Lincoln Financial Group Celebrates Ten Year Anniversary of i4LIFE® Advantage

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Lincoln Financial Group (NYSE: LNC) recently celebrated the ten year anniversary of its i4LIFE® Advantage innovation, a ground-breaking and patented income distribution method available with Lincoln ChoicePlus Assurance(SM) and American Legacy variable annuity products. The i4LIFE® Advantage variable annuity rider offers clients a unique combination of lifetime income with control, access and flexibility.

The anniversary was marked by additional enhancements as the company hit milestones in excess of 50,000 elections – representing more than $10 billion – of i4LIFE® Advantage riders purchased through the annuity products since being introduced more than a decade ago.

"Lincoln remains firmly committed to developing retirement solutions that help its clients control and protect their lifestyles," says Rob Grubka, Head of Retirement Solutions, Lincoln Financial Group. "The outstanding reception and evolution of i4LIFE® Advantage over the past ten years is a testament to this commitment. We are also seeing an increased relevance of income solutions in today's challenging environment."

The i4LIFE® Advantage is designed to address the main concerns people face as they look to retirement by helping them:

• Protect against market volatility.
• Maintain purchasing power.
• Ensure their retirement income will last a lifetime.
• Face rising health care costs with increased confidence.
• Minimize the tax burden to help increase purchasing power.  

"The success of i4LIFE® Advantage is attributable to the dedication of the Lincoln team, as well as its advisor and broker-dealer partners," said John Kennedy, Head of Retirement Solutions Distribution. "Too often people focus merely on accumulating assets and forget about seeking to maximize income for retirement. The hard work of our team and partners has been the cornerstone of our success for more than a century. Solutions such as i4LIFE® Advantage are essential for helping prepare for a particular lifestyle. As demographics continue to change, i4LIFE® Advantage will be even more important in the future," said Kennedy.

Additional enhancements made in conjunction with the anniversary have simplified and streamlined the Guaranteed Income Benefit (GIB). GIB is a minimum lifetime guarantee for i4LIFE® Advantage, ensuring that the lifetime payments will never go below a guaranteed income amount. The GIB is now banded by age and will offer the same initial benefit percentage for male, female and joint life payouts. A minimum Access Period of 20 years, or to age 90 if longer, is also available if selected when choosing the GIB.

Disclosure

i4LIFE® Advantage and GIB are riders, available for an additional charge, through variable annuities issued on contract form #30070B and state variations by The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, Fort Wayne, IN, and in New York, Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York, Syracuse, NY. Variable products distributed by broker/dealer-affiliate Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc., Radnor, PA.

Variable annuities are long-term investment products designed for retirement purposes and are subject to market fluctuation, investment risk and possible loss of principal. Variable annuities

contain both investment and insurance components, and have fees and charges, including mortality and expense, administrative and advisory fees. Optional features are available for an

additional charge and are based on the financial strength of the insurer. The annuity's value fluctuates with the market value of the underlying investment options, and all assets accumulate

tax-deferred. Withdrawals of earnings are taxable as ordinary income and, if taken prior to age 59½, may be subject to a 10% federal tax penalty. Withdrawals will reduce the death

benefit and cash surrender value.

Variable products are sold by prospectus. Consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the variable product and its underlying investment options carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other information about the variable product and its underlying investment options. A prospectus is available by calling 888 868-2583. Read it carefully before investing.

About Lincoln Financial Group

Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation (NYSE: LNC) and its affiliates. With headquarters in the Philadelphia region, the companies of Lincoln Financial Group had assets under management of $150 billion as of September 30, 2010. Through its affiliated companies, Lincoln Financial Group offers: annuities; life, group life and disability insurance; 401(k) and 403(b) plans; savings plans; and comprehensive financial planning and advisory services. For more information, including a copy of our most recent SEC reports containing our balance sheets, please visit www.LincolnFinancial.com.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20050830/LFLOGO )

SOURCE Lincoln Financial Group