Q. The current annuity provider for our TSP balance is MetLife. If Metlife goes into bankruptcy, what will happen to those people who have purchased an annuity from Metlife? If there is a chance that I could lose my annuity because of this company going under, what would you suggest I do with my TSP balance when i do retire?
A. Your annuity might be paid in full or in part or not at all. It depends upon what happens. Your annuity could be paid out of available funds even in the event of bankruptcy. Your annuity could be sold to another insurer that would honor the contract. A state insurance commission may step in and provide funds to make payment. The bottom line is that there is risk, but it’s the insurer’s responsibility to back up their guarantee. But, then again, in the age of the bailout, who knows…?
