What is the primary characteristic of an interest settlement option in life insurance?

The primary characteristic of an interest settlement option in life insurance is that it invests the death benefit and earns interest. When this option is selected, instead of receiving the death benefit in a lump sum, the beneficiary receives the benefit amount, but the insurer holds the funds and pays interest on that amount over time. This allows the beneficiary to potentially grow the funds through earned interest, which can be beneficial in managing long-term financial needs.

The interest settlement option can provide a steady income stream to the beneficiary while also allowing the principal to continue to earn interest, making it a popular choice for those who may not need immediate access to the entire death benefit.