Which of the following would COMPLETELY halt payments after the death of the first annuitant?

A joint life annuity is specifically designed to provide income to two individuals, typically a couple, for as long as either person is alive. When the first annuitant passes away, payments do not stop immediately; instead, they continue for the lifetime of the surviving annuitant. This is a key feature that distinguishes a joint life annuity from others.

On the other hand, a straight life annuity, single life annuity, or term certain annuity would not completely halt payments in the same manner as a joint life annuity. A straight life annuity and a single life annuity pay benefits until the death of the annuitant, but those benefits cease with the annuitant's death. A term certain annuity pays a specified sum for a set period regardless of the annuitant's life status, thus it would not directly relate to the circumstances of an annuitant's death.

By understanding that a joint life annuity is specifically designed to provide ongoing payments until the last surviving individual passes away, it becomes clear why this arrangement does not result in complete halting of payments after the first annuitant's death.