Standard annuities


The Retirement Fund offers two standard forms of annuity:

Five Year Certain and Life Annuity
This standard annuity is the automatic option for most participants who are single at the time of retirement, and benefits are paid in this form unless you elect one of the optional form of payment. It pays you a monthly pension throughout your life, and the amount never changes. If you die within five years of retiring, the remaining benefits will be provided to a beneficiary you designate until a total of 60 monthly payments are made (to you and your beneficiary combined).  

Qualified Joint & Survivor Annuity
This standard annuity is the automatic option for married participants, unless your legal spouse provides written consent to elect an optional form of payment. You’ll receive the same monthly pension as long as you live. If you die before your spouse, he or she will receive monthly payments of half the amount you received prior to your death. These survivor benefits continue throughout your spouse’s life. The amount you receive in your lifetime is smaller than the Five Year Certain and Life Annuity, to reflect the continuing benefit to your surviving spouse.

Optional annuities
Retirement Plan at-a-glance main page
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For a detailed description of the standard annuities, refer to the current Retirement Fund Summary Plan Description and any subsequent Benefits Updates.

  • 2023 Earnings Statements Issued

    May 15, 2024, 11:58 AM by sh
    Summary: Performers are encouraged to review and verify the accuracy of information on their Earnings Statement upon receiving the statement in the mail. Review your earnings information online via the participant portal.
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  • The first pension payment of the New Year will arrive by direct deposit on Jan. 2, 2024

    Dec 22, 2023, 12:07 PM by sh
    Summary: The AFTRA Retirement Fund will be distributing the first benefit payment of the 2024 calendar year on Jan. 1, 2024, to ensure that the payment is applied toward your 2024 earnings. However, because of the New Year’s holiday, payments will be posted by the financial institution on Jan. 2, 2024.
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