Frequently Asked Questions

Why is a Suitability Questionnaire required?

Most states have adopted a version of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Suitability in Annuity Transactions Model Regulation. This regulation requires certain information be considered by insurers and producers in determining whether a recommendation addresses the consumer’s financial situation, insurance needs and financial objectives. Our Suitability Questionnaire helps Nassau comply with regulatory requirements and is used by Nassau when reviewing recommendations and making a suitability decision.

TIP: Ensure all information required by the Suitability Questionnaire is completed in-full or Nassau may reject your client's application.

Why is the Customer Identification Verification form required?

This form is required to comply with the USA PATRIOT Act, and our Anti-Money Laundering Program. TIP: Section B is often overlooked. We require your client’s current or, if retired, former occupation.

If my client plans to use proceeds from an existing life insurance policy or annuity contract to purchase an annuity, should my client surrender the policy or contract prior to submitting their application?

No. Your client should never surrender an existing life insurance policy or annuity contract prior to applying with us.

If my client already surrendered a life insurance policy or annuity contract, placed the proceeds in a checking or similar account and is now using those funds to purchase an annuity, is that considered a replacement?

Yes. If your client is using proceeds from a previously surrendered life insurance policy or annuity contract to purchase an annuity, it is considered a replacement, even if those funds are held in a checking or similar account. In this situation, the Suitability Questionnaire must indicate that the source of the premium is a life insurance policy or annuity contract, not a checking or similar account, even though the surrender occurred prior to this purchase.

Most of my paperwork has been approved, can you send out the transfer paperwork now?

No. Transfer paperwork will not be submitted to the existing carrier until all paperwork is in good order. We hold the transfer request until all relevant departments have reviewed and accepted the submission.

Does the company provide suitability guidelines?

In addition to this document, we provide the following materials regarding the suitability process:

• Company Position on Suitability
• Suitability Guide
• Annuity Product Training

Since suitability review is a multi-step process, there is not a definitive list of rules that can be followed. However, we will contact the producer if additional information is needed.

Are there specific applications that you will not consider?

Yes, we will typically not consider an application if:

• You have not completed the required training.
• The Suitability Questionnaire is incomplete.
• You have not recommended the product.
• The source of premium is derived from a mortgage, reverse mortgage, personal loan or home equity line of credit.
• For clients above age 80:
• Any replacement with a surrender charge or penalties (including MVA and/or bonus recapture)
• Any case in which the contract being replaced has a Minimum Guaranteed Interest Rate (MGIR) greater than the MGIR on the Nassau contract
Note: A pre-issue call out from a Suitability Analyst to the client is required for all Fixed Indexed Annuity cases
• The existing contract being replaced is less than 24 months old
• Your client resides in a nursing home, has any form of cognitive impairment, or has been diagnosed with a terminal illness.
• Nassau will not accept any application for a deferred annuity if the purchase is intended to qualify an individual for Medicaid, VA benefits, or any other similar state or federal aid program.
• Nassau does not permit the sale of its products in connection with a Personal Service Contract.

When do you require training?

We require product training for all producers prior to solicitation. Nassau provides a convenient training portal, hosted by LIMRA and PinpointGlobal. There you can complete Nassau product training, upload certificates of completion, purchase the NAIC Suitability in Annuity Transactions course for your state (if required), and order CE courses for your license. Training requirements vary by state. Visit salesnet.nfg.com > Start Mandatory Training for more information.

What are some additional requirements I may need for a case?

• If replacing an existing contract that was issued less than 36 months prior to the date the application was signed (60 months in CA and MN), you need to submit a copy of your client’s most recent annual statement.
• If the client is age 75 (65 in CA) or older, you need to submit a copy of your client’s most recent annual statement.
• If replacing a life insurance policy, we require a zero-pay illustration and the most recent annual statement.
• If the existing annuity contract has an income rider, you must provide:
  • An explanation of the rider benefits and limitations
  • Current benefit base value
  • Roll-up/step-up information
  • Withdrawal percentage by age
  • Annuitization payout factors by age if rider requires Annuitization
• If you have indicated on the Customer Identification Verification form that you did not meet face to face for the sale of this annuity, you must submit a valid copy of a state issued identification.
• If your client intends to use the annuity as a 72(t)/(q) vehicle, please supply your own calculation and quote of the withdrawal amount.

Why are liquid assets important?

Since the annuity is a long term contract with significant penalties for early withdrawals, clients should have sufficient liquid assets after purchasing an annuity to cover any changes to their income, expenses, or medical care.

The following are guidelines for minimum acceptable Liquid Asset levels by age:

What is considered a liquid asset?

A liquid asset is an asset that can be accessed in a short period of time without incurring a penalty or loss of principal, such as

• Checking/savings/money market funds
• Penalty free CDs
• Stocks/bonds/penalty free mutual funds
• Cash value of life insurance policies or annuity contracts beyond their surrender charge period
• Qualified plans if your client is over 59½ and not actively employed

What is not considered a liquid asset?

• The premium being used to purchase our annuity
• Free withdrawal amounts from existing annuities that are still within the surrender charge period
• Qualified retirement plans if your client is under the age of 59½
• Qualified retirement plans if your client is still actively employed regardless of age
• Personal property.

What penalties should be disclosed when my client surrenders or transfers an existing contract?

Any loss of value or penalty assessed to your client as a result of the surrender or transfer (replacement) must be disclosed. These penalties may include surrender charges, bonus recapture charges, market value adjustments and other charges. They must be disclosed on the Suitability Questionnaire.

What if my client is a Non-US Citizen?

All contracts issued to Non-US Citizens are handled on a case by case basis. Our Corporate Compliance Department determines whether the contracts are issued based on the results of enhanced due diligence performed in accordance with our Anti-Money Laundering Program. For a Non-US Citizen who is a Non Resident Alien to purchase a contract, it must be owned by a US based trust and the funds must be in US dollars held in a US financial institution.

What do I need to submit if my client is a Non-US Citizen?

Non-US Citizens who are Non-Resident Aliens:

1. Copy of passport
2. Address in the country of permanent residence
3. Occupation, employer name and address. If retired, most recent employer and address

Non-US Citizens who are permanent residents:

1. Copy of permanent resident card (Green Card) front and back
2. Driver’s license
3. Occupation, employer name and address.

If retired, most recent employer and address We reserve the right to request additional information.

What happens if my case is declined?

We will send you a formal denial letter via USPS. The letter will include a refund if a check was submitted with the application. A copy of the letter will also be sent via email.

Once my case is declined, what are my options?

You may contact us; however, we typically will not reconsider any case unless new, material information is provided.

For the sale to be considered suitable, do I need to recommend the sale to my client?

Yes. We will not accept an application for a product that you did not recommend. Consider the following when making a recommendation:

• What is your client's financial situation and what are their objectives
• How will this purchase help your client meet his/her financial objectives?
• What are your client’s main financial concerns?
• How will this purchase help your client address his/ her insurance needs and financial concerns?
• Will there be any adverse tax consequences as a result of this transaction?
• Will this annuity provide substantial benefits to your client over the life of the contract?
• Does your client understand the limitations and/or restrictions on receiving benefits from the annuity?
• Does your client understand the fees and charges that may be applied to the annuity?

What are the requirements for cases above age 80?

Any replacement cases that are submitted above age 80 must meet the following additional criteria:

• A copy of your client's most recent annual statement must be submitted with the application
• The contract being replaced must have a Minimum Guaranteed Interest Rate (MGIR) equal to or less than the MGIR on the Nassau contract.

Who can I contact if I have questions regarding suitability?

If you have a question regarding a case or need to provide additional information, contact the Suitability Team via email at Suitability@nfg.com. If you are checking the status of a submitted case, visit salesnet.nfg.com to chat with a Nassau representative or track real-time application status. You may also speak to a representative in Nassau’s service center at 800-417-4769 option 2, option 2.

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