What type of insurance policy provides an income stream over a specific period starting when the insured dies?

The type of insurance policy that provides an income stream over a specific period starting when the insured dies is known as a family maintenance policy. This policy combines elements of life insurance with an income benefit. When the insured passes away, it not only pays a death benefit to beneficiaries but also provides a series of income payments for a predetermined period, helping to maintain the family's financial stability during a time of loss.

In contrast, an endowment policy pays a lump sum either upon death or after a specified period, instead of providing income over a set time frame after death. A joint life policy covers two individuals, paying out benefits only upon the first person's death, and does not offer a structured income stream to beneficiaries afterward. Term life insurance, while providing a death benefit, only pays out if the insured dies within the term of the policy; it does not include the income payments feature associated with family maintenance policies. Thus, a family maintenance policy specifically addresses the need for continuous income for survivors, making it the correct choice for this scenario.