Superannuation death benefits

Unlike bank accounts and property, super does not automatically pass through the will. The super fund's trustee decides who receives it, based on any nomination the member made.

• Lapsing binding nomination — the trustee must pay to the nominated person(s). Expires after 3 years and must be renewed, or it becomes non-binding. This is the most common type.
• Non-lapsing binding nomination — same as above but does NOT expire. Stays in effect until you change it. Not all funds offer this — check with your fund.
• Non-binding nomination — the trustee treats it as a preference but can exercise discretion about who receives the benefit.
• No nomination — the trustee decides based on who qualifies as a dependant under super law (spouse, children of any age, financial dependants, interdependency relationships).

Call each super fund's bereavement team. They will send a claim form and list the documents needed (death certificate, ID, statutory declaration). The process typically takes 4-12 weeks. Don't forget to check for insurance inside the super account — many people have life and TPD cover they didn't know about.

Many Australians have multiple super accounts, some forgotten. Check the ATO's lost super search at my.gov.au, or call 13 28 61. There may be money sitting in a fund nobody knew about.