AllianceBernstein survey finds 95% of DC plan participants value automatic lifetime income with full asset access
AB•AllianceBernstein’s May 2026 survey found 95% of defined contribution plan participants value automatic lifetime income with full access to their money. It also found 66% believe they can withdraw at least 7% annually, while industry consensus favors 3%-4%.
1. Survey findings
AllianceBernstein urged defined contribution plan sponsors to offer automatic lifetime income solutions. Its May 2026 survey found 95% of participants value automatic lifetime income with full access to their money.
2. Retirement expectations
Some 66% of participants believe they can withdraw 7% or more annually, a level that risks depleting savings; industry consensus favors 3%-4%. Only 31% believe they are on track to accumulate enough for retirement, while another 34% think they are but remain uncertain.
3. Income preferences
When offered two options, 61% preferred lower guaranteed income with growth potential and access to principal over higher payouts without growth or liquidity.
