Research Projects
Research Projects in Pension
Single Life vs. Joint and Survivor Pension Payout Options: How Do Married Retirees Choose?
The SOA's Committee on Retirement Systems Research, Pension Section and Actuarial Foundation
funded this report that examines decisions facing married retirees on pension benefit payout options and the
factors that influence their choices. The study, conducted by the Urban Institute, investigates the costs and
benefits that married retirees consider when choosing either a single life annuity or joint and survivor annuity.
The report also considers retirees with DB coverage who choose a lump sum distribution and examines the factors
influencing this decision.