What type of insurance policy provides an income stream over a set period that begins upon the insured's death?

The family maintenance policy is designed to provide both a death benefit and an income stream over a specified period following the insured's death. This type of policy combines elements of both whole life insurance and a term insurance component. Upon the death of the insured, the beneficiaries receive a lump-sum death benefit as well as periodic income payments for a predetermined number of years. This structure ensures that not only is there a death benefit to cover immediate expenses, but it also provides financial support to the family over time, easing the transition after the loss.

In contrast, term life insurance solely offers coverage for a specified period without any cash value accumulation or income stream upon death, thus not meeting the criteria of providing an income stream. Whole life insurance provides a guaranteed death benefit and accumulates cash value but typically does not include a set income stream after the insured's death. Universal life insurance has flexible premiums and death benefits but also lacks the structured income stream characteristic of a family maintenance policy. Therefore, the family maintenance policy is the most suitable choice for providing an income stream over a specified period starting upon the insured's death.