What is the term for the person who receives annuity assets if the annuitant dies during the accumulation period?

The person who receives annuity assets if the annuitant dies during the accumulation period is referred to as the beneficiary. In the context of annuities, the accumulation period is the phase during which the annuity is being funded through contributions or premium payments. If the annuitant passes away before the annuity is fully matured or before they start receiving payments, the beneficiary is the individual designated to receive the remaining assets or value built up in the annuity.

In this case, the beneficiary may receive a death benefit that could include the premiums paid or the current value of the annuity, depending on the terms of the contract. This allows for a financial safeguard for the annuitant's chosen loved ones or designated parties.

The other terms listed refer to different aspects of an annuity or insurance policy but are not the correct answer in this context. The owner is the person who holds the rights to the annuity contract, the annuitant is the individual on whose life the annuity is based, and a trustee is typically involved in managing assets for another party under a trust agreement. Therefore, the clarity about the role of the beneficiary is crucial in understanding how benefits are administered upon the death of the annuitant during the accumulation phase.