
Ing USA offers a range of annuity and life insurance retirement solutions designed to help individuals build a secure financial future.
Their retirement solutions include fixed and variable annuities, which can provide a guaranteed income stream for life, and life insurance policies that can help ensure your loved ones are protected in the event of your passing.
One of the key benefits of Ing USA's annuity and life insurance products is their potential to provide tax-deferred growth and income, which can help your savings last longer in retirement.
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What is an Annuity?
An annuity is a contract between you and an insurance company, where you pay a lump sum or installments in exchange for a guaranteed income stream in the future.
This can be a smart financial move, especially in retirement, as it provides a predictable source of income to live on.
Annuities can be structured in various ways, such as fixed, variable, or indexed, each with its own set of rules and benefits.
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Fixed annuities offer a guaranteed interest rate and a fixed payout, making them a low-risk option.
Variable annuities, on the other hand, offer a potential for higher returns, but also come with investment risks.
Indexed annuities combine elements of fixed and variable annuities, offering a potential for growth based on a specific stock market index.
Annuities can be used to supplement retirement income, or as a way to provide a guaranteed income stream for a set period of time.
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The Lawsuit
A lawsuit has been filed against ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company. The lawsuit alleges breach of contract and other claims related to the company's fixed index annuity contracts.
The lawsuit proposes to certify a Multi-State Class, which includes all residents of California, Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Texas who purchased a Secure Index fixed index annuity contract from ING within the applicable statute of limitations.
The Multi-State Class is seeking relief for breach of contract relating to ING's alleged failure to maintain the contracts' minimum guaranteed contract values.
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The lawsuit also proposes to certify a California Class, which includes all residents of California who purchased a Secure Index fixed index annuity contract from ING within the applicable statute of limitations.
The California Class is seeking relief for a variety of claims, including breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, breach of fiduciary duty, and violation of the California Securities Act.
ING allegedly created uniform sales materials that promised a "guarantee" to "Protect Your Assets" and interest potential beyond "other sources of fixed income."
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Applicants and Application
The Applicants behind ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company are quite a group. ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company and ReliaStar Life Insurance Company of New York are the two main companies making up the Applicants.
ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company and ReliaStar Life Insurance Company of New York are the two main companies making up the Applicants. They are joined by Separate Account B of ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, ReliaStar Life Insurance Company of New York Separate Account NY-B, and ING Variable Portfolios, Inc. in requesting an order from the Commission.
The Applicants are seeking an order to permit the substitution of shares of the ING Russell Small Cap Index Portfolio—Class S for shares of ProFund VP Small-Cap. This is in accordance with Section 26(c) of the 1940 Act, which requires the Commission's approval for such a substitution.
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Is an Annuity Right for You?
An annuity can be a valuable addition to your financial plan, but it's essential to understand its features and benefits before making a decision.
An annuity offers opportunities to grow your money tax-deferred, which means you won't have to pay taxes on the gains until you withdraw them.
This can be especially beneficial for long-term investments, as it allows your money to compound over time without being reduced by taxes.
An annuity can also provide a guaranteed income stream, including one that you can't outlive, which can give you peace of mind and financial security.
In fact, some annuities even offer a death benefit for your beneficiaries, which can provide additional protection and financial support for loved ones.
An annuity can be a smart choice for those looking to protect their assets from market fluctuations, especially with fixed and indexed annuities.
Here are some key features to consider when evaluating an annuity:
- Guaranteed interest rate for a period of time
- Death benefit for beneficiaries
- Protection from market fluctuations (fixed and indexed annuities)
- Income stream that can't be outlived
- Opportunities to grow money tax-deferred
Applicants' Representations
The Applicants' Representations are a crucial part of the application process. The Applicants, which include ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company, ReliaStar Life Insurance Company of New York, and others, request an order from the Commission to permit the substitution of shares.
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The Applicants are seeking permission to substitute shares of the ING Russell Small Cap Index Portfolio—Class S for shares of ProFund VP Small-Cap. This is a specific request that requires the Commission's approval.
The Commission has issued an order approving the substitution under Section 26(c) of the 1940 Act. This approval is a key step in the application process.
The Applicants are also requesting an exemption from certain provisions of the Act. They want to be exempt from Sections 2(a)(32) and 27(i)(2)(A) of the Act and Rule 22c-1 thereunder. This exemption would allow them to recapture certain bonuses applied to purchase payments.
Here is the recapture schedule for bonus credits:
The recapture of bonus credits can occur under certain circumstances, such as when a contract owner exercises their "free look" right, dies within twelve months of the bonus credit being applied, or takes a partial withdrawal or surrenders the contract within the first seven or four contract years.
Life Insurance and Retirement
Whole life and term life insurance are two popular types of life insurance, and the choice between them is often debated. Prudential has recently launched OneLeave, a new product that may offer more flexibility in life insurance options.
There are various types of annuities that can provide benefits in retirement, including fixed annuities with a guaranteed fixed rate of return, index annuities with interest crediting strategies linked to an index, and variable annuities that invest in variable options with unlimited upside potential.
To help you determine which type of annuity may be right for you, consider the following options:
- Fixed annuities – guaranteed fixed rate of return.
- Index annuities – offer interest crediting strategies that are linked to participation in the increase, if any, of an index or benchmark with downside protection; living benefits may provide additional guarantees for an additional cost.
- Variable annuities – invest in variable investment options with unlimited upside potential and downside risk; living and death benefits may be available to provide guarantees for an added cost.
- Income annuities – immediate or deferred stream of income guaranteed for life.
The Multi-State Class
The Multi-State Class refers to a group of people or entities that purchased a Secure Index fixed index annuity contract from ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company while living in California, Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania, or Texas.
These individuals were all residents of one of these states at some point and bought the annuity contract within the applicable statute of limitations.
The statute of limitations varies by state, but it's a crucial factor in determining who is eligible to be part of the Multi-State Class.
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Life Insurance News
Life insurance can play a crucial role in retirement planning. You may be considering whole life or term life insurance, but did you know that Prudential has launched a new product called OneLeave? This innovative policy offers flexibility and can be a good option for those who want to ensure their loved ones are taken care of.
Term life insurance is often more affordable, but it only provides coverage for a specific period of time. Whole life insurance, on the other hand, offers lifetime coverage, but it can be more expensive. It's essential to weigh the pros and cons of each type of policy to determine which one is right for you.
Conning research suggests that insurers must be flexible in the future, particularly by 2025. This means that companies like Prudential may need to adapt their products and services to meet changing customer needs. AM Best has also placed the credit ratings of Banner Life Insurance Company and William Penn Life Insurance Company of New York under review, which could have implications for policyholders.
Here's a quick comparison of whole life and term life insurance:
By understanding the options available, you can make an informed decision about which type of life insurance is right for you and your retirement plans.
What's Your Retirement Need
As you approach retirement, it's essential to understand your needs and goals to create a solid plan. An annuity could be a valuable tool to help you achieve your objectives.
There are various types of annuities that can cater to different needs, such as fixed annuities, which offer a guaranteed fixed rate of return. This can provide stability and predictability in your retirement income.
Index annuities offer interest crediting strategies linked to an index or benchmark, often with downside protection and additional guarantees for an added cost. This can help protect your investments from market volatility.
Variable annuities invest in variable investment options with unlimited upside potential but also come with downside risk. They may offer living and death benefits for an added cost.
Income annuities provide an immediate or deferred stream of income guaranteed for life, which can be a great option for those seeking predictable income in retirement.
To determine which type of annuity is right for you, consider your current stage in the retirement planning journey and your specific needs and goals.
For more insights, see: Guaranteed Investment Contract Definition
Frequently Asked Questions
Who took over ING life insurance?
Voya Financial took over ING Group's U.S. life insurance operations. This marked a significant shift in the company's ownership and direction.
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