Definition of joint life and survivorship annuity

annuity that continues income payments as long as one annuitant, out of two or more annuitants, remains alive. For example, a married couple would receive an income for as long as both spouses are alive. Thereafter, payments would continue as long as the surviving spouse is alive, usually for a smaller amount. This type of annuity is ideal for a husband and wife in that it guarantees the surviving spouse an income for life. Even with a life annuity certain or other type of refund annuity, it is possible for a surviving spouse to outlive the money that has been funding the annuity.