What type of annuities begin making payments shortly after they are purchased?

Immediate annuities are designed to start making payments to the annuitant shortly after they are purchased. This feature makes them particularly appealing for individuals who want to begin receiving income right away, typically within a year of the purchase. Immediate annuities are often used for retirement planning, allowing retirees to convert a lump sum into steady income, providing financial security without delay.

In contrast, deferred annuities do not begin payments until a future date, which might be several years after the purchase. Fixed and variable annuities can be either deferred or immediate based on how they are set up; however, without the immediate specification, they generally focus on the investment characteristics rather than the timing of the payouts. Thus, the defining characteristic of immediate annuities is their prompt commencement of payments, making them suitable for individuals needing immediacy in their income streams.