Which settlement option allows only the death benefit earnings to be paid to the beneficiary?

The interest option is the correct choice because it allows the death benefit to be paid out in a manner where only the earnings generated by the principal amount are distributed to the beneficiary. Essentially, under this option, the principal remains intact, and the beneficiary receives periodic interest payments on that amount. This means that the beneficiary does not receive the actual death benefit until a later time, allowing for potential growth and preservation of the principal.

This option is beneficial in situations where the payer wants to ensure that the death benefit continues to accumulate interest for the beneficiary before the principal is eventually disbursed. It’s an approach that emphasizes waiting to receive the bulk of the funds while still providing some financial benefit through interest earnings in the interim.