ING Fixed Annuities Enhances Withdrawal Benefit to Make Guaranteed Income for Life Easier

ING Fixed Annuities is revamping its guaranteed withdrawal benefit this fall by making several key enhancements -- including a 7% compounding roll-up during the first 10 years of the deferral phase and an annual ratchet during both the deferral and withdrawal phase.

This new version of the ING IncomeProtector Withdrawal Benefit -- an optional rider on fixed index annuity contracts issued by ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company (NYSE: ING) -- is available starting September 29.

Chad Tope, head of ING Fixed Annuities Distribution, said the new enhancements to the benefit will help financial professionals provide an even better option for flexible, guaranteed income during retirement.

"ING is redefining the rollup," said Tope. "Our 7% compounding roll-up, like others, protects you in decreasing and flat markets. However, our unique 7% compounding roll-up also provides additional benefits in increasing markets."

According to Tope, the 7% compounding roll-up builds off of the annual ratchet providing for greater income potential. In rising markets, when the accumulation value is higher than the guaranteed withdrawal base at the contract anniversary, the guaranteed withdrawal base will be automatically reset to the higher value. Future benefit base calculations will occur annually using the new ratcheted value.

ING USA has also included a provision that allows for full refund of rider charges to the beneficiary. "This feature provides protection in cases where a client does not have the opportunity to take advantage of the benefits afforded by the rider," said Tope.

With the new ING IncomeProtector Withdrawal Benefit, contract owners will still have the ability to turn income on or off at any time. In addition, the benefit has been enhanced to allow withdrawals within the first contract year.

The ING IncomeProtector Withdrawal Benefit is available at a cost of 0.40% of the guaranteed withdrawal base. The maximum issue age for the benefit is 80.

ING is a global financial institution of Dutch origin offering banking, insurance and asset management to more than 60 million private, corporate and institutional clients in more than 50 countries. With a diverse workforce of over 115,000 people, ING comprises a broad spectrum of prominent companies that increasingly serve their clients under the ING brand.

In the U.S., the ING family of companies offer a comprehensive array of financial services to retail and institutional clients which include life insurance, retirement plans, mutual funds, managed accounts, alternative investments, direct banking, institutional investment management, annuities, employee benefits, financial planning, and reinsurance. ING holds top-tier rankings in key U.S. markets and serves over 14 million customers across the nation. For more information, visit www.ing.com .

Contracts issued by ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, 909 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309. Products/features not available in all states. Withdrawals may be subject to Federal/State income tax and, if taken prior to age 59 1/2, an additional 10% Federal penalty tax. Neither the company nor its agents and representatives can provide tax, legal or accounting advice. Clients should consult their own attorney or tax advisor about their specific circumstances. Withdrawals do not participate in index interest. Guarantees based on claims paying ability of the insurer.

IRAs and other qualified plans already provide tax deferral like that provided by an annuity. Additional features and benefits such as contract guarantees, death benefits and the ability to receive a lifetime income are contained within the annuity for a cost. Please be sure the features and costs of the annuity are right for you when considering the purchase of the annuity.

Please note that the likelihood of obtaining value from the ING IncomeProtector Withdrawal Benefit rider decreases as issue ages increase. In order for owners issue age 75 and above to benefit from this rider, the interest credited to your accumulation value must be significantly less than expected based on historic averages. Depending on your issue age and the interest credited to your accumulation value, deferring your payment stream may significantly reduce the likelihood of obtaining value from the ING IncomeProtector Withdrawal Benefit.

Annuity income is defined as a series of periodic payments, a part of which may be return of your premium or principal, which is guaranteed by the issuing insurance company for a specified period of time or for the life of the annuitant.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: chuck.eudy@us.ing.com

SOURCE: ING USA

CONTACT: Chuck Eudy of ING US Financial Services, +1-770-980-5209,
mobile: +1-770-490-6420, chuck.eudy@us.ing.com

Web site: http://www.ing.com/us