Safe Return
MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company
10%
Best Cap
10%
Free W/D
50
States
Safe Return is a fixed index annuity that offers flexibility between guaranteed declared rates and market-indexed strategies with downside protection. It's designed for individuals seeking growth potential with safety guarantees and penalty-free access to portions of their funds.
Free Withdrawal
10%/yr
Available In
50 states
Min Premium
$25,000
Surrender
10 years
Current Rates & Strategies
| Index | Crediting | Cap | Participation | Fixed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Trust Barclays Edge Index | Annual | -- | 145% | -- |
| iShares US Real Estate ETF | Annual | 10% | 100% | -- |
| S&P 500 Average Daily Risk Control Price Return Index | Annual | -- | 60% | -- |
| S&P 500 Index | Annual | 6.75% | 100% | -- |
| Fixed Account | Daily | -- | -- | 4.25% |
Key Features
Interest Strategy Options
Declared rates guaranteed; indexed rates capped or participation-limited but never below 0%Select between declared rate strategies (fixed rates that don't change during the term) or indexed strategies (returns based on S&P 500, Risk Control Index, or Real Estate ETF performance)
Free Withdrawal Allowance
10% per contract year, non-cumulativeWithdraw 10% of account value annually without early withdrawal charges
Guaranteed Minimum Surrender Value (GMSV)
100% of premiums + minimum daily credited interest, less withdrawals and chargesYour account value is guaranteed to be at least 100% of purchase payments plus guaranteed minimum interest, even if market performance is poor
Bailout Feature
30-day window to withdraw without surrender charges if triggeredExit indexed strategies penalty-free if the cap or participation rate falls below the initial rate
Return of Premium Guarantee
Principal protection guaranteedAt death or surrender, you receive the greatest of account value, GMSV, or sum of all premiums paid less prior withdrawals
Early Withdrawal Charges (Years 1-10)
10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0%Declining surrender charges that start at 10% in year one and decrease by 1% annually, reaching 0% in year 11
Purchase Payment Flexibility
Initial minimum $25,000; additional minimum $2,000–$5,000 depending on plan typeAccepts single or additional purchase payments (additional only in first 2 months)
Optional Riders
See Interest Rate or State Approval Charts for availabilityAvailable riders provide lifetime income or enhanced death benefits for clients with specific income or legacy goals
Extended Care Waiver
No additional charge (not available in Massachusetts)If confined to a nursing home or long-term care facility for 90+ consecutive days after year one, early withdrawal charges may be waived on full surrender
Terminal Illness Waiver
One-time use; not available in MassachusettsWithdraw up to 100% of account value without early withdrawal charges if diagnosed with a terminal illness (12-month life expectancy), provided diagnosis is more than one year after issue
Loan Availability
Minimum $1,000; minimum $500 must remain after loanLoan endorsement available for 403(b) and 457(b) contracts
Easy Systematic Payment (ESP) Program
Non-contractual; reduces free withdrawal allowanceFlexible withdrawal options including fixed dollar, RMDs, 72(t), and 72(q) elections for retirement income
Payout Options
Multiple annuity commencement date options availableAfter first contract year, choose from income for fixed period, single life annuity, single life with period certain, or joint and one-half survivor
Highlights
Choose between fixed declared rates or indexed strategies tied to S&P 500, Risk Control Index, or Real Estate ETF
10% annual free withdrawal allowance after year one—no surrender charges on that amount
Guaranteed minimum surrender value (GMSV) protects your principal with daily interest crediting
Bailout feature lets you exit indexed strategies penalty-free if caps or participation rates drop below initial levels
No upfront sales charges or fees
Surrender Schedule
Yr 1
10%
Yr 2
9%
Yr 3
8%
Yr 4
7%
Yr 5
6%
Yr 6
5%
Yr 7
4%
Yr 8
3%
Yr 9
2%
Yr 10
1%
After
0%
Nursing home waiver, Terminal illness waiver
Best For
Individuals aged 0–85 with $25,000+ to invest who want growth potential linked to market indexes but need principal protection, flexibility to access funds annually, and the option for guaranteed income in retirement.
Consider Alternatives If
Those who need immediate liquidity without penalty, or investors seeking unrestricted market upside without caps or participation rate limits.
Carrier Ratings
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