Final answer:
If the beneficiary dies shortly after the payments begin, the balance of the principal will be returned to the beneficiary's estate.
Step-by-step explanation:
If the beneficiary dies shortly after the payments begin, the balance of the principal will be returned to the beneficiary's estate. When a beneficiary dies, the remaining funds are typically distributed according to the deceased's estate plan. If the beneficiary does not have a will or trust, the assets will be distributed based on state intestacy laws. These laws determine who receives the assets in a hierarchical order, such as spouse, children, parents, and siblings.