuity Payout (M-GAP) Rider is currently
available in most jurisdictions at Issue Date for a separate monthly charge.
(See, "C. Optional Rider Charges" under CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS.) The M-GAP Rider
guarantees a minimum amount of fixed annuity lifetime income during the annuity
payout phase after a ten-year or a fifteen-year waiting period, subject to the
conditions described below. The M-GAP Rider may not be available in all
jurisdictions. The Company reserves the right to terminate the availability of
the M-GAP Rider at any time. Such a termination would not effect Riders issued
prior to the termination date but, as noted below, Owners would not be able to
purchase a new Rider under the repurchase feature. (See "Repurchase Feature.")
The M-GAP Rider does not create Accumulated Value or guarantee performance of
any investment option. Annuitization under the terms of this Rider will occur at
the guaranteed annuity option rates listed under the Annuity Option Tables in
the Contract. Because this Rider is based on guaranteed actuarial factors, the
level of lifetime income that it guarantees may often be less than the level
that would be provided by applying the then current annuity factors. Therefore,
the Rider should be regarded as providing a guarantee of a minimum amount of
annuity income.
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An M-GAP Benefit Base is determined on the Rider's effective date and each
applicable Contract anniversary thereafter. The M-GAP Benefit Base, less any
applicable premium tax, is the value that will be annuitized at the guaranteed
annuity option rates if the Rider is exercised. As described below, withdrawals
will reduce the Benefit Base.
The M-GAP Benefit Base is equal to the greatest of:
(a) the Accumulated Value, increased by any positive Market Value
Adjustment, if applicable, on the Contract Anniversary that the M-GAP
Benefit Base is being determined;
(b) the Accumulated Value on the effective date of the Rider accumulated
daily at an effective annual yield of 5%, plus gross payments made
thereafter accumulated daily at an effective annual yield of 5%, starting
on the date each payment is applied, proportionately reduced to reflect
withdrawals; and
(c) the highest Accumulated Value on any Contract anniversary since the
Rider's effective date as determined after being increased for any
subsequent payments and any positive Market Value Adjustment, if
applicable, and proportionately reduced for subsequent withdrawals.
For each withdrawal described above, the proportionate reduction is calculated
by multiplying the (b) or (c) value, whichever is applicable, determined
immediately prior to the withdrawal by the following fraction:
Amount of the withdrawal
----------------------------------------------------------
Accumulated Value determined immediately prior to the withdrawal
CONDITIONS ON ELECTION OF THE M-GAP RIDER. The following conditions apply to
the election of the M-GAP Rider:
- The Owner must elect the M-GAP Rider at Contract issue.
- The Owner may not elect to repurchase a Rider with a ten-year waiting
period if at the time of election the youngest Owner has reached his or
her 87th birthday.
- The Owner may not elect to purchase or repurchase a Rider with a
fifteen-year waiting period if at the time of election the youngest Owner
has reached his or her 82nd birthday (the age limitations may be lower in
some jurisdictions.)
REPURCHASE FEATURE. On any Contract anniversary or within thirty days
immediately following any Contract anniversary, if the M-GAP Rider is still
being offered by the Company, the Owner may elect to terminate and repurchase
the Rider, thereby resetting the benefit based on the Contract's then current
Accumulated Value. The repurchase will be effective as of the termination date
of the prior Rider. A new waiting period, equal to or greater than the prior
waiting period, will commence as of that date. If the benefit is repurchased,
the Company's then current monthly charge for the M-GAP Rider will apply.
EXERCISING THE M-GAP RIDER. The following conditions apply to the exercise of
the M-GAP Rider:
- The Owner may only exercise the M-GAP Rider within thirty days after any
Contract anniversary following the expiration of a ten or fifteen-year
waiting period (whichever was elected) from the effective date of the
Rider.
- The Owner may only annuitize under a fixed annuity payout option involving
a life contingency, as provided under "C. Description of Annuity Payout
Options."
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- The Owner may only annuitize at the guaranteed fixed annuity option rates
listed under the Annuity Option Tables in the Contract.
TERMINATING THE M-GAP RIDER. The following conditions apply to the termination
of the M-GAP Rider:
- The Owner may not terminate the M-GAP Rider prior to the seventh Contract
anniversary after the effective date of the Rider, unless such termination
occurs (1) on or within thirty days after a Contract anniversary and
(2) in conjunction with the repurchase of an M-GAP Rider with a waiting
period of equal or greater length, if available.
- The Owner may terminate the M-GAP Rider any time after the seventh
Contract anniversary following the effective date of the Rider,
- Other than in the event of a repurchase, once terminated the M-GAP Rider
may not be purchased again.
- The M-GAP Rider will terminate on the date the Contract is surrendered or
annuitized, or on the date that a death benefit is payable unless the
Contract is continued under "H. The Spouse of the Owner as Beneficiary"
under DESCRIPTION OF THE CONTRACT -- THE ACCUMULATION PHASE.
From time to time the Company may illustrate minimum guaranteed income amounts
under the M-GAP Rider for individuals based on a variety of assumptions,
including varying rates of return on the value of the Contract during the
accumulation phase, annuity payout periods, annuity payout options and M-GAP
Rider waiting periods. Any assumed rates of return are for purposes of
illustration only and are not intended as a representation of past or future
investment rates of return.
For example, the illustration below assumes an initial payment of $100,000 plus
Payment Credits for a male age 60 (at issue) and exercise of an M-GAP Rider with
a ten-year waiting period. The illustration assumes that no subsequent payments
or withdrawals are made and that the annuity payout option is a Life With 10
Year Period Certain. The values below have been computed based on a 5% net rate
of return and are the guaranteed minimums that would be received under the M-GAP
Rider. The minimum guaranteed benefit base amounts are the values that will be
annuitized if the Rider is exercised. Minimum guaranteed annual income values
are based on a fixed annuity payout.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONTRACT MINIMUM MINIMUM
ANNIVERSARY GUARANTEED GUARANTEED
AT EXERCISE BENEFIT BASE ANNUAL INCOME(1)
- ----------- ------------ ----------------
<S> <C> <C>
10 $169,405 $12,664
15 $216,209 $18,395
</TABLE>
(1)Other fixed annuity payout options involving a life contingency other than
Life Annuity With Payments Guaranteed for 10 Years are available. See "D.
Description of Annuity Payout Options."
J. ASSIGNMENT
The Contract, other than one sold in connection with certain qualified plans,
may be assigned by the Owner at any time prior to the Annuity Date and prior to
the death of an Owner (see FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS). The Company will not be
deemed to have knowledge of an assignment unless it is made in writing and filed
at the Principal Office. The Company will not assume responsibility for
determining the validity of any assignment. If an assignment of the Contract is
in effect on the Annuity Date, the Company reserves the right to pay to the
assignee, in one sum, that portion of the Surrender Value of the Contract to
which the assignee appears to be entitled. The Company will pay the balance, if
any, in one sum to the Owner in full settlement of all liability under the
Contract. The interest of the Owner and of any beneficiary will be subject to
any assignment.
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ANNUITIZATION -- THE PAYOUT PHASE
Subject to certain restrictions discussed below, at annuitization the Owner has
the right:
- to select the annuity payout option under which annuity benefit payments
are to be made;
- to determine whether those payments are to be made on a fixed basis, a
variable basis, or a combination fixed and variable basis. If a variable
annuity payout option is selected, the Owner must choose an Annuity
Benefit Payment Change Frequency ("Change Frequency") and the date the
first Change Frequency will occur;
- to select one of the available Assumed Investment Returns ("AIR") for a
variable option (see "D. Variable Annuity Benefit Payments" below for
details); and
- to elect to have the Death Benefit applied under any annuity payout option
not extending beyond the beneficiary's life expectancy. The beneficiary
may not change such an election.
A. ELECTING THE ANNUITY DATE
Generally, annuity benefit payments under the Contract will begin on the Annuity
Date. The Annuity Date:
- may not be earlier than the second Contract Anniversary; and
- must occur on the first day of any month before the Owner's 99th birthday.
If the Owner does not select an Annuity Date, the Annuity Date will be the later
of (a) the Owner's age 85 or (b) two years after the Issue Date.
If there are Joint Owners, the age of the younger will determine the latest
possible Annuity Date. The Owner may elect to change the Annuity Date by sending
a written request to the Principal Office at least one month before the earlier
of the new Annuity Date or the currently scheduled date.
If the Annuity Date occurs when the Owner is at an advanced age, it is possible
that the Contract will not be considered an annuity for federal tax purposes. In
addition, the Internal Revenue Code ("the Code") and/or the terms of qualified
plans may impose limitations on the age at which annuity benefit payments may
commence and the type of annuity payout option that may be elected. The Owner
should carefully review the Annuity Date and the annuity payout options with
his/her tax adviser. See FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS for further information.
B. CHOOSING THE ANNUITY PAYOUT OPTION
Regardless of how payments were allocated during the accumulation phase, the
Owner may choose a variable annuity payout option, a fixed annuity payout option
or a combination fixed and variable annuity payout option. Currently, all of the
variable annuity payout options described below are available and may be funded
through all of the variable Sub-Accounts. In addition, each of the variable
annuity payout options is also available on a fixed basis. The Company may offer
other annuity payout options.
The Owner may change the annuity payout option up to one month before the
Annuity Date. If the Owner fails to choose an annuity payout option, monthly
benefit payments will be made under a variable Life with Cash Back annuity
payout option. If the Owner exercises the M-GAP Rider, annuity benefit payments
must be made under a fixed annuity payout option involving a life contingency
option.
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The annuity payout option selected must result in an initial payment of at least
$50 (a lower amount may be required in certain jurisdictions.) The Company
reserves the right to increase this minimum amount. If the annuity payout option
selected does not produce an initial payment which meets this minimum, a single
payment may be made.
FIXED ANNUITY PAYOUT OPTIONS. If the Owner selects a fixed annuity payout
option, each monthly annuity benefit payment will be equal to the first (unless
a withdrawal is made or as otherwise described under certain reduced survivor
annuity benefits.) Any portion of the Contract's Accumulated Value converted to
a fixed annuity will be held in the Company's General Account. The Contract
provides guaranteed fixed annuity rates that determine the dollar amount of the
first payment under each form of fixed annuity for each $1,000 of applied value.
These rates are based on the Annuity 2000 Mortality Table and a 3% AIR. The
Company may offer annuity rates more favorable than those contained in the
Contract. Any such rates will be applied uniformly to all Owners of the same
class. For more specific information about fixed annuity payout options, see the
Contract.
VARIABLE ANNUITY PAYOUT OPTIONS. If the Owner selects a variable annuity payout
option, he/she will receive monthly payments equal to the value of the fixed
number of Annuity Units in the chosen Sub-Account(s). The first variable annuity
benefit payment will be based on the current annuity option rates made available
by the Company at the time the variable annuity payout option is selected.
Annuity option rates determine the dollar amount of the first payment for each
$1,000 of applied value. The annuity option rates are based on the Annuity 2000
Mortality Table and a 3% AIR.
Since the value of an Annuity Unit in a Sub-Account reflects the investment
performance of the Sub-Account, the amount of each monthly annuity benefit
payment will usually vary. However, under this Contract, if the Owner elects a
variable payout option, he or she must also select a monthly, quarterly,
semi-annual or annual Change Frequency. The Change Frequency is the frequency
that changes due to the Sub-Account's investment performance will be reflected
in the dollar value of a variable annuity benefit payment. As such, the Change
Frequency chosen will determine how frequently monthly variable annuity payments
will vary. For example, if a monthly Change Frequency is in effect, payments may
vary on a monthly basis. If a quarterly Change Frequency is selected, the amount
of each monthly payment may change every three months and will be level within
each three month cycle.
At the time the Change Frequency is elected, the Owner must also select the date
the first change is to occur. This date may not be later than the length of the
Change Frequency elected. For example, if a semi-annual Change Frequency is
elected, the date of the first change may not be later than six months after the
Annuity Date. If a quarterly Change Frequency is elected, the date of the first
change may not be later than three months after the Annuity Date.
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C. DESCRIPTION OF ANNUITY PAYOUT OPTIONS
The Company currently provides the following annuity payout options:
LIFE ANNUITY PAYOUT OPTION
- SINGLE LIFE ANNUITY -- Monthly payments during the Annuitant's life.
Payments cease with the last annuity benefit payment due prior to the
Annuitant's death.
- JOINT AND SURVIVOR ANNUITIES -- Monthly payments during the Annuitant's
and Joint Annuitant's joint lifetimes. Upon the first death, payments will
continue for the remaining lifetime of the survivor at a previously
elected level of 100%, two-thirds or one-half of the total number of
Annuity Units.
LIFE WITH PERIOD CERTAIN ANNUITY PAYOUT OPTION
- SINGLE LIFE -- Monthly payments guaranteed for a specified number of years
and continuing thereafter during the Annuitant's lifetime. If the
Annuitant dies before all guaranteed payments have been made, the
remaining payments continue to the Owner or the Beneficiary (whichever is
applicable).
- JOINT AND SURVIVOR ANNUITIES -- Monthly payments guaranteed for a
specified number of years and continuing during the Annuitant's and Joint
Annuitant's joint lifetimes. Upon the first death, payments continue for
the survivor's remaining lifetime at the previously elected level of 100%,
two-thirds or one-half of the Annuity Units. If the surviving Annuitant
dies before all guaranteed payments have been made, the remaining payments
continue to the Owner or the Beneficiary (whichever is applicable).
LIFE WITH CASH BACK ANNUITY PAYOUT OPTION
- SINGLE LIFE -- Monthly payments during the Annuitant's life. Thereafter,
any excess of the original applied Annuity Value, over the total amount of
annuity benefit payments made and withdrawals taken, will be paid to the
Owner or the Beneficiary (whichever is applicable).
- JOINT AND SURVIVOR ANNUITIES -- Monthly payments during the Annuitant's
and Joint Annuitant's joint lifetimes. At the first death, payments
continue for the survivor's remaining lifetime at the previously elected
level of 100%, two-thirds or one-half of the Annuity Units. Thereafter,
any excess of the original applied Annuity Value, over the total amount of
annuity benefit payments made and withdrawals taken, will be paid to the
Owner or the Beneficiary (whichever is applicable).
PERIOD CERTAIN ANNUITY PAYOUT OPTION
Monthly annuity benefit payments for a chosen number of years ranging from five
to thirty are paid. If the Annuitant dies before the end of the period,
remaining payments will continue. The period certain option does not involve a
life contingency. In the computation of the payments under this option, the
charge for annuity rate guarantees, which includes a factor for mortality risks,
is made.
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D. VARIABLE ANNUITY BENEFIT PAYMENTS
THE ANNUITY UNIT. On and after the Annuity Date, the Annuity Unit is a measure
of the value of the monthly annuity benefit payments under a variable annuity
payout option. The value of an Annuity Unit in each Sub-Account on its inception
date was set at $1.00. The value of an Annuity Unit of a Sub-Account on any
Valuation Date thereafter is equal to the value of the Annuity Unit on the
immediately preceding Valuation Date multiplied by the product of:
(a) a discount factor equivalent to the AIR and
(b) the Net Investment Factor of the Sub-Account funding the annuity benefit
payments for the applicable Valuation Period.
Annuity benefit payments will increase from one payment date to the next if the
annualized net rate of return during that period is greater than the AIR and
will decrease if the annualized net rate of return is less than the AIR. Where
permitted by law, the Owner may select an AIR of 3%, 5% or 7%. A higher AIR will
result in a higher initial payment. However, subsequent payments will increase
more slowly during periods when actual investment performance exceeds the AIR
and will decrease more rapidly during periods when investment performance is
less than the AIR.
DETERMINATION OF THE FIRST ANNUITY BENEFIT PAYMENT. The amount of the first
periodic variable annuity benefit payment depends on the:
- annuity payout option chosen;
- length of the annuity payout option elected;
- age of the Annuitant;
- gender of the Annuitant (if applicable, see "H. NORRIS Decision");
- value of the amount applied under the annuity payout option;
- applicable annuity option rates based on the Annuity 2000 Mortality Table;
and
- AIR selected.
The dollar amount of the first periodic annuity benefit payment is determined by
multiplying
(1) the Accumulated Value applied under that option after application of any
Market Value Adjustment and less premium tax, if any, (or the amount of
the death benefit, if applicable) divided by $1,000, by
(2) the applicable amount of the first monthly payment per $1,000 of value.
DETERMINATION OF THE NUMBER OF ANNUITY UNITS. The dollar amount of the first
variable annuity benefit payment is then divided by the value of an Annuity Unit
of the selected Sub-Account(s) to determine the number of Annuity Units
represented by the first payment. The number of Annuity Units remains fixed
under all annuity payout options (except for the survivor annuity benefit
payment under the joint and two-thirds or joint and one-half option) unless the
Owner transfers among Sub-Accounts, makes a withdrawal, or units are split.
DOLLAR AMOUNT OF SUBSEQUENT VARIABLE ANNUITY BENEFIT PAYMENTS. For each
subsequent payment, the dollar amount of the variable annuity benefit payment is
determined by multiplying this fixed number of Annuity Units by the value of an
Annuity Unit on the applicable Valuation Date. The dollar amount of each
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periodic variable annuity benefit payment after the first will vary with
subsequent variations in the value of the Annuity Unit of the selected
Sub-Account(s).
For an illustration of the calculation of a variable annuity benefit payment
using a hypothetical example, see "Annuity Benefit Payments" in the SAI.
PAYMENT OF ANNUITY BENEFIT PAYMENTS. The Owner will receive the annuity benefit
payments unless he/ she requests in writing that payments be made to another
person, persons, or entity. If the Owner (or, if there are Joint Owners, the
surviving Joint Owner) dies on or after the Annuity Date, the beneficiary will
become the Owner of the Contract. Any remaining annuity benefit payments will
continue to the beneficiary in accordance with the terms of the annuity benefit
payment option selected. If there are Joint Owners on or after the Annuity Date,
upon the first Owner's death, any remaining annuity benefit payments will
continue to the surviving Joint Owner in accordance with the terms of the
annuity benefit payment option selected.
If an Annuitant dies on or after the Annuity Date but before all guaranteed
annuity benefit payments have been made, any remaining guaranteed payments will
continue to be paid to the Owner or the payee the Owner has designated. Unless
otherwise indicated by the Owner, the present value of any remaining guaranteed
annuity benefit payments may be paid in a single sum to the Owner. For
discussion of present value calculation, see "Calculation of Present Value"
below.
E. TRANSFERS OF ANNUITY UNITS
After the Annuity Date and prior to the death of the Annuitant, the Owner may
transfer among the available Sub-Accounts upon written or telephone request to
the Company. As discussed in "A. Payments," a properly completed authorization
form must be on file before telephone requests will be honored. A designated
number of Annuity Units equal to the dollar amount of the transfer requested
will be exchanged for an equivalent dollar amount of Annuity Units of another
Sub-Account. Transfer values will be based on the Annuity Value next computed
after receipt of the transfer request.
Currently, the Company does not charge for transfers. The first 12 transfers in
a Contract year are guaranteed to be free of any transfer charge. For each
subsequent transfer in a Contract year, the Company reserves the right to assess
a charge, guaranteed never to exceed $25, to reimburse it for the expense of
processing transfers. As of the date of this Prospectus, transfers may be made
to all of the Sub-Accounts; however, the Company reserves the right to limit the
number of Sub-Accounts to which transfers may be made.
Automatic transfers (Dollar Cost Averaging) are available during the
annuitization phase subject to the same rules described in "E. Transfer
Privilege" under DESCRIPTION OF THE CONTRACT -- THE ACCUMULATION PHASE except
that the Fixed Account is not available as a source account.
F. WITHDRAWALS AFTER THE ANNUITY DATE
WITHDRAWALS AFTER THE ANNUITY DATE FROM QUALIFIED AND NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS
MAY HAVE ADVERSE TAX CONSEQUENCES. BEFORE MAKING A WITHDRAWAL, PLEASE CONSULT
YOUR TAX ADVISOR AND SEE "C. TAXATION OF THE CONTRACT IN GENERAL," "WITHDRAWALS
AFTER ANNUITIZATION" UNDER FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS.
After the Annuity Date and prior to the death of the Annuitant, the Owner may
take withdrawals from the Contract. The Owner must submit to the Principal
Office a signed, written request indicating the desired dollar amount of the
withdrawal. The minimum amount of a withdrawal is $1,000. If the amount
requested is greater than the maximum amount that may be withdrawn at that time,
the Company will allow the withdrawal only up to the maximum amount.
The type of withdrawal and the number of withdrawals that may be made each
calendar year depend upon whether the Owner annuitizes under an annuity payout
option with payments based on the life of one or more
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Annuitants with no guaranteed payments (a "Life" annuity payout option), under a
life annuity payout option that in part provides for a guaranteed number of
payments (a "Life With Period Certain" or "Life With Cash Back" annuity payout
option), or an annuity payout option based on a guaranteed number of payments (a
"Period Certain" annuity payout option).
- - WITHDRAWALS UNDER LIFE ANNUITY PAYOUT OPTIONS
The Owner may make one Payment Withdrawal in each calendar year. A Payment
Withdrawal cannot exceed the previous monthly annuity benefit payment
multiplied by ten (10). The amount of each Payment Withdrawal represents a
percentage of the present value of the remaining annuity benefit payments.
- - WITHDRAWALS UNDER LIFE WITH PERIOD CERTAIN OR LIFE WITH CASH BACK ANNUITY
PAYOUT OPTIONS
The Owner may make one Payment Withdrawal in each calendar year. A Payment
Withdrawal cannot exceed the previous monthly annuity benefit payment
multiplied by ten (10). The amount of each Payment Withdrawal represents a
percentage of the present value of the remaining annuity benefit payments.
The Owner may make one Present Value Withdrawal in each calendar year, if
there are remaining GUARANTEED annuity benefit payments. The amount of each
Present Value Withdrawal represents a percentage of the present value of the
remaining guaranteed annuity benefit payments. Each year a Present Value
Withdrawal is taken, the Company records the percentage of the present value
of the then remaining guaranteed annuity benefit payments that was
withdrawn. The total percentage withdrawn over the life of the Contract
cannot exceed 75%. This means that each Present Value Withdrawal is limited
by the REMAINING AVAILABLE PERCENTAGE. (For example, assume that in year
three the Owner withdraws 15% of the then current present value of the
remaining guaranteed annuity benefit payments. In year seven, the Owner
withdraws 20% of the then present value of the remaining guaranteed number
of annuity benefit payments. Through year seven the total percentage
withdrawn is 35%. After year seven, the Owner may make Present Value
Withdrawal(s) of up to 40% (75% - 35%) of the present value of any remaining
guaranteed annuity benefit payments).
Under a Life with Period Certain annuity payout option or Life with Cash
Back annuity payout option, if the Annuitant is still living after the
guaranteed annuity benefit payments have been made, the number of Annuity
Units or dollar amount applied to future annuity benefit payments will be
restored as if no Present Value Withdrawal(s) had taken place. See
"Calculation of Proportionate Reduction -- Present Value Withdrawals,"
below.
- - WITHDRAWALS UNDER PERIOD CERTAIN ANNUITY PAYOUT OPTIONS
The Owner may make multiple Present Value Withdrawals in each calendar year,
up to 100% of the present value of the guaranteed annuity benefit payments.
Withdrawal of 100% of the present value of the guaranteed annuity benefit
payments will result in termination of the Contract.
The amount of each Payment Withdrawal or Present Value Withdrawal represents a
portion of the present value of the remaining annuity benefit payments or
remaining guaranteed annuity benefit payments, respectively, and proportionately
reduces the number of Annuity Units (under a variable annuity payout option) or
dollar amount (under a fixed annuity payout option) applied to future annuity
benefit payments. Because each variable annuity benefit payment is determined by
multiplying the number of Annuity Units by the value of an Annuity Unit, the
reduction in the number of Annuity Units will result in lower future variable
annuity benefit payments. See "Calculation of Proportionate Reduction," below.
The present value is calculated with a discount rate that will include an
additional charge if a withdrawal is taken within 5 years of the Issue Date. See
"Calculation of Present Value," below.
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CALCULATION OF PROPORTIONATE REDUCTION. Each Payment Withdrawal proportionately
reduces the number of Annuity Units applied to each future variable annuity
benefit payment or the dollar amount applied to each future fixed annuity
benefit payment. Each Present Value Withdrawal proportionately reduces the
number of Annuity Units applied to each future GUARANTEED variable annuity
benefit payment or the dollar amount applied to each future GUARANTEED fixed
annuity benefit payment. Because each variable annuity benefit payment is
determined by multiplying the number of Annuity Units by the value of an Annuity
Unit, the reduction in the number of Annuity Units will result in lower future
variable annuity benefit payments.
- - PAYMENT WITHDRAWALS. Payment Withdrawals are available under Life, Life with
Period Certain, or Life with Cash Back annuity payout options. The Owner may
make one Payment Withdrawal in each calendar year.
Under a variable annuity payout option, the proportionate reduction in Annuity
Units is calculated by multiplying the number of Annuity Units in each future
variable annuity benefit payment (determined immediately prior to the
withdrawal) by the following fraction:
Amount of the variable withdrawal
-------------------------------------------------
Present value of all remaining variable annuity benefit
payments immediately prior to the withdrawal
Because each variable annuity benefit payment is determined by multiplying the
number of Annuity Units by the value of an Annuity Unit, the reduction in the
number of Annuity Units will result in lower future variable annuity benefit
payments.
Under a fixed annuity payout option, the proportionate reduction is calculated
by multiplying the dollar amount of each future fixed annuity benefit payment
by a similar fraction, which is based on the amount of the fixed withdrawal
and present value of remaining fixed annuity benefit payments.
If a withdrawal is taken within 5 years of the Issue Date, the discount rate
used to calculate the present value will include an additional charge. See
"Calculation of Present Value," below.
- - PRESENT VALUE WITHDRAWALS. Present Value Withdrawals are available under Life
with Period Certain or Life with Cash Back annuity payout options (the Owner
may make one Present Value Withdrawal in each calendar year, if there are
remaining guaranteed annuity benefit payments) and under Period Certain
annuity payout options (the Owner may make multiple Present Value Withdrawals
in each calendar year).
Under a variable annuity payout option, the proportionate reduction in Annuity
Units is calculated by multiplying the number of Annuity Units in each future
variable guaranteed annuity benefit payment (determined immediately prior to
the withdrawal) by the following fraction:
Amount of the variable withdrawal
-------------------------------------------------
Present value of remaining guaranteed variable annuity
benefit payments immediately prior to the withdrawal
Under a fixed annuity payout option, the proportionate reduction is calculated
by multiplying the dollar amount of each future fixed annuity benefit payment
by a similar fraction, which is based on the amount of the fixed withdrawal
and present value of remaining guaranteed fixed annuity benefit payments.
Because each variable annuity benefit payment is determined by multiplying the
number of Annuity Units by the value of an Annuity Unit, the reduction in the
number of Annuity Units will result in lower variable annuity benefit payments
with respect to the guaranteed payments. Under a fixed annuity payout option,
the proportionate reduction will result in lower fixed annuity benefit
payments with respect to the guaranteed payments. However, under a Life with
Period Certain annuity payout option or Life with Cash Back annuity
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payout option, if the Annuitant is still living after the guaranteed number of
annuity benefit payments has been made, the number of Annuity Units or dollar
amount of future annuity benefit payments will be restored as if no Present
Value Withdrawal(s) had taken place.
If a withdrawal is taken within 5 years of the Issue Date, the discount rate
used to calculate the present value will include an additional charge. See
"Calculation of Present Value," below.
CALCULATION OF PRESENT VALUE. When a withdrawal is taken, the present value of
future annuity benefit payments is calculated based on an assumed mortality
table and a discount rate. The mortality table that is used will be equal to the
mortality table used at the time of annuitization to determine the annuity
benefit payments (currently the Annuity 2000 Mortality Table with male, female,
or unisex rates, as appropriate). The discount rate is the AIR (for a variable
annuity payout option) or the interest rate (for a fixed annuity payout option)
that was used at the time of annuitization to determine the annuity benefit
payments. If a withdrawal is made within 5 years of the Issue Date, the discount
rate is increased by one of the following charges ("Withdrawal Adjustment
Charge"):
- 15 or more years of annuity benefit payments being valued -- 1.00%
- 10-14 years of annuity benefit payments being valued -- 1.50%
- Less than 10 years of annuity benefit payments being valued -- 2.00%
The Withdrawal Adjustment Charge does not apply if a withdrawal is made in
connection with the death of an Annuitant or if a withdrawal is made 5 or more
years after the Issue Date.
For each Payment Withdrawal, the number of years of annuity benefit payments
being valued depends upon the life expectancy of the Annuitant at the time of
the withdrawal. The life expectancy will be determined by a mortality table that
will be equal to the mortality table used at the time of annuitization to
determine the annuity benefit payments (currently the Annuity 2000 Mortality
Table).
Because the impact of the Withdrawal Adjustment Charge will depend on the type
of withdrawal taken, you should carefully consider the following before making a
withdrawal (especially if you are making the withdrawal under a Life with Period
Certain or Life with Cash Back annuity payout option):
- For a Payment Withdrawal, the present value calculation (including any
applicable adjustments) affects the proportionate reduction of the
remaining number of Annuity Units (under a variable annuity payout option)
or dollar amount (under a fixed annuity payout option), applied to each
future annuity benefit payment, as explained in "Calculation of
Proportionate Reduction -- Payment Withdrawals," above. If a Withdrawal
Adjustment Charge applies, there will be a larger proportionate reduction
in the number of Annuity Units or the dollar amount applied to each future
annuity benefit payment. This will result in lower future annuity benefit
payments, all other things being equal.
- For a Present Value Withdrawal, the discount factor is used in determining
the maximum amount that can be withdrawn under the present value
calculation. If a Withdrawal Adjustment Charge applies, the discount
factor will be higher, and the maximum amount that can be withdrawn will
be lower. In addition, there will be a larger proportionate reduction in
the number of Annuity Units or the dollar amount applied to each future
guaranteed annuity benefit payment. This will result in lower future
annuity benefit payments with respect to the guaranteed payments, all
other things being equal. See "Calculation of Proportionate Reduction --
Present Value Withdrawals," above.
For examples comparing a Payment Withdrawal and a Present Value Withdrawal, see
APPENDIX D -- EXAMPLES OF PRESENT VALUE WITHDRAWALS AND PAYMENT WITHDRAWALS.
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DEFERRAL OF WITHDRAWALS. A withdrawal is normally payable within seven days
following the Company's receipt of the withdrawal request. However, the Company
reserves the right to defer withdrawals of amounts in each Sub-Account in any
period during which:
- trading on the New York Stock Exchange is restricted as determined by the
SEC or such Exchange is closed for other than weekends and holidays;
- the SEC has by order permitted such suspension; or
- an emergency, as determined by the SEC, exists such that disposal of
portfolio securities or valuation of assets of a separate account is not
reasonably practicable.
The Company reserves the right to defer withdrawals of amounts allocated to the
Company's General Account for a period not to exceed six months.
G. REVERSAL OF ANNUITIZATION
The Owner may reverse the decision to annuitize by written request to the
Company within 90 days of the Annuity Date. Upon receipt of such request, the
Company will return the Contract to the Accumulation Phase, subject to the
following:
(1) The value applied under a fixed annuity payout option at the time of
annuitization (except for the excess value of the M-GAP Benefit Base over
the Annuity Value, if applicable) will be treated as if it had been
invested in the Fixed Account of the Contract on that same date.
(2) The Sub-Account allocations that were in effect at the time of
annuitization will first be used for calculating the reversal. Any
transfers between variable Sub-Accounts during the Annuity Payout phase
will then be treated as transfers during the Accumulation Phase (As a
result, the Contract's Accumulated Value after the reversal will reflect
the same Sub-Account allocations that were in effect immediately prior to
the reversal).
(3) Any annuity benefit payments paid and any withdrawals taken during the
Annuity Payout phase will be treated as a withdrawal of the Surrender
Value in the Accumulation Phase, as of the date of the payment or
withdrawal. Surrender charges may apply to these withdrawals, and there
may be adverse tax consequences. See "C. Taxation of the Contract in
General" under FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS.
If the Company learns of the Owner's decision to reverse annuitization after the
maximum Annuity Date permitted under the Contract, the Company will contact the
Owner. The Owner must then immediately select an annuity payout option (either
the original annuity payout option or a different annuity payout option). If the
Owner does not select an annuity payout option, payments will begin under a
variable Life with Cash Back annuity payout option.
H. NORRIS DECISION
In the case of ARIZONA GOVERNING COMMITTEE V. NORRIS, the United States Supreme
Court ruled that, in connection with retirement benefit options offered under
certain employer-sponsored employee benefit plans, annuity payout options based
on sex-distinct actuarial tables are not permissible under Title VII of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964. The ruling requires that benefits derived from
contributions paid into a plan after August 1, 1983 be calculated without regard
to the sex of the employee. Annuity benefits attributable to payments received
by the Company under a Contract issued in connection with an employer-sponsored
benefit plan affected by the NORRIS decision will be based on unisex rates.
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CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS
Deductions under the Contract and charges against the assets of the Sub-Accounts
are described below. Other deductions and expenses paid out of the assets of the
Underlying Funds are described in the prospectuses and SAIs of the Underlying
Funds.
A. VARIABLE ACCOUNT DEDUCTIONS
MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISK CHARGE. The Company assesses a charge against the
assets of each Sub-Account to compensate for certain mortality and expense risks
it has assumed. The mortality and expense risk charge is assessed daily at an
annual rate of 1.25% of each Sub-Account's assets. The charge is imposed during
both the accumulation phase and the annuity payout phase. The mortality risk
arises from the Company's guarantee that it will make annuity benefit payments
in accordance with annuity rate provisions established at the time the Contract
is issued for the life of the Annuitant (or in accordance with the annuity
payout option selected), no matter how long the Annuitant lives and no matter
how long all Annuitants as a class live. The mortality charge is deducted during
the annuity payout phase on all Contracts, including those that do not involve a
life contingency, even though the Company does not bear direct mortality risk
with respect to variable annuity settlement options that do not involve life
contingencies. The expense risk arises from the Company's guarantee that the
charges it makes will not exceed the limits described in the Contract and in
this Prospectus.
If the charge for mortality and expense risks is not sufficient to cover actual
mortality experience and expenses, the Company will absorb the losses. If
expenses are less than the amounts provided to the Company by the charge, the
difference will be a profit to the Company. To the extent this charge results in
a profit to the Company, such profit will be available for use by the Company
for, among other things, the payment of distribution, sales and other expenses.
This charge may not be increased. Since mortality and expense risks involve
future contingencies that are not subject to precise determination in advance,
it is not feasible to identify specifically the portion of the charge which is
applicable to each.
ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE CHARGE. The Company assesses each Sub-Account with a
daily Administrative Expense Charge at an annual rate of 0.15% of the average
daily net assets of the Sub-Account. This charge may not be increased. The
charge is imposed during both the accumulation phase and the annuity payout
phase. The daily Administrative Expense Charge is assessed to help defray
administrative expenses actually incurred in the administration of the
Sub-Account. There is no direct relationship, however, between the amount of
administrative expenses imposed on a given Contract and the amount of expenses
actually attributable to that Contract.
Deductions for the Contract fee (described below under "B. Contract Fee") and
for the Administrative Expense Charge are designed to reimburse the Company for
the cost of administration and related expenses and are not expected to be a
source of profit. The administrative functions and expense assumed by the
Company in connection with the Variable Account and the Contract include, but
are not limited to, clerical, accounting, actuarial and legal services, rent,
postage, telephone, office equipment and supplies, expenses of preparing and
printing registration statements, expense of preparing and typesetting
prospectuses and the cost of printing prospectuses not allocable to sales
expense, filing and other fees.
OTHER CHARGES. Because the Sub-Accounts purchase shares of the Underlying
Funds, the value of the net assets of the Sub-Accounts will reflect the
investment advisory fee and other expenses incurred by the Underlying Funds.
Management fee waivers and/or reimbursements may be in effect for certain or all
of the Underlying Funds. For specific information regarding the existence and
effect of any waivers/reimbursements see "Annual Underlying Fund Expenses" under
SUMMARY OF FEES AND EXPENSES. The prospectuses
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<PAGE>
and SAIs for the Underlying Funds also contain additional information concerning
expenses of the Underlying Funds and should be read in conjunction with the
Prospectus.
B. CONTRACT FEE
A $35 Contract fee (a lower fee may apply in some states) currently is deducted
during the accumulation phase, on the Contract anniversary date and upon full
surrender of the Contract if the Accumulated Value on any of these dates is less
than $75,000. The Contract fee is currently waived for Contracts issued to and
maintained by the trustee of a 401(k) plan. The Company reserves the right to
impose a Contract fee up to $35 on Contracts issued to 401(k) plans but only
with respect to Contracts issued after the date the waiver is no longer
available.
Where Contract value has been allocated to more than one account, a percentage
of the total Contract fee will be deducted from the value in each account. The
portion of the charge deducted from each account will be equal to the percentage
that the value in that account bears to the Accumulated Value under the
Contract. The deduction of the Contract fee from a Sub-Account will result in
cancellation of a number of Accumulation Units equal in value to the portion of
the charge deducted from that Sub-Account.
Where permitted by law, the Contract fee also may be waived for Contracts where,
on the issue date, either the Owner or the Annuitant is within the following
class of individuals: employees and registered representatives of any
broker-dealer which has entered into a sales agreement with the Company to sell
the Contract; employees of the Company, its affiliates and subsidiaries,
officers, directors, trustees and employees of any of the Underlying Funds;
investment managers or sub-advisers; and the spouses of and immediate family
members residing in the same household with such eligible persons. "Immediate
family members" means children, siblings, parents and grandparents.
C. OPTIONAL RIDER CHARGES
Subject to state availability, the Company offers a number of riders that are
only available if elected by the Owner at issue. A separate monthly charge is
made for each Rider through a pro-rata reduction of the Accumulated Value of the
Sub-Accounts, the Fixed Account and the Guarantee Period Accounts. The pro-rata
reduction is based on the relative value that the Accumulation Units of the
Sub-Accounts, the dollar amounts in the Fixed Account and the dollar amounts in
the Guarantee Period Accounts bear to the total Accumulated Value.
The applicable charge for the following is assessed on the Accumulated Value on
the last day of each Contract month (and, with regard to the M-GAP Rider, on the
date the M-GAP Rider is terminated), multiplied by 1/12th of the following
annual percentage rates:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Minimum Guaranteed Annuity Payout Rider with ten-year
waiting period............................................ 0.35%
Minimum Guaranteed Annuity Payout Rider with fifteen-year
waiting period............................................ 0.20%
Enhanced Death Benefit With Annual Step-Up.................. 0.15%
5% Enhanced Death Benefit With Annual Step-Up............... 0.25%
7% Enhanced Death Benefit With Annual Step-Up............... 0.35%
</TABLE>
For a description of the Riders, see "Optional Enhanced Death Benefit Rider"
under "G. Death Benefit," and "I. Optional Minimum Guaranteed Annuity Payout
(M-GAP) Rider" under DESCRIPTION OF THE CONTRACT -- THE ACCUMULATION PHASE,
above.
D. PREMIUM TAXES
Some states and municipalities impose a premium tax on variable annuity
contracts. State premium taxes currently range up to 3.5%. The Company makes a
charge for state and municipal premium taxes, when
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applicable, and deducts the amount paid as a premium tax charge. The current
practice of the Company is to deduct the premium tax charge in one of two ways:
1. if the premium tax was paid by the Company when payments were received,
the premium tax charge is deducted on a pro-rata basis when withdrawals
are made, upon surrender of the Contract, or when annuity benefit
payments begin (the Company reserves the right instead to deduct the
premium tax charge for a Contract at the time payments are received); or
2. the premium tax charge is deducted when annuity benefit payments begin.
In no event will a deduction be taken before the Company has incurred a tax
liability under applicable state law.
If no amount for premium tax was deducted at the time the payment was received,
but subsequently tax is determined to be due prior to the Annuity Date, the
Company reserves the right to deduct the premium tax from the Contract value at
the time such determination is made.
E. SURRENDER CHARGE
No charge for sales expense is deducted from payments at the time the payments
are made. A surrender charge, however, may be deducted from the Accumulated
Value in the case of surrender or withdrawal within certain time limits
described below.
CALCULATION OF SURRENDER CHARGE. For purposes of determining the surrender
charge, the Accumulated Value is divided into four categories:
- The amount available under the Withdrawal Without Surrender Charge
provision, described below;
- Old Payments - total payments invested in the Contract for more than nine
years;
- New Payments - payments received by the Company during the nine years
preceding the date of the surrender or withdrawal; and
- Payment Credits.
Amounts available as a Withdrawal Without Surrender Charge, followed by Old
Payments, may be withdrawn from the Contract at any time without the imposition
of a surrender charge. However, if a withdrawal or surrender is attributable all
or in part to New Payments, a surrender charge may be imposed.
The amount of the charge will depend upon the number of years that any New
Payments to which the withdrawal is attributed have remained credited under the
Contract. For the purpose of calculating surrender charges for New Payments, all
amounts withdrawn are assumed to be deducted first from the oldest New Payment
and then from the next oldest New Payment and so on, until all New Payments have
been exhausted pursuant to the first-in-first-out ("FIFO") method of accounting.
(See FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS for a discussion of how withdrawals are treated
for income tax purposes.)
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The following surrender charge table outlines these charges:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMPLETE YEARS FROM
DATE OF PAYMENT CHARGE
--------------- --------
<S> <C>
0-4 8.5%
more than 4 7.5%
more than 5 6.5%
more than 6 5.5%
more than 7 3.5%
more than 8 1.5%
more than 9 0
</TABLE>
The amount withdrawn equals the amount requested by the Owner plus the surrender
charge, if any. The charge is applied as a percentage of the New Payments
withdrawn.
The total charge equals the aggregate of all applicable surrender charges for a
surrender and withdrawals, including the Withdrawal Adjustment Charge that may
apply if a withdrawal is taken during the Annuity Payout phase (see "F.
Withdrawals After the Annuity Date" under ANNUITIZATION -- THE PAYOUT PHASE). In
no event will the total surrender and withdrawal charges exceed a maximum limit
of 8.5% of total gross New Payments.
WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT SURRENDER CHARGE. Each calendar year prior to the Annuity
Date, an Owner may withdraw a portion of the Contract's Surrender Value without
any applicable surrender charge ("Withdrawal Without Surrender Charge Amount").
The above surrender charge table is not applicable to these withdrawals. The
first time an Owner makes a withdrawal from the Contract, the Withdrawal Without
Surrender Charge Amount is the greater of (a) or (b):
Where (a) is: 100% of cumulative earnings (excluding Payment Credits);
and
Where (b) is: 15% of the total of all payments invested in the Contract
as of the Valuation Date for the withdrawal.
After that first withdrawal from the Contract, the maximum annual Withdrawal
Without Surrender Charge Amount is the greater of (a) or (b):
Where (a) is: 100% of cumulative earnings (excluding Payment Credits);
and
Where (b) is: 15% of the total of all payments invested in the Contract
less that portion of any prior withdrawal(s) of payments
that are subject to the surrender charge table (even if
the applicable surrender charge is 0%) as of the
Valuation Date for the withdrawal (the Gross Payment
Base), less any prior withdrawal(s) during the same
calendar year to which the surrender charge table was not
applicable.
In (a), cumulative earnings are calculated as the Accumulated Value as of the
Valuation Date, reduced by Payment Credits and total gross payments not
previously withdrawn.
EFFECT OF WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT SURRENDER CHARGE AMOUNT. When a withdrawal is
taken, the Company initially determines the Withdrawal Without Surrender Charge
Amount in the following order:
- The Company first deducts the Withdrawal Without Surrender Charge Amount
from cumulative earnings.
- If the Withdrawal Without Surrender Charge Amount exceeds cumulative
earnings, the Company will deem the excess to be withdrawn from New
Payments on a last-in-first-out (LIFO) basis, so that the newest New
Payments are withdrawn first. This results in those New Payments, which
are otherwise
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<PAGE>
subject to the highest surrender charge at that point in time, being
withdrawn first without a surrender charge.
- If more than one withdrawal is made during the year, on each subsequent
withdrawal the Company will waive the surrender charge, if any, until the
entire Withdrawal Without Surrender Charge Amount has been withdrawn.
After the entire Withdrawal Without Surrender Charge Amount available in a
calendar year has been withdrawn, for the purposes of determining the amount of
the surrender charge, if any, withdrawals will be deemed to be taken in the
following order:
- First from Old Payments
- The surrender charge table is applicable, but because Old Payments have
been invested in the Contract for more than 9 years, the surrender
charge is 0%.
- Second from New Payments
- The surrender charge table is applicable.
- Payments are now withdrawn from this category on a first-in-first-out
(FIFO) basis, so that the oldest New Payments are now withdrawn first.
This results in the withdrawal of New Payments with the lowest
surrender charge first.
- Third from Payment Credits.
- The surrender charge table is not applicable to the withdrawal of
Payment Credits.
For Qualified Contracts and Contracts issued under Section 457 Deferred
Compensation Plans only, the maximum amount available without a surrender charge
during any calendar year will be the greatest of (a), (b) and (c) where (a) and
(b) are the same as above and (c) is the amount available as a Life Expectancy
Distribution less any Withdrawal Without Surrender Charge taken during the same
calendar year. (see "Life Expectancy Distributions" under DESCRIPTION OF THE
CONTACT -- THE ACCUMULATION PHASE.
For further information on surrender and withdrawals, including minimum limits
on amount withdrawn and amount remaining under the Contract in the case of
withdrawals, and important tax considerations, see "F. Surrender and
Withdrawals" under DESCRIPTION OF THE CONTRACT -- THE ACCUMULATION PHASE and see
FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS.
REDUCTION OR ELIMINATION OF SURRENDER CHARGE AND ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS
CREDITED. Where permitted by law, the Company will waive the surrender charge
in the event that the Owner (or the Annuitant, if the Owner is not an
individual) becomes physically disabled after the Issue Date of the Contract (or
in the event that the original Owner or Annuitant has changed since issue, after
being named Owner or Annuitant) and before attaining age 65. The Company may
require proof of such disability and continuing disability and reserves the
right to obtain an examination by a licensed physician of its choice and at its
expense.
In addition, the Company will waive the surrender charge in the event that an
Owner (or the Annuitant, if the Owner is not an individual) is:
(1) admitted to a medical care facility after becoming the Owner or Annuitant
under the Contract and remains confined there until the later of one year
after the Issue Date or 90 consecutive days; or
(2) first diagnosed by a licensed physician as having a fatal illness after the
Issue Date of the Contract and after being named Owner or Annuitant.
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<PAGE>
For purposes of the above provision, "medical care facility" means any
state-licensed facility or, in a state that does not require licensing, a
facility that is operating pursuant to state law, providing medically necessary
inpatient care which is prescribed by a licensed "physician" in writing and
based on physical limitations which prohibit daily living in a non-institutional
setting. "Fatal illness" means a condition diagnosed by a licensed "physician"
which is expected to result in death within two years of the diagnosis.
"Physician" means a person (other than the Owner, Annuitant or a member of one
of their families) who is state licensed to give medical care or treatment and
is acting within the scope of that license. "Physically disabled" means that the
Owner or Annuitant, as applicable, has been unable to engage in an occupation or
to conduct daily activities for a period of at least 12 consecutive months as a
result of disease or bodily injury.
Where surrender charges have been waived under any of the situations discussed
above, no additional payments under this Contract will be accepted unless
required by state law.
In addition, from time to time the Company may allow a reduction in or
elimination of the surrender charges, the period during which the charges apply,
or both, and/or credit additional amounts on Contracts, when Contracts are sold
to individuals or groups of individuals in a manner that reduces sales expenses.
The Company will consider factors such as the following:
- the size and type of group or class, and the persistency expected from
that group or class;
- the total amount of payments to be received, and the manner in which
payments are remitted;
- the purpose for which the Contracts are being purchased, and whether that
purpose makes it likely that costs and expenses will be reduced;
- other transactions where sales expenses are likely to be reduced; or
- the level of commissions paid to selling broker-dealers or certain
financial institutions with respect to Contracts within the same group or
class (for example, broker-dealers who offer this Contract in connection
with financial planning services offered on a fee-for-service basis).
The Company also may reduce or waive the surrender charge, and/or credit
additional amounts on Contracts, where either the Owner or the Annuitant on the
Issue Date is within the following class of individuals ("eligible persons"):
- employees and registered representatives of any broker-dealer which has
entered into a sales agreement with the Company to sell the Contract;
- employees of the Company, its affiliates and subsidiaries; officers,
directors, trustees and employees of any of the Underlying Funds;
- investment managers or sub-advisers of the Underlying Funds; and
- the spouses of and immediate family members residing in the same household
with such eligible persons. "Immediate family members" means children,
siblings, parents, and grandparents.
In addition, if permitted under state law, surrender charge will be waived under
403(b) Contracts where the amount withdrawn is being contributed to a life
policy issued by the Company as part of the individual's 403(b) plan.
Where an Owner who is trustee under a pension plan surrenders, in whole or in
part, a Contract on a terminating employee, the trustee will be permitted to
reallocate all or a part of the Accumulated Value under the Contract to other
Contracts issued by the Company and owned by the trustee, with no deduction for
any
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<PAGE>
otherwise applicable surrender charge. Any such reallocation will be at the unit
values for the Sub-Accounts as of the Valuation Date on which a written, signed
request is received at the Principal Office.
Any reduction or elimination in the amount or duration of the surrender charge
will not discriminate unfairly among purchasers of this Contract. The Company
will not make any changes to this charge where prohibited by law.
F. TRANSFER CHARGE
The Company currently does not assess a charge for processing transfers. The
Company guarantees that the first 12 transfers in a Contract year will be free
of a transfer charge, but reserves the right to assess a charge, guaranteed
never to exceed $25, for each subsequent transfer in a Contract year to
reimburse it for the expense of processing transfers. For more information, see
"E. Transfer Privilege" under DESCRIPTION OF THE CONTRACT -- THE ACCUMULATION
PHASE and "E. Transfers of Annuity Units" under ANNUITIZATION -- THE PAYOUT
PHASE.
G. WITHDRAWAL ADJUSTMENT CHARGE
After the Annuity Date, each calendar year the Owner may withdraw a portion of
the present value of either all future annuity benefit payments or future
guaranteed annuity benefit payments. If a withdrawal is made within 5 years of
the Issue Date, the AIR or interest rate used to determine the annuity benefit
payments is increased by one of the following adjustments:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
15 or more years of annuity benefit payments being
valued -- 1.00%
10-14 years of annuity benefit payments being
valued -- 1.50%
Less than 10 years of annuity benefit payments being
valued -- 2.00%
</TABLE>
The adjustment to the AIR or interest rate used to determine the present value
results in lower future annuity benefit payments, and may be viewed as a charge
under the Contract. The Withdrawal Adjustment Charge does not apply if a
withdrawal is made in connection with the death of an Annuitant or if a
withdrawal is made 5 or more years after the Issue Date.
For each Payment Withdrawal, the number of years of annuity benefit payments
being valued depends upon the life expectancy of the Annuitant at the time of
the withdrawal. The life expectancy will be determined by a mortality table that
will be equal to the mortality table used at the time of annuitization to
determine the annuity benefit payments (currently the Annuity 2000 Mortality
Table with male, female, or unisex rates, as appropriate).
For more information see "F. Withdrawals After the Annuity Date," under
ANNUITIZATION -- THE PAYOUT PHASE.
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<PAGE>
GUARANTEE PERIOD ACCOUNTS
Due to certain exemptive and exclusionary provisions in the securities laws,
interests in the Guarantee Period Accounts and the Company's Fixed Account are
not registered as an investment company under the provisions of the 1933 Act or
the 1940 Act. Accordingly, the staff of the SEC has not reviewed the disclosures
in this Prospectus relating to the Guarantee Period Accounts or the Fixed
Account. Nevertheless, disclosures regarding the Guarantee Period Accounts and
the Fixed Account of this Contract or any fixed benefits offered under these
accounts may be subject to the provisions of the 1933 Act relating to the
accuracy and completeness of statements made in the Prospectus.
INVESTMENT OPTIONS. In most jurisdictions, Guarantee Periods ranging from two
through ten years may be available. Each Guarantee Period established for the
Owner is accounted for separately in a non-unitized segregated account except in
California where it is accounted for in the Company's General Account. Each
Guarantee Period Account provides for the accumulation of interest at a
Guaranteed Interest Rate. The Guaranteed Interest Rate on amounts allocated or
transferred to a Guarantee Period Account is determined from time to time by the
Company in accordance with market conditions. Once an interest rate is in effect
for a Guarantee Period Account, however, the Company may not change it during
the duration of its Guarantee Period. In no event will the Guaranteed Interest
Rate be less than 3%. The Guarantee Period Accounts are not available in New
York, Oregon, Maryland and Pennsylvania.
To the extent permitted by law, the Company reserves the right at any time to
offer Guarantee Periods with durations that differ from those which were
available when a Contract initially was issued and to stop accepting new
allocations, transfers or renewals to a particular Guarantee Period.
Owners may allocate net payments or make transfers from any of the Sub-Accounts,
the Fixed Account or an existing Guarantee Period Account to establish a new
Guarantee Period Account at any time prior to the Annuity Date. Transfers from a
Guarantee Period Account on any date other than on the day following the
expiration of that Guarantee Period will be subject to a Market Value
Adjustment. The Company establishes a separate investment account each time the
Owner allocates or transfers amounts to a Guarantee Period except that amounts
allocated to the same Guarantee Period on the same day will be treated as one
Guarantee Period Account. The minimum that may be allocated to establish a
Guarantee Period Account is $1,000. If less than $1,000 is allocated, the
Company reserves the right to apply that amount to the DGPF Cash Reserve Series
Sub-Account. The Owner may allocate amounts to any of the Guarantee Periods
available.
At least 45 days, but not more than 75 days, prior to the end of a Guarantee
Period, the Company will notify the Owner in writing of the expiration of that
Guarantee Period. At the end of a Guarantee Period the Owner may transfer
amounts to the Sub-Accounts, the Fixed Account or establish a new Guarantee
Period Account of any duration then offered by the Company, without a Market
Value Adjustment. If reallocation instructions are not received at the Principal
Office before the end of a Guarantee Period, the account value automatically
will be applied to a new Guarantee Period Account with the same duration at the
then current rate unless (1) less than $1,000 would remain in the Guarantee
Period Account on the expiration date, or (2) unless the Guarantee Period would
extend beyond the Annuity Date or is no longer available. In such cases, the
Guarantee Period Account value will be transferred to the Sub-Account investing
in the DGPF Cash Reserve Series Sub-Account. Where amounts have been renewed
automatically in a new Guarantee Period, the Company currently gives the Owner
an additional 30 days to transfer out of the Guarantee Period Account without
application of a Market Value Adjustment. This practice may be discontinued or
changed with notice at the Company's discretion.
MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT. No Market Value Adjustment will be applied to
transfers, withdrawals, or surrender from a Guarantee Period Account on the
expiration of its Guarantee Period. In addition, no negative Market Value
Adjustment will be applied to a death benefit although a positive Market Value
Adjustment, if any, will be applied to increase the value of the death benefit
when based on the Contract's Accumulated Value. See "G. Death Benefit" under
DESCRIPTION OF THE CONTRACT -- THE ACCUMULATION PHASE. All other transfers,
withdrawals, or a surrender prior to the end of a Guarantee Period will be
subject
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<PAGE>
to a Market Value Adjustment, which may increase or decrease the value. Amounts
applied under an annuity option are treated as withdrawals when calculating the
Market Value Adjustment. The Market Value Adjustment will be determined by
multiplying the amount taken from each Guarantee Period Account before deduction
of any Surrender Charge by the market value factor. The market value factor for
each Guarantee Period Account is equal to:
[(1+i)/(1+j)]to the power of n/365 - 1
where: i is the Guaranteed Interest Rate expressed as a decimal for
example: (3% = 0.03) being credited to the current Guarantee
Period;
j is the new Guaranteed Interest Rate, expressed as a decimal,
for a Guarantee Period with a duration equal to the number of
years remaining in the current Guarantee Period, rounded to
the next higher number of whole years. If that rate is not
available, the Company will use a suitable rate or index
allowed by the Department of Insurance; and
n is the number of days remaining from the Valuation Date to the
end of the current Guarantee Period.
Based on the application of this formula, the value of a Guarantee Period
Account will increase after the Market Value Adjustment is applied if the then
current market rates are lower than the rate being credited to the Guarantee
Period Account. Similarly, the value of a Guarantee Period Account will decrease
after the Market Value Adjustment is applied if the then current market rates
are higher than the rate being credited to the Guarantee Period Account. The
Market Value Adjustment is limited, however, so that even if the account value
is decreased after application of a Market Value Adjustment, it will equal or
exceed the Owner's principal plus 3% earnings per year less applicable Contract
fees. Conversely, if the then current market rates are lower and the account
value is increased after the Market Value Adjustment is applied, the increase in
value is also affected by the minimum guaranteed rate of 3%. The amount that
will be added to the Guarantee Period Account is limited to the difference
between the amount earned and the 3% minimum guaranteed earnings. For examples
of how the Market Value Adjustment works, See APPENDIX B -- SURRENDER CHARGES
AND THE MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT.
PROGRAM TO PROTECT PRINCIPAL AND PROVIDE GROWTH POTENTIAL. Under this feature,
the Owner elects a Guarantee Period and one or more Sub-Accounts. The Company
will then compute the proportion of the initial payment that must be allocated
to the Guarantee Period selected, assuming no transfers or withdrawals,
(including withdrawals made as part of a pro-rata deduction for charges under an
M-GAP Rider purchased or repurchased after issue) in order to ensure that the
value in the Guarantee Period Account on the last day of the Guarantee Period
will equal the amount of the entire initial payment. The required amount then
will be allocated to the pre-selected Guarantee Period Account and the remaining
balance to the other investment options selected by the Owner in accordance with
the procedures described in "A. Payments" under DESCRIPTION OF THE CONTRACT --
THE ACCUMULATION PHASE.
WITHDRAWALS. Prior to the Annuity Date, the Owner may make withdrawals of
amounts held in the Guarantee Period Accounts. Withdrawals from these accounts
will be made in the same manner and be subject to the same rules as set forth
under "F. Surrender and Withdrawals" under DESCRIPTION OF THE CONTRACT -- THE
ACCUMULATION PHASE. In addition, the following provisions also apply to
withdrawals from a Guarantee Period Account: (1) a Market Value Adjustment will
apply to all withdrawals, including Withdrawals Without Surrender Charge, unless
made at the end of the Guarantee Period; and (2) the Company reserves the right
to defer payments of amounts withdrawn from a Guarantee Period Account for up to
six months from the date it receives the withdrawal request. If deferred for 30
days or more, the Company will pay interest on the amount deferred at a rate of
at least 3%.
In the event that a Market Value Adjustment applies to a withdrawal of a portion
of the value of a Guarantee Period Account, it will be calculated on the amount
requested and deducted from or added to the amount
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withdrawn. If a surrender charge applies to the withdrawal, it will be
calculated as set forth under "E. Surrender Charge" " under CHARGES AND
DEDUCTIONS after application of the Market Value Adjustment.
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FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The effect of federal income taxes on the value of a Contract, on withdrawals or
surrenders, on annuity benefit payments, and on the economic benefit to the
Owner, Annuitant, or beneficiary depends upon a variety of factors. The
following discussion is based upon the Company's understanding of current
federal income tax laws as they are interpreted as of the date of this
Prospectus. No representation is made regarding the likelihood of continuation
of current federal income tax laws or of current interpretations by the IRS. In
addition, this discussion does not address state or local tax consequences that
may be associated with the Contract.
IT SHOULD BE RECOGNIZED THAT THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION OF FEDERAL INCOME TAX
ASPECTS OF AMOUNTS RECEIVED UNDER VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE,
DOES NOT PURPORT TO COVER ALL SITUATIONS, AND IS NOT INTENDED AS TAX ADVICE. A
QUALIFIED TAX ADVISER ALWAYS SHOULD BE CONSULTED WITH REGARD TO THE APPLICATION
OF LAW TO INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES.
A. GENERAL
THE COMPANY. The Company intends to make a charge for any effect which the
income, assets, or existence of the Contract, the Variable Account or the
Sub-Accounts may have upon its tax. The Variable Account presently is not
subject to tax, but the Company reserves the right to assess a charge for taxes
should the Variable Account at any time become subject to tax. Any charge for
taxes will be assessed on a fair and equitable basis in order to preserve equity
among classes of Owners and with respect to each separate account as though that
separate account was a separate taxable entity.
The Variable Account is considered a part of and taxed with the operations of
the Company. The Company is taxed as a life insurance company under
Subchapter L of the Code. The Company files a consolidated tax return with its
affiliates.
DIVERSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS. The IRS has issued regulations under
Section 817(h) of the Code relating to the diversification requirements for
variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts. The regulations
prescribed by the Treasury Department provide that the investments of a
segregated asset account underlying a variable annuity contract are adequately
diversified if no more than 55% of the value of its assets is represented by any
one investment, no more than 70% by any two investments, no more than 80% by any
three investments, and no more than 90% by any four investments. Under this
section of the Code, if the investments are not adequately diversified, the
Contract will not be treated as an annuity contract, and therefore the income on
the Contract, for any taxable year of the Owner, would be treated as ordinary
income received or accrued by the Owner. It is anticipated that the Underlying
Funds will comply with the current diversification requirements. In the event
that future IRS regulations and/or rulings would require Contract modifications
in order to remain in compliance with the diversification standards, the Company
will make reasonable efforts to comply, and it reserves the right to make such
changes as it deems appropriate for that purpose.
INVESTOR CONTROL. In order for a variable annuity contract to qualify for tax
deferral, the Company, and not the variable contract owner, must be considered
to be the owner for tax purposes of the assets in the segregated asset account
underlying the variable annuity contract. In certain circumstances, however,
variable annuity contract owners may now be considered the owners of these
assets for federal income tax purposes. Specifically, the IRS has stated in
published rulings that a variable annuity contract owner may be considered the
owner of segregated account assets if the contract owner possesses incidents of
ownership in those assets, such as the ability to exercise investment control
over the assets. The Treasury Department has also announced, in connection with
the issuance of regulations concerning investment diversification, that those
regulations do not provide guidance governing the circumstances in which
investor control of the investments of a segregated asset account may cause the
investor (i.e., the contract owner), rather than the insurance company, to be
treated as the owner of the assets in the account. This announcement also states
that guidance would be issued by way of regulations or rulings on the "extent to
which policyholders may direct their
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<PAGE>
investments to particular sub-accounts without being treated as owners of the
underlying assets." As of the date of this Prospectus, no such guidance has been
issued. The Company therefore additionally reserves the right to modify the
Contract as necessary in order to attempt to prevent a contract owner from being
considered the owner of a pro rata share of the assets of the segregated asset
account underlying the variable annuity contracts.
B. QUALIFIED AND NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS
From a federal tax viewpoint there are two types of variable annuity contracts,
"qualified" contracts and "non-qualified" contracts. A qualified contract is one
that is purchased in connection with a retirement plan which meets the
requirements of Sections 401, 403, or 408 of the Code, while a non-qualified
contract is one that is not purchased in connection with one of the indicated
retirement plans. The tax treatment for certain withdrawals or surrenders will
vary, depending on whether they are made from a qualified contract or a non-
qualified contract. For more information on the tax provisions applicable to
qualified contracts, see "E. Provisions Applicable to Qualified Employer Plans"
below.
C. TAXATION OF THE CONTRACT IN GENERAL
The Company believes that the Contract described in this Prospectus will, with
certain exceptions (see "Nonnatural Owner" below), be considered an annuity
contract under Section 72 of the Code. Please note, however, if the Owner
chooses an Annuity Date beyond the Owner's 85th birthday, it is possible that
the Contract may not be considered an annuity for tax purposes, and therefore,
the Owner will be taxed on the annual increase in Accumulated Value. The Owner
should consult tax and financial advisors for more information. This section
governs the taxation of annuities. The following discussion concerns annuities
subject to Section 72.
WITHDRAWALS PRIOR TO ANNUITIZATION. With certain exceptions, any increase in
the Contract's Accumulated Value is not taxable to the Owner until it is
withdrawn from the Contract. Under the current provisions of the Code, amounts
received under an annuity contract prior to annuitization (including payments
made upon the death of the annuitant or owner), generally are first attributable
to any investment gains credited to the contract over the taxpayer's "investment
in the contract." Such amounts will be treated as gross income subject to
federal income taxation. "Investment in the contract" is the total of all
payments to the Contract which were not excluded from the Owner's gross income
less any amounts previously withdrawn which were not included in income.
Section 72(e)(11)(A)(ii) requires that all non-qualified deferred annuity
contracts issued by the same insurance company to the same owner during a single
calendar year be treated as one contract in determining taxable distributions.
WITHDRAWALS AFTER ANNUITIZATION. A withdrawal from a qualified or non-qualified
contract may create significant adverse tax consequences. It is possible that
the Internal Revenue Service may take the view that when withdrawals (other than
annuity payments) are taken during the annuity payout phase of the Contract, all
amounts received by the taxpayer are taxable at ordinary income rates as amounts
"not received as an annuity." In addition, such amounts may be taxable to the
recipient without regard to the Owner's investment in the Contract or any
investment gain that might be present in the current annuity value.
For example, assume that a Contract owner with a Contract Value of $100,000 of
which $90,000 is comprised of investment in the Contract and $10,000 is
investment gain, makes a withdrawal of $20,000 during the annuity payout phase.
Under this view, the Contract owner would pay income taxes on the entire $20,000
amount in that tax year. For some taxpayers, such as those under age 59 1/2,
additional tax penalties may also apply.
OWNERS OF QUALIFIED AND NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS SHOULD CONSIDER CAREFULLY THE
TAX IMPLICATIONS OF ANY WITHDRAWAL REQUESTS AND THEIR NEED FOR CONTRACT FUNDS
PRIOR TO THE EXERCISE OF THE WITHDRAWAL RIGHT. CONTRACT OWNERS SHOULD ALSO
CONTACT THEIR TAX ADVISER PRIOR TO MAKING WITHDRAWALS.
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ANNUITY PAYOUTS AFTER ANNUITIZATION. When annuity benefit payments begin under
the Contract, generally a portion of each payment may be excluded from gross
income. The excludable portion generally is determined by a formula that
establishes the ratio that the investment in the Contract bears to the expected
return under the Contract. The portion of the payment in excess of this
excludable amount is taxable as ordinary income. Once all the investment in the
Contract is recovered, the entire payment is taxable. If the annuitant dies
before cost basis is recovered, a deduction for the difference is allowed on the
Owner's final tax return.
PENALTY ON DISTRIBUTION. A 10% penalty tax may be imposed on the withdrawal of
investment gains if the withdrawal is made prior to age 59 1/2. The penalty tax
will not be imposed on withdrawals:
- taken on or after age 59 1/2; or
- if the withdrawal follows the death of the Owner (or, if the Owner is not
an individual, the death of the primary Annuitant, as defined in the
Code); or
- in the case of the Owner's "total disability" (as defined in the Code); or
- if withdrawals from a qualified Contract are made to an employee who has
terminated employment after reaching age 55; or
- irrespective of age, if the amount received is one of a series of
"substantially equal" periodic payments made at least annually for the
life or life expectancy of the payee.
The requirement of "substantially equal" periodic payments is met when the Owner
elects to have distributions made over the Owner's life expectancy, or over the
joint life expectancy of the Owner and beneficiary. The requirement is also met
when the number of units withdrawn to make each distribution is substantially
the same. Any modification, other than by reason of death or disability, of
distributions which are part of a series of substantially equal periodic
payments that occurs before the later of the Owner's age 59 1/2 or five years,
will subject the Owner to the 10% penalty tax on the prior distributions.
In a Private Letter Ruling, the IRS took the position that where distributions
from a variable annuity contract were determined by amortizing the accumulated
value of the contract over the taxpayer's remaining life expectancy, and the
option could be changed or terminated at any time, the distributions failed to
qualify as part of a "series of substantially equal payments" within the meaning
of Section 72 of the Code. The distributions, therefore, were subject to the 10%
federal penalty tax. This Private Letter Ruling may be applicable to an Owner
who receives distributions under any LED-type option prior to age 59 1/2.
Subsequent Private Letter Rulings, however, have treated LED-type withdrawal
programs as effectively avoiding the 10% penalty tax. The position of the IRS on
this issue is unclear.
ASSIGNMENTS OR TRANSFERS. If the Owner transfers (assigns) the Contract to
another individual as a gift prior to the Annuity Date, the Code provides that
the Owner will incur taxable income at the time of the transfer. An exception is
provided for certain transfers between spouses. The amount of taxable income
upon such taxable transfer is equal to any investment gain in value over the
Owner's cost basis at the time of the transfer. The transfer also is subject to
federal gift tax provisions.
NONNATURAL OWNERS. As a general rule, deferred annuity contracts owned by
"nonnatural persons" (e.g., a corporation) are not treated as annuity contracts
for federal tax purposes, and the investment income attributable to
contributions made after February 28, 1986 is taxed as ordinary income that is
received or accrued by the owner during the taxable year. This rule does not
apply to annuity contracts purchased with a single payment when the annuity date
is no later than a year from the issue date or to deferred annuities owned by
qualified employer plans, estates, employers with respect to a terminated
pension plan, and entities other than employers, such as a trust, holding an
annuity as an agent for a natural person. This exception, however,
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will not apply in cases of any employer who is the owner of an annuity contract
under a non-qualified deferred compensation plan.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS OF STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND TAX-EXEMPT
ORGANIZATIONS. Under Section 457 of the Code, deferred compensation plans
established by governmental and certain other tax-exempt employers for their
employees may invest in annuity contracts. Contributions and investment earnings
are not taxable to employees until distributed; however, with respect to
payments made after February 28, 1986, a Contract owned by a state or local
government or a tax-exempt organization will not be treated as an annuity under
Section 72 as well.
D. TAX WITHHOLDING
The Code requires withholding with respect to payments or distributions from
non-qualified contracts and IRAs, unless a taxpayer elects not to have
withholding. A 20% withholding requirement applies to distributions from most
other qualified contracts. In addition, the Code requires reporting to the IRS
of the amount of income received with respect to payment or distributions from
annuities.
E. PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO QUALIFIED EMPLOYER PLANS
Federal income taxation of assets held inside a qualified retirement plan and of
earnings on those assets is deferred until distribution of plan benefits begins.
As such, it is not necessary to purchase a variable annuity contract solely to
obtain its tax deferral feature. However, other features offered under this
Contract and described in this Prospectus -- such as the minimum guaranteed
death benefit, the guaranteed fixed annuity rates and the wide variety of
investment options -- may make this Contract a suitable investment for your
qualified retirement plan.
The tax rules applicable to qualified retirement plans, as defined by the Code,
are complex and vary according to the type of plan. Benefits under a qualified
plan may be subject to that plan's terms and conditions irrespective of the
terms and conditions of any annuity contract used to fund such benefits. As
such, the following is simply a general description of various types of
qualified plans that may use the Contract. Before purchasing any annuity
contract for use in funding a qualified plan, more specific information should
be obtained.
Qualified Contracts may include special provisions (endorsements) changing or
restricting rights and benefits otherwise available to owners of non-qualified
Contracts. Individuals purchasing a qualified Contract should carefully review
any such changes or limitations which may include restrictions to ownership,
transferability, assignability, contributions, and distributions.
CORPORATE AND SELF-EMPLOYED ("H.R. 10" AND "KEOGH") PENSION AND PROFIT SHARING
PLANS. Sections 401(a), 401(k) and 403(a) of the Code permit business employers
and certain associations to establish various types of tax-favored retirement
plans for employees. The Self-Employed Individuals' Tax Retirement Act of 1962,
as amended, permits self-employed individuals to establish similar plans for
themselves and their employees. Employers intending to use qualified Contracts
in connection with such plans should seek competent advice as to the suitability
of the Contract to their specific needs and as to applicable Code limitations
and tax consequences.
The Company can provide prototype plans for certain pension or profit sharing
plans for review by the plan's legal counsel. For information, ask your
financial representative.
INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ANNUITIES. Sections 408 and 408A of the Code permits
eligible individuals to contribute to an individual retirement program known as
an Individual Retirement Annuity ("IRA"). Note: This term covers all IRAs
permitted under Sections 408 and 408A of the Code, including Roth IRAs. IRAs are
subject to limits on the amounts that may be contributed, the persons who may be
eligible, and on the time when distributions may commence. In addition, certain
distributions from other types of retirement plans may
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be "rolled over," on a tax-deferred basis, to an IRA. Purchasers of an IRA
Contract will be provided with supplementary information as may be required by
the IRS or other appropriate agency, and will have the right to cancel the
Contract as described in this Prospectus. See "D. Right to Cancel."
Eligible employers that meet specified criteria may establish simplified
employee pension plans (SEP-IRAs) for their employees using IRAs. Employer
contributions that may be made to such plans are larger than the amounts that
may be contributed to regular IRAs and may be deductible to the employer.
TAX-SHELTERED ANNUITIES ("TSAS"). Under the provisions of Section 403(b) of the
Code, payments made to annuity Contracts purchased for employees under annuity
plans adopted by public school systems and certain organizations which are tax
exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Code are excludable from the gross income
of such employees to the extent that total annual payments do not exceed the
maximum contribution permitted under the Code. Purchasers of TSA contracts
should seek competent advice as to eligibility, limitations on permissible
payments and other tax consequences associated with the contracts.
Withdrawals or other distributions attributable to salary reduction
contributions (including earnings thereon) made to a TSA contract after
December 31, 1988, may not begin before the employee attains age 59 1/2,
separates from service, dies or becomes disabled. In the case of hardship, an
Owner may withdraw amounts contributed by salary reduction, but not the earnings
on such amounts. Even though a distribution may be permitted under these
rules (e.g., for hardship or after separation from service), it may be subject
to a 10% penalty tax as a premature distribution, in addition to income tax.
TEXAS OPTIONAL RETIREMENT PROGRAM. Distributions under a TSA contract issued to
participants in the Texas Optional Retirement Program may not be received except
in the case of the participant's death, retirement or termination of employment
in the Texas public institutions of higher education. These additional
restrictions are imposed under the Texas Government Code and a prior opinion of
the Texas Attorney General.
STATEMENTS AND REPORTS
An Owner is sent a report semi-annually which provides certain financial
information about the Underlying Funds. At least annually, but possibly as
frequently as quarterly, the Company will furnish a statement to the Owner
containing information about his or her Contract, including Accumulation Unit
Values and other information as required by applicable law, rules and
regulations. The Company will also send a confirmation statement to Owners each
time a transaction is made affecting the Contract Value. (Certain transactions
made under recurring payment plans may in the future be confirmed quarterly
rather than by immediate confirmations.) The Owner should review the information
in all statements carefully. All errors or corrections must be reported to the
Company immediately to assure proper crediting to the Contract. The Company will
assume that all transactions are accurately reported on confirmation statements
and quarterly/annual statements unless the Owner notifies the Principal Office
in writing within 30 days after receipt of the statement.
ADDITION, DELETION OR SUBSTITUTION OF INVESTMENTS
The Company reserves the right, subject to applicable law, to make additions to,
deletions from, or substitutions for the shares that are held in the
Sub-Accounts or that the Sub-Accounts may purchase. If the shares of any
Underlying Fund no longer are available for investment or if, in the Company's
judgment, further investment in any Underlying Fund should become inappropriate
in view of the purposes of the Variable Account or the affected Sub-Account, the
Company may withdraw the shares of that Underlying Fund and substitute shares of
another registered open-end management company. The Company will not substitute
any shares attributable to a Contract interest in a Sub-Account without notice
to the Owner and prior approval of the SEC and state insurance authorities, to
the extent required by the 1940 Act or other applicable law. The Variable
Account may, to the extent permitted by law, purchase other securities for other
contracts or permit a conversion between contracts upon request by an Owner.
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The Company also reserves the right to establish additional Sub-Accounts of the
Variable Account, each of which would invest in shares corresponding to a new
Underlying Fund or in shares of another investment company having a specified
investment objective. Subject to applicable law and any required SEC approval,
the Company may, in its sole discretion, establish new Sub-Accounts or eliminate
one or more Sub-Accounts if marketing needs, tax considerations or investment
conditions warrant. Any new Sub-Accounts may be made available to existing
Owners on a basis to be determined by the Company.
Shares of the Underlying Funds also are issued to variable accounts of the
Company and its affiliates which issue variable life contracts ("mixed
funding"). Shares of the Underlying Funds also are issued to other unaffiliated
insurance companies ("shared funding"). It is conceivable that in the future
such mixed funding or shared funding may be disadvantageous for variable life
owners or variable annuity owners. Although the Company and the underlying
investment companies do not currently foresee any such disadvantages to either
variable life insurance owners or variable annuity owners, the Company and the
trustees intend to monitor events in order to identify any material conflicts
between such owners, and to determine what action, if any, should be taken in
response thereto. If the trustees were to conclude that separate funds should be
established for variable life and variable annuity separate accounts, the
Company will bear the attendant expenses.
If any of these substitutions or changes is made, the Company may endorse the
Contract to reflect the substitution or change, and will notify Owners of all
such changes. If the Company deems it to be in the best interest of Owners, and
subject to any approvals that may be required under applicable law, the Variable
Account or any Sub-Account(s) may be operated as a management company under the
1940 Act, may be deregistered under the 1940 Act if registration is no longer
required, or may be combined with other Sub-Accounts or other separate accounts
of the Company.
The Company reserves the right, subject to compliance with applicable law and to
the provisions of the Participation Agreements, to:
(1) transfer assets from the Variable Account or Sub-Account to another of
the Company's variable accounts or sub-accounts having assets of the same
class,
(2) to operate the Variable Account or any Sub-Account as a management
investment company under the 1940 Act or in any other form permitted by
law,
(3) to deregister the Variable Account under the 1940 Act in accordance with
the requirements of the 1940 Act,
(4) to substitute the shares of any other registered investment company for
the Fund shares held by a Sub-Account, in the event that Fund shares are
unavailable for investment, or if the Company determines that further
investment in such Fund shares is inappropriate in view of the purpose of
the Sub-Account,
(5) to change the methodology for determining the net investment factor, and
(6) to change the names of the Variable Account or of the Sub-Accounts. In
no event will the changes described be made without notice to Owners in
accordance with the 1940 Act.
CHANGES TO COMPLY WITH LAW AND AMENDMENTS
The Company reserves the right, without the consent of Owners, to suspend sales
of the Contract as presently offered, and to make any change to provisions of
the Contract to comply with, or give Owners the benefit of, any federal or state
statute, rule or regulation (or any laws, regulations or rules of any
jurisdiction in which the Company is doing business), including but not limited
to requirements for annuity contracts and retirement plans under the Code and
pertinent regulations or any state statute or regulation. Any such changes will
apply uniformly to all Contracts that are affected. Owners will be given written
notice of such changes.
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VOTING RIGHTS
The Company will vote Underlying Fund shares held by each Sub-Account in
accordance with instructions received from Owners. Each person having a voting
interest in a Sub-Account will be provided with proxy materials of the
Underlying Fund, together with a form with which to give voting instructions to
the Company. Shares for which no timely instructions are received will be voted
in proportion to the instructions that are received. The Company also will vote
shares in a Sub-Account that it owns and which are not attributable to Contracts
in the same proportion. If the 1940 Act or any rules thereunder should be
amended, or if the present interpretation of the 1940 Act or such rules should
change, and as a result the Company determines that it is permitted to vote
shares in its own right, whether or not such shares are attributable to the
Contract, the Company reserves the right to do so.
The number of votes which an Owner may cast will be determined by the Company as
of the record date established by the Underlying Fund. During the accumulation
period, the number of Underlying Fund shares attributable to each Owner will be
determined by dividing the dollar value of the Accumulation Units of the
Sub-Account credited to the Contract by the net asset value of one Underlying
Fund share. During the annuity payout phase, the number of Underlying Fund
shares attributable to each Owner will be determined by dividing the reserve
held in each Sub-Account for the Owner's variable annuity by the net asset value
of one Underlying Fund share. Ordinarily, the Owner's voting interest in the
Underlying Fund will decrease as the reserve for the variable annuity is
depleted.
DISTRIBUTION
The Contract offered by this Prospectus may be purchased from certain
independent broker-dealers which are registered under the Securities and
Exchange Act of 1934 and members of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"). The Contract also is offered through Allmerica
Investments, Inc., which is the principal underwriter and distributor of the
Contracts. Allmerica Investments, Inc., 440 Lincoln Street, Worcester, MA 01653,
is a registered broker-dealer, a member of the NASD and an indirectly wholly
owned subsidiary of First Allmerica.
The Company pays commissions not to exceed 7.0% of payments to broker-dealers
which sell the Contract. Alternative commission schedules are available with
lower initial commission amounts based on payments, plus ongoing annual
compensation of up to 1% of Contract value. To the extent permitted by NASD
rules, promotional incentives or payments also may be provided to such
broker-dealers based on sales volumes, the assumption of wholesaling functions,
or other sales-related criteria. Additional payments may be made for other
services not directly related to the sale of the Contract, including the
recruitment and training of personnel, production of promotional literature, and
similar services.
The Company intends to recoup commissions and other sales expenses through a
combination of anticipated surrender charges and profits from the Company's
General Account, which may include amounts derived from mortality and risk
charges. Commissions paid on the Contract, including additional incentives or
payments, do not result in any additional charge to Owners or to the Variable
Account. The Company will retain any surrender charges assessed on a Contract.
Owners may direct any inquiries to their financial representative or to Annuity
Client Services, 440 Lincoln Street, Worcester, MA 01653, telephone
1-800-423-5252.
LEGAL MATTERS
There are no legal proceedings pending to which the Variable Account is a party,
or to which the assets of the Variable Account are subject. The Company and the
Principal Underwriter are not involved in any litigation that is of material
importance in relation to their total assets or that relates to the Separate
Account.
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FURTHER INFORMATION
A Registration Statement under the 1933 Act relating to this offering has been
filed with the SEC. Certain portions of the Registration Statement and
amendments have been omitted in this Prospectus pursuant to the rules and
regulations of the SEC. The omitted information may be obtained from the SEC's
principal office in Washington, D.C., upon payment of the SEC's prescribed fees.
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APPENDIX A
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FIXED ACCOUNT
Because of exemption and exclusionary provisions in the securities laws,
interests in the Fixed Account generally are not subject to regulation under the
provisions of the 1933 Act or the 1940 Act. Disclosures regarding the fixed
portion of the annuity Contract and the Fixed Account may be subject to the
provisions of the 1933 Act concerning the accuracy and completeness of
statements made in this Prospectus. The disclosures in this APPENDIX A have not
been reviewed by the SEC.
The Fixed Account is part of the Company's General Account which is made up of
all of the general assets of the Company other than those allocated to a
separate account. Allocations to the Fixed Account become part of the assets of
the Company and are used to support insurance and annuity obligations. A portion
or all of net payments may be allocated to accumulate at a fixed rate of
interest in the Fixed Account. Such net amounts are guaranteed by the Company as
to principal and a minimum rate of interest. Under the Contract, the minimum
interest which may be credited on amounts allocated to the Fixed Account is 3%
compounded annually. Additional "Excess Interest" may or may not be credited at
the sole discretion of the Company.
SALES RESTRICTIONS. In Massachusetts, payments and transfers to the Fixed
Account are subject to the following restrictions:
If a Contract is issued prior to the Annuitant's 60th birthday,
allocations to the Fixed Account will be permitted until the
Annuitant's 61st birthday. On and after the Annuitant's 61st
birthday, no additional Fixed Account allocations will be
accepted. If a Contract is issued on or after the Annuitant's 60th
birthday, up through and including the Annuitant's 81st birthday,
Fixed Account allocations will be permitted during the first
Contract year. On and after the first Contract anniversary, no
additional allocations to the Fixed Account will be permitted. If
a Contract is issued after the Annuitant's 81st birthday, no
payments to the Fixed Account will be permitted at any time.
In Oregon, no payments to the Fixed Account will be permitted if a Contract is
issued after the Annuitant's 81st birthday. If an allocation designated as a
Fixed Account allocation is received at the Principal Office during a period
when the Fixed Account is not available due to the limitations outlined above,
the monies will be allocated to the Money Market Sub-Account.
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APPENDIX B
SURRENDER CHARGES AND THE MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT
PART 1: SURRENDER CHARGES
FULL SURRENDER -- Assume a payment of $50,000 is made on the Issue Date and no
additional payments are made. Assume there are no partial withdrawals. The
Withdrawal Without Surrender Charge Amount is equal to the greater of 100% of
cumulative earnings (excluding Payment Credits) or 15% of the total of all
payments invested in the Contract.
The table below presents examples of the surrender charge resulting from a full
surrender, based on Hypothetical Accumulated Values.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
HYPOTHETICAL WITHDRAWAL SURRENDER
CONTRACT ACCUMULATED WITHOUT SURRENDER CHARGE SURRENDER
YEAR VALUE CHARGE AMOUNT PERCENTAGE CHARGE
- -------- ------------ ----------------- ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 $ 56,160 $ 7,500 8.5% $4,136
2 60,653 8,653 8.5% 4,250
3 65,505 13,505 8.5% 4,250
4 70,745 18,745 8.5% 4,250
5 76,405 24,405 7.5% 3,750
6 82,517 30,517 6.5% 3,250
7 89,119 37,119 5.5% 2,750
8 96,248 44,248 3.5% 1,750
9 103,948 51,948 1.5% 750
10 112,264 60,264 0.0% 0
</TABLE>
WITHDRAWALS -- Assume a payment of $50,000 is made on the Issue Date and no
additional payments are made. Assume that there are withdrawals as detailed
below. The Withdrawal Without Surrender Charge Amount is equal to the greater of
100% of cumulative earnings (excluding Payment Credits) or 15% of the total of
all payments invested in the Contract less that portion of any prior
withdrawal(s) of payments that are subject to the surrender charge table.
The table below presents examples of the surrender charge resulting from
withdrawals, based on Hypothetical Accumulated Values:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
HYPOTHETICAL WITHDRAWAL SURRENDER
CONTRACT ACCUMULATED WITHOUT SURRENDER CHARGE SURRENDER
YEAR VALUE WITHDRAWALS CHARGE AMOUNT PERCENTAGE CHARGE
- -------- ------------ ----------- ----------------- ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 $56,160 $0 $ 7,500 8.5% $0
2 60,653 0 8,653 8.5% 0
3 65,505 0 13,505 8.5% 0
4 70,745 30,000 18,745 8.5% 957
5 44,005 10,000 5,812 7.5% 314
6 36,725 5,000 5,184 6.5% 0
7 34,264 10,000 5,184 5.5% 265
8 26,205 15,000 4,461 3.5% 369
9 12,101 5,000 2,880 1.5% 32
10 7,669 5,000 2,562 0.0% 0
</TABLE>
B-1
<PAGE>
PART 2: MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT
The market value factor is: [(1+i)/(1+j)] to the power of n/365 - 1
The following examples assume:
1. The payment was allocated to a ten-year Guarantee Period Account with a
Guaranteed Interest Rate of 8%.
2. The date of surrender is seven years (2,555 days) from the expiration
date.
3. The value of the Guarantee Period Account is equal to $65,505.02 at the
end of three years.
4. No transfers or withdrawals affecting this Guarantee Period Account have
been made.
5. Surrender charges, if any, are calculated in the same manner as shown in
the examples in Part 1.
NEGATIVE MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT (UNCAPPED)*
Assume that on the date of surrender, the current rate (j) is 10.00% or 0.10
<TABLE>
<C> <C> <S>
The market value factor = [(1+i)/(1+j)] to the power of n/365 - 1
= [(1+.08)/(1+.10)] to the power of 2555/365 - 1
= (.98182) to the power of 7 - 1
= -.12054
The market value adjustment = the market value factor multiplied by the withdrawal
= -.12054 X $65,505.02
= -$7,895.79
</TABLE>
POSITIVE MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT (UNCAPPED)*
Assume that on the date of surrender, the current rate (j) is 7.00% or 0.07
<TABLE>
<C> <C> <S>
The market value factor = [(1+i)/(1+j)] to the power of n/365 - 1
= [(1+.08)/(1+.07)] to the power of 2555/365 - 1
= (1.00935) to the power of 7 - 1
= .06728
The market value adjustment = the market value factor multiplied by the withdrawal
= .06728 X $65,505.02
= $4,407.41
</TABLE>
*Uncapped is a straight application of the Market Value Adjustment formula when
the value produced is less than the cap.
B-2
<PAGE>
NEGATIVE MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT (CAPPED)*
Assume that on the date of surrender, the current rate (j) is 11.00% or 0.11
<TABLE>
<C> <C> <S>
The market value factor = [(1+i)/(1+j)] to the power of n/365 - 1
= [(1+.08)/(1+.11)] to the power of 2555/365 - 1
= (.97297) to the power of 7 - 1
= -.17454
The market value adjustment = Minimum of the market value factor multiplied by the
withdrawal or the negative of the excess interest earned
over 3%
= Minimum (-.17454 X $65,505.02 or -$10,868.67)
= Minimum (-$11,432.08 or -$10,868.67)
= -$10,868.67
</TABLE>
POSITIVE MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT (CAPPED)*
Assume that on the date of surrender, the current rate (j) is 5.00% or 0.05
<TABLE>
<C> <C> <S>
The market value factor = [(1+i)/(1+j)] to the power of n/365 - 1
= [(1+.08)/(1+.05)] to the power of 2555/365 - 1
= (1.02857) to the power of 7 - 1
= .21798
The market value adjustment = Minimum of the market value factor multiplied by the
withdrawal or the excess interest earned over 3%
= Minimum of (.21798 X $65,505.02 or $10,868.67)
= Minimum of ($14,278.98 or $10,868.67)
= $10,868.67
</TABLE>
*Capped takes into account the excess interest part of the Market Value
Adjustment formula when the value produced is greater than the cap.
B-3
<PAGE>
APPENDIX C
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ALLMERICA FINANCIAL LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY
SEPARATE ACCOUNT VA-K
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUB-ACCOUNT 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
- ----------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
DGPF GROWTH & INCOME SERIES
Unit Value:
Beginning of Period.......... 2.672 2.433 1.883 1.582 1.178 1.197 1.051 1.000
End of Period................ 2.556 2.672 2.433 1.883 1.582 1.178 1.197 1.051
Number of Units Outstanding at
End of Period (in
thousands).................... 136,760 146,009 113,507 65,991 48,305 38,591 25,086 4,208
DGPF DEVON SERIES
Unit Value:
Beginning of Period.......... 1.543 1.261 1.000 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
End of Period................ 1.367 1.543 1.261 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Number of Units Outstanding at
End of Period (in
thousands).................... 48,519 42,690 11,585 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
DGPF GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
SERIES
Unit Value:
Beginning of Period.......... 2.145 1.831 1.616 1.432 1.121 1.178 1.070 1.000
End of Period................ 3.447 2.145 1.831 1.616 1.432 1.121 1.178 1.070
Number of Units Outstanding at
End of Period (in
thousands).................... 60,264 58,454 57,025 44,667 35,204 29,100 20,802 4,534
DGPF U.S. GROWTH SERIES
Unit Value:
Beginning of Period.......... 1.000 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
End of Period................ 1.057 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Number of Units Outstanding at
End of Period (in
thousands).................... 5,522 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
DGPF SELECT GROWTH SERIES
Unit Value:
Beginning of Period.......... 1.000 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
End of Period................ 1.416 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Number of Units Outstanding at
End of Period (in
thousands).................... 36,671 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
DGPF SOCIAL AWARENESS SERIES
Unit Value:
Beginning of Period.......... 1.448 1.272 1.000 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
End of Period................ 1.613 1.448 1.272 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Number of Units Outstanding at
End of Period (in
thousands).................... 17,918 17,819 4,515 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
</TABLE>
C-1
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUB-ACCOUNT 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
- ----------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
DGPF REIT SERIES
Unit Value:
Beginning of Period.......... 0.901 1.000 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
End of Period................ 0.865 0.901 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Number of Units Outstanding at
End of Period (in
thousands).................... 2,775 1,235 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
DGPF SMALL CAP VALUE SERIES
Unit Value:
Beginning of Period.......... 1.806 1.923 1.467 1.214 0.994 1.000 1.000 N/A
End of Period................ 1.694 1.806 1.923 1.467 1.214 0.994 1.000 N/A
Number of Units Outstanding at
End of Period (in
thousands).................... 47,718 55,136 43,269 15,725 9,467 6,040 6 N/A
DGPF TREND SERIES
Unit Value:
Beginning of Period.......... 2.036 1.779 1.486 1.358 0.989 1.007 1.000 N/A
End of Period................ 3.422 2.036 1.779 1.486 1.358 0.989 1.007 N/A
Number of Units Outstanding at
End of Period (in
thousands).................... 42,570 36,571 33,256 21,711 13,410 6,197 50 N/A
DGPF INTERNATIONAL EQUITY
SERIES
Unit Value:
Beginning of Period.......... 1.762 1.619 1.540 1.301 1.159 1.144 1.000 1.000
End of Period................ 2.011 1.762 1.619 1.540 1.301 1.159 1.144 1.000
Number of Units Outstanding at
End of Period (in
thousands).................... 49,478 51,715 48,813 30,888 21,612 18,761 6,139 182
DGPF EMERGING MARKETS SERIES
Unit Value:
Beginning of Period.......... 0.586 0.880 1.000 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
End of Period................ 0.856 0.586 0.880 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Number of Units Outstanding at
End of Period (in
thousands).................... 10,078 6,662 4,545 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
DGPF BALANCED SERIES
Unit Value:
Beginning of Period.......... 2.357 2.015 1.616 1.414 1.133 1.150 1.078 1.000
End of Period................ 2.142 2.357 2.015 1.616 1.414 1.133 1.150 1.078
Number of Units Outstanding at
End of Period (in
thousands).................... 76,644 81,359 58,759 40,855 37,203 33,332 22,046 3,145
DGPF CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES
SERIES
Unit Value:
Beginning of Period.......... 1.127 1.156 1.000 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
End of Period................ 1.189 1.127 1.156 0 N/A N/A N/A N/A
Number of Units Outstanding at
End of Period (in
thousands).................... 5,601 4,793 1,291 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
</TABLE>
C-2
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUB-ACCOUNT 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
- ----------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
DGPF HIGH YIELD SERIES
Unit Value:
Beginning of Period.......... 1.599 1.652 1.474 1.326 1.164 1.214 1.058 1.000
End of Period................ 1.536 1.599 1.652 1.474 1.326 1.164 1.214 1.058
Number of Units Outstanding at
End of Period (in
thousands).................... 59,311 70,679 56,733 44,760 37,818 31,735 22,281 4,571
DGPF CAPITAL RESERVES SERIES
Unit Value:
Beginning of Period.......... 1.386 1.317 1.241 1.209 1.075 1.120 1.053 1.000
End of Period................ 1.371 1.386 1.317 1.241 1.209 1.075 1.120 1.053
Number of Units Outstanding at
End of Period (in
thousands).................... 25,020 28,066 20,234 20,226 19,818 20,476 16,752 3,828
DGPF STRATEGIC INCOME SERIES
Unit Value:
Beginning of Period.......... 1.065 1.052 1.000 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
End of Period................ 1.015 1.065 1.052 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Number of Units Outstanding at
End of Period (in
thousands).................... 17,658 17,524 5,381 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
DGPF CASH RESERVE SERIES
Unit Value:
Beginning of Period.......... 1.207 1.165 1.124 1.087 1.044 1.021 1.010 1.000
End of Period................ 1.248 1.207 1.165 1.124 1.087 1.044 1.021 1.010
Number of Units Outstanding at
End of Period (in
thousands).................... 42,241 32,501 24,014 21,519 11,568 13,998 5,483 1,387
DGPF GLOBAL BOND SERIES
Unit Value:
Beginning of Period.......... 1.172 1.102 1.107 1.000 1.000 N/A N/A N/A
End of Period................ 1.114 1.172 1.102 1.107 1.000 N/A N/A N/A
Number of Units Outstanding at
End of Period (in
thousands).................... 5,052 4,991 3,950 886 0 N/A N/A N/A
</TABLE>
No information is shown above for the Sub-Accounts that commenced operations
after December 31, 1999.
C-3
<PAGE>
APPENDIX D
EXAMPLES OF PRESENT VALUE WITHDRAWALS AND PAYMENT WITHDRAWALS
Assume in the examples below that a 65-year-old male annuitizes his contract
exactly two years after the Issue Date. The annuitization amount is $250,000.
Further assume that he selects a variable Life with Period Certain annuity
payout option of Single Life with Payments Guaranteed for 10 Years, an Assumed
Investment Return ("AIR") of 3%, and an annual Change Frequency. Assume that the
Annuity Value purchases 1,370 Annuity Units and the first monthly annuity
benefit payment is equal to $1,370. The following examples assume a net return
of 8% (gross return of 9.4%).
PRESENT VALUE WITHDRAWALS
EXAMPLE 1. Assume that the Owner has taken no previous withdrawals and would
like to take the maximum Present Value Withdrawal available at the beginning of
the fifth contract year (the third year of the Annuity Payout phase).
Annuity Units prior to withdrawal = 1,370
Annuity Unit Value on the date of withdrawal = 1.09944
Monthly Annuity Benefit Payment prior to withdrawal = $1,506.24
Rate used in Present Value Determination = 5% (3% AIR plus 2% Withdrawal
Adjustment Charge)
Present Value of Future Guaranteed Annuity Benefit Payments = $119,961.92
Maximum Present Value Withdrawal Amount = $89,971.44 ($119,961.92 X 75%)
Annuity Units after withdrawal = 342.50 (1,370 X (1
-(89,971.44/119,961.92)))
Annuity Unit Value on the date of withdrawal = 1.09944
Monthly Annuity Benefit Payment after withdrawal = $376.56
Because the withdrawal is being made within 5 years of the Issue Date, the rate
used in the Present Value Determination is increased by a Withdrawal Adjustment
Charge. Since less than 10 years of guaranteed annuity payments are being
valued, the Withdrawal Adjustment Charge is 2%. Because this is a Present Value
Withdrawal, the number of Annuity Units will increase to 1,370 after the end of
the 10-year period during which the Company guaranteed to make payments.
EXAMPLE 2. Assume that the Owner has taken no previous withdrawals and would
like to take the maximum Present Value Withdrawal available at the beginning of
the tenth contract year (eighth year of the Annuity Payout phase).
Annuity Units prior to withdrawal = 1,370
Annuity Unit Value on the date of withdrawal = 1.39350
Monthly Annuity Benefit Payment prior to withdrawal = $1,909.09
Rate used in Present Value Determination = 3% (3% AIR)
Present Value of Future Guaranteed Annuity Benefit Payments = $65,849.08
Maximum Present Value Withdrawal Amount = $49,386.81 ($65,849.08 X 75%)
Annuity Units after withdrawal = 342.50 (1,370 X (1
-(49,386.81/65,849.08)))
Annuity Unit Value on the date of withdrawal = 1.39350
Monthly Annuity Benefit Payment after withdrawal = $477.27
Because the withdrawal is being made more than 5 years after the Issue Date, the
rate used in the Present Value Determination is not increased by a Withdrawal
Adjustment Charge. Because this is a Present Value Withdrawal, the number of
Annuity Units will increase to 1,370 after the end of the 10-year period during
which the Company guaranteed to make payments.
D-1
<PAGE>
PAYMENT WITHDRAWALS
EXAMPLE 3. Assume that the Owner has taken no previous withdrawals and would
like to take the maximum Payment Withdrawal of 10 monthly annuity benefit
payments at the beginning of the fifth contract year (the third year of the
Annuity Payout phase). At that time, the Annuitant's life expectancy is greater
than 15 years.
Last Monthly Annuity Benefit Payment = $1,436.50
Withdrawal Amount = $14,365.00 (10 X 1,436.50)
Annuity Units prior to withdrawal = 1,370
Annuity Unit Value on the date of withdrawal = 1.09944
Monthly Annuity Benefit Payment prior to withdrawal = $1,506.24
Rate used in Present Value Determination = 4% (3% AIR plus 1% Withdrawal
Adjustment Charge)
Present Value of Future Annuity Benefit Payments = $234,482.77
Annuity Units after withdrawal = 1,286.07 (1,370 X (1
-(14,365.00/234,482.77)))
Annuity Unit Value on the date of withdrawal = 1.09944
Monthly Annuity Benefit Payment after withdrawal = $1,413.96
Because the withdrawal is being made within 5 years of the Issue Date, the rate
used in the Present Value Determination is increased by a Withdrawal Adjustment
Charge. Since there are more than 15 years of annuity payments being valued (the
Annuitant's life expectancy is more than 15 years), the Withdrawal Adjustment
Charge is 1%. Because this is a Payment Withdrawal, the number of Annuity Units
will not increase after the end of the 10-year period during which the Company
guaranteed to make payments.
EXAMPLE 4. Assume that the Owner has taken no previous withdrawals and would
like to take the maximum Payment Withdrawal of 10 monthly annuity benefit
payments at the beginning of the tenth contract year (eighth year of the Annuity
Payout phase).
Last Monthly Annuity Benefit Payment = $1,820.71
Withdrawal Amount = $18,207.10 (10 X 1,820.71)
Annuity Units prior to withdrawal = 1,370
Annuity Unit Value on the date of withdrawal = 1.39350
Monthly Annuity Benefit Payment prior to withdrawal = $1,909.09
Rate used in Present Value Determination = 3% (3% AIR)
Present Value of Future Annuity Benefit Payments = $268,826.18
Annuity Units after withdrawal = 1,272.71 (1,370 X (1
-(18,207.10/268,826.18)))
Annuity Unit Value on the date of withdrawal = 1.39350
Monthly Annuity Benefit Payment after withdrawal = $1,779.80
Because the withdrawal is being made more than 5 years after the Issue Date, the
rate used in the Present Value Determination is not increased by a Withdrawal
Adjustment Charge. Because this is a Payment Withdrawal, the number of Annuity
Units will not increase after the end of the 10-year period during which the
Company guaranteed to make payments.
PRESENT VALUE WITHDRAWAL VERSUS PAYMENT WITHDRAWAL
EXAMPLE 5. Assume that the Owner has taken no previous withdrawals and would
like to take a $10,000 withdrawal at the beginning of the fifth contract year
(the third year of the Annuity Payout phase). At that time, the Annuitant's life
expectancy is greater than 15 years. The following examples show the impact of
taking the withdrawal under the Present Value Withdrawal Option and the Payment
Withdrawal Option.
D-2
<PAGE>
PRESENT VALUE WITHDRAWAL
Annuity Units prior to withdrawal = 1,370
Annuity Unit Value on the date of withdrawal = 1.09944
Monthly Annuity Benefit Payment prior to withdrawal = $1,506.24
Rate used in Present Value Determination = 5% (3% AIR plus 2% Withdrawal
Adjustment Charge)
Present Value of future Guaranteed Annuity Benefit Payments = $119,961.92
Withdrawal = $10,000
Annuity Units after withdrawal = 1,255.80 (1,370 X (1
-(10,000/119,961.92)))
Annuity Unit Value on the date of withdrawal = 1.09944
Monthly Annuity Benefit Payment after withdrawal = $1,380.67
Because the withdrawal is being made within 5 years of the Issue Date, the rate
used in the Present Value Determination is increased by a Withdrawal Adjustment
Charge. Since less than 10 years of guaranteed annuity payments are being
valued, the Withdrawal Adjustment Charge is 2%. Because this is a Present Value
Withdrawal, the number of Annuity Units will increase to 1,370 at the end of the
10-year period during which the Company guaranteed to make payments.
PAYMENT WITHDRAWAL
Annuity Units prior to withdrawal = 1,370
Annuity Unit Value on the date of withdrawal = 1.09944
Monthly Annuity Benefit Payment prior to withdrawal = $1,506.24
Rate used in Present Value Determination = 4% (3% AIR plus 1% Withdrawal
Adjustment Charge)
Present Value of future Annuity Benefit Payments = $234,482.77
Withdrawal = $10,000
Annuity Units after withdrawal = 1,311.57 (1,370 X (1
-(10,000/$234,482.77)))
Annuity Unit Value on the date of withdrawal = 1.09944
Monthly Annuity Benefit Payment after withdrawal = $1,442.00
Because the withdrawal is being made within 5 years of the Issue Date, the rate
used in the Present Value Determination is increased by a Withdrawal Adjustment
Charge. Since there are more than 15 years of annuity payments being valued (the
Annuitant's life expectancy is more than 15 years), the Withdrawal Adjustment
Charge is 1%. Because this is a Payment Withdrawal, the number of Annuity Units
will not increase at the end of the 10-year period during which the Company
guaranteed to make payments.
D-3
