Which annuity bridges the income gap until government benefits like OAS and CPP begin?

• A. Integrated Annuity
• B. Participating Annuity
• C. Impaired Life Annuity
• D. Split Annuity Strategy

Answer: (A)

Bridging retirement income across the period before government benefits start requires a product that coordinates private income with public programs. An integrated annuity is designed to do exactly that: its payments are structured to supplement your income in the years before OAS and CPP begin and then adjust as those government benefits kick in, so total cash flow remains smooth without duplicating benefits.

Other options don’t target this timing coordination. A participating annuity pays extra if the insurer’s profits allow, but it isn’t built to align with government benefit timings. An impaired life annuity increases payments based on health status, not timing of OAS/CPP. A split annuity strategy uses a mix of immediate and deferred pieces for sequencing, but it isn’t the standard product specifically designed to bridge the gap with government benefits.