Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to questions we often receive. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Please contact us. We’re here to help!

How can I buy an Athene annuity?

Athene distributes annuity products through a variety of channels including Banks, Broker Dealers and Independent Marketing Organizations. We highly recommend you deal directly with a financial professional when purchasing one of our products. If you are not currently working with someone, we can connect you with a knowledgeable Athene representative in your area by filling out a short online request form.

How do I access my annuity information online?

If you have an annuity that was issued by Athene Annuity and Life Company (formerly Aviva USA), you may register for My Athene. Registration allows you to view statements, change beneficiaries, update your contact information or request a withdrawal.

When will I receive statements?

The frequency of statement mailings depends on the type of contract you own. For Single Premium Immediate Annuities (SPIAs), statements are mailed twice per year; at the anniversary date and at year end. Most other annuity contract holders will receive their statements annually, although some customers receive quarterly or semi-annual statements. You can request a statement of value at any time by calling our Customer Contact Center. My Athene users may view all their statements online.

How do I opt out of paper to receive communications and documents electronically?

When purchasing your annuity ask your financial professional to help you enroll in e-Delivery during the application process. Electing e-Delivery at this time will ensure that you receive your contract packet, statements, and communications delivered directly to your preferred email address.

If you’ve already purchased your annuity, communication preferences can be changed online in the Service Center of your MyAthene account. Once you’ve opted in, we’ll send you an email notification when documents are ready to view or download. Electronic communications at Athene are sent from our secure document portal called FireLight ® . Flagging Athene Servicing (no-reply@firelighteapp.com) as a known sender will help identify e-Delivery emails in your inbox. FireLight ® email notification links will be active for 30 days following receipt, and 10 days once you’ve accessed the link. Preferred documents can be downloaded and saved for record keeping. If you don’t access the email in time your contract documents and statements will always be available online in your MyAthene account.

How do I notify you of an address change?

​​​​​​My Athene users can change their address online. You may also call us with your new address, send your new address in writing, or mail us a completed change of address form. Select the appropriate change of address form from our forms library.

How do I change a beneficiary?

The owner of the policy can change the beneficiary at any time. If the contract's current beneficiary is irrevocable, that beneficiary must also approve the change. My Athene users can change a beneficiary online. A completed paper form is required for any other beneficiary change. Select the appropriate form in our forms library or call our Customer Contact Center to request the form. Primary beneficiary(ies) are first in line to receive proceeds from the contract after the annuitant's death. Contingent beneficiary(ies) will receive proceeds in the event the primary beneficiary(ies) death prior to the annuitant's.

What is probate?

Probate is a court-supervised legal process where the distribution of property, or estate, of a deceased person is administered. If the beneficiary(ies) are set up properly, death benefits can avoid probate and pass directly to the named beneficiary(ies).

How do I request a withdrawal from my contract?

​​​​My Athene users can request a withdrawal online. You may also request a withdrawal by calling our Customer Contact Center, or completing a withdrawal form found in our forms library.

What is the regular processing time for a withdrawal?

Withdrawals submitted using My Athene or requested over the phone are processed in 1–2 business days; requests may take longer if volumes are high. Normal processing for a mailed withdrawal request form is 7–10 business days (additional time may be required).

Can I get my monthly income direct deposited?

There are two ways to have your monthly income automatically sent to your bank account. You can either call our Customer Contact Center to request monthly deposits, or you may mail us a completed authorization for EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) found in our forms library.

How do I change my tax withholding on systematic payments?

You may change your tax withholding election online via MyAthene, or send us a completed Election of Withholding form found in our forms library. Withholding regulations vary from state to state. Federal withholdings vary depending on the type of funds distributed. Always consult with a qualified tax advisor before making a withholding election.

How do I start my payout under the settlement option?

The payout options available depend on your policy provisions. Please call one of our Customer Service Representatives at 888‑266‑8489 (888‑ANNUITY).

What is a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)?

The IRS requires individuals owning IRAs to take a required minimum distribution (RMD) each year once you reach a certain age, which varies by birthdate. The annual deadline for taking an RMD is December 31. You may delay your first RMD until April 1 of the year after you attain the required beginning age. If you delay your first RMD, you'll have to take your first and second RMD in the same tax year. If you fail to take your RMD, you may be subject to an excise tax. Please consult with your tax professional for guidelines specific to your situation. Visit IRS.gov for details.

How do I set up my RMD?

​​​​​​My Athene users can set up RMDs online. You may also complete the set up process by calling our Customer Contact Center or mailing us a completed form. Forms can be found in our forms library.

Why did l receive a 1099?

A taxable or reportable event occurred on your contract in the year listed on the form. Examples of common events:

When will I receive my 1099?

1099 will be mailed no later than January 31 of each year. 1099 are provided only when funds in a contract are distributed from your account. You are not required to report interest earnings from an annuity until the interest is withdrawn.

How can I access tax forms?

Current and previous year(s) 1099R or 5498 can be obtained online by logging in to your MyAthene account or by emailing us at AskAthene@Athene.com. Not registered for MyAthene? Enroll today at www.athene.com/signup.

Am I the beneficiary of an Athene contract? If so, how do I submit a claim?

The beneficiaries listed on a contract will be mailed a claim packet if a Death Benefit is payable following the death of the Owner or Annuitant. Explore the Beneficiary Toolkit to learn more about the claim process, potential expectations and documents to collect to help save you time.

Claim forms for Natural Persons:

Claim forms for Non-natural Persons (such as trusts, charities or nonprofit organizations):

Please call our Customer Service Representatives at 888‑266‑8489 (888‑ANNUITY), select Option 1, then Option 3, for additional assistance.

© Athene. All Rights Reserved.

Annuities contain features, exclusions, limitations and availability that may vary by state and/or sales distributor. For a full explanation of an annuity, please refer to the Certificate of Disclosure or Prospectus (as applicable) and contact your financial professional or the company for costs and complete details. This material is a general description intended for general public use.

Annuity contracts and group annuity contracts are issued by Athene Annuity and Life Company (61689), West Des Moines, IA, in all states (except New York), and in D.C. and P.R. Annuity contracts are issued by Athene Annuity & Life Assurance Company of New York (68039), Pearl River, NY, in New York. Group annuity contracts for New York residents and New York contract holders are issued in New York by Athene Annuity & Life Assurance Company of New York, Pearl River, NY. Payment obligations and guarantees are subject to the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Insurance products may not be available in all states. These companies are not undertaking to provide investment advice for any individual or in any individual situation, and therefore nothing in this should be read as investment advice. This material should not be interpreted as a recommendation by Athene Annuity and Life Company, Athene Annuity & Life Assurance Company of New York, or Athene Securities, LLC. Please reach out to your financial professional if you have any questions about insurance products and their features.

The term “financial professional” is not intended to imply engagement in an advisory business with compensation unrelated to sales. Financial professionals will be paid a commission on the sale of an annuity.

INVESTMENT AND INSURANCE PRODUCTS ARE: • NOT FDIC INSURED • NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY • NOT A DEPOSIT OR OTHER OBLIGATION OF, OR GUARANTEED BY, THE BANK OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES • SUBJECT TO INVESTMENT RISKS, INCLUDING POSSIBLE LOSS OF THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT INVESTED

Reinsurance contracts are entered into with Athene Annuity and Life Company (61689), West Des Moines, IA; Athene Annuity & Life Assurance Company (61492), Wilmington, Delaware; Athene Annuity & Life Assurance Company of New York (68039), Pearl River, NY; Athene Life Re Ltd., Hamilton, Bermuda; and Athene Annuity Re Ltd., Hamilton, Bermuda. Not all reinsurance products or structures offered are available in all jurisdictions. Reinsurers may not be licensed in all states. All transactions are subject to meeting a reinsurer’s underwriting requirements. Reinsurance products are not protected or guaranteed by state insurance guaranty associations or insolvency funds.