Defined Contribution

The facts of lifetime income: How BlackRock is redefining retirement

An up button on an orange background, representing the positive steps towards achieving retirement goals.
May 07, 2025|ByBlackRock Retirement Perspectives

Key points

  • 01

    Demand for guaranteed retirement income is real

    In our annual Read on Retirement® survey, we found that 60% of workplace savers are worried about retirement income, and 99% say guaranteed income in retirement would help.

  • 02

    Provide clients a multitude of potential benefits

    We know guaranteed income can provide more spending security – and even a spending uplift of across all income levels on average. But guaranteed income can also provide improved mental health, less vulnerability to fraud and safeguarded financial planning.

  • 03

    Be prepared for the “mainstream moment”

    We are helping address these concerns by providing educational resources and embedding the income solution with a low-cost TDF.

When it comes to retirement, even diligent savers can struggle with the question of how to ensure they do not outlive their savings. BlackRock introduced LifePath Paycheck®, a target-date solution that provides the option for a guaranteed income stream for life, payable by insurers selected by BlackRock. In less than a year, it became the fastest-growing solution of its kind, reaching more than 200,000 eligible U.S. workers across six employer retirement plans.1

Surveys and conversations with thousands of workers made it clear that the demand for guaranteed retirement income is real. Our Read on Retirement® survey found that 60% of workplace savers are worried about retirement income, and 99% say guaranteed income in retirement would help.2

We know guaranteed income can provide more spending security – and even a spending uplift of 22% across all income levels on average.3 But while getting workers comfortable with annuitizing will take time, guaranteed income can also provide improved mental health, less vulnerability to fraud and safeguarded financial planning.4

The “mainstream moment” is coming

For instance, 77% of plan sponsors feel they lack sufficient knowledge about retirement income solutions, and 86% worry that participants will struggle to understand these solutions.6 We are helping address these concerns by providing educational resources and embedding the option for lifetime income within a low-cost target-date solution.

The retirement system is evolving, and employers have a unique opportunity to help redefine how their employees experience financial security in retirement. By making a guaranteed income solution their default investment option, employers can help ensure their workforce is not just saving for retirement but prepared to enjoy it – for life.

Learn more about how LifePath Paycheck® works and the available resources here.