The income start date is the contractually chosen date when an annuity income payments or rider-based withdrawals begin. It may be set at issue or elected later, often subject to minimum/maximum ages and notice periods. Deferring the start date can increase payout factors or allow benefit-base roll-ups and step-ups; starting earlier provides cash flow sooner but may reduce lifetime payout. Coordinating the start date with Social Security, pensions, RMDs, and tax considerations optimizes retirement-income sequencing.

Advisors set income start dates to dovetail with Social Security and pensions. Deferral can increase payout factors; earlier starts address immediate cash needs. The date is recorded in service calendars to avoid missing optimal windows.