Annuity Contract – What Happens at the Death of the Owner? Sep 19, 2011 / By: Deborah Sexton, Estate Planning Attorney Category: Annuity Contract, Deceased Person's Debts, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Legacy Planning, Pay on Death For any annuity contract issued after April 22, 1987, it must terminate upon the death of any owner and benefits will then be paid to the designated beneficiary. The death of any owner will trigger... Read more »