MetLife Poll: Employers Back Lifetime Income in 401(k) Plans
Event summary
- 90% of DC plan sponsors believe the core purpose of a 401(k) should be to provide retirement income.
- 59% support mandating lifetime income options in 401(k) plans, up from prior surveys.
- 83% agree lump sums alone may not protect against outliving savings (up from 72% in 2016).
- MetLife polled 242 DC plan sponsors with $250M+ in assets each.
The big picture
The shift from defined benefit (DB) pensions to defined contribution (DC) plans has left workers vulnerable to longevity risk. MetLife’s poll signals growing employer support for structural changes—like defaults or mandates—to convert savings into reliable income streams. With DC assets now dominant, the industry is watching whether policy and product innovation can bridge the retirement security gap.
What we're watching
- Regulatory Momentum
- Whether SECURE 3.0 or similar legislation will formalize lifetime income mandates.
- Adoption Pace
- The speed at which plan sponsors integrate guaranteed income options into existing DC structures.
- Market Impact
- How insurers like MetLife scale annuity solutions to meet rising demand from employers and retirees.
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