Exhibit 1(5)(d)
             ALLMERICA FINANCIAL LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY
                         GUARANTEED DEATH BENEFIT RIDER


This rider is a part of the policy to which it is attached if it is listed in
the specifications page. The rider is issued in consideration of the payment of
the amount shown in the specifications page.

While this rider is in effect, the policy will not lapse if the following tests
are met:

1.   Within 48 months following the date this policy is issued and the effective
     date of issue of any increase in the face amount, the sum of your payments
     less any outstanding loans, partial withdrawals and withdrawal charges is
     greater than the minimum monthly payment multiplied by the number of months
     which have elapsed since that date; and

2.   On each policy anniversary, (a) must exceed (b) where, since the date this
     policy was issued:

     a)   is the sum of your payments less any partial withdrawals, partial
          withdrawal charges and outstanding loan which is classified as a
          preferred loan; and

     b)   is the sum of the minimum guaranteed death benefit payments. The
          minimum guaranteed death benefit payment amount is shown on the
          specifications page or on a new specifications page in the event of a
          policy change. The minimum guaranteed death benefit payment will be
          prorated in any year in which there is a policy change.

If the policy value is less than the surrender charge on a monthly processing
date, the monthly insurance protection charge will be deducted from the policy
value. If the policy value is less than the monthly insurance protection charge,
the entire policy value will be applied to this charge.

If this rider is in effect on the final payment date, a death benefit will be
provided while this rider remains in force. The death benefit will be the face
amount as of the final payment date or the policy value as of the date due proof
of death is received by the Company, whichever is greater. Monthly insurance
protection charges will not be deducted after the final payment date if the
policy qualifies for the Guaranteed Death Benefit.

The Guaranteed Death Benefit will end and may not be reinstated on the first to
occur of the- following:

1.   Foreclosure of an outstanding loan; or

2.   The date on which the sum of your payments does not meet or exceed the
     applicable Guaranteed Death Benefit test; or

3.   Any policy change that results in a negative guideline level premium; or

4.   The effective date of a change from the Adjustable Death Benefit Option to
     the Level Death Benefit Option if such change occurs within 5 policy years
     of the final payment date; or

5.   A request for a partial withdrawal or preferred loan is made after the
     final payment date.

It is possible that the policy value will not be sufficient to keep the policy
in force on the first monthly processing date following the date this rider
terminates. Tile net amount payable to keep the policy in force will never
exceed the surrender charge plus three monthly deductions.


FORM 1099-97                           1


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has, by its President and Secretary, executed
this rider at Worcester, Massachusetts on the date of issue of this rider.


/s/ Richard M. Reilly                             /s/ Mary Eldridge


       President                                    Secretary



FORM 1099-97                           2