Superannuation beneficiary rules

What is a superannuation beneficiary?

Your superannuation beneficiary is the person (or people) who you nominate to receive your superannuation money if you die. It's important to make sure you've nominated your beneficiary (or beneficiaries) to ensure your super is paid out to those who you'd like it to go to. If you don't nominate a beneficiary, the trustee of your super fund may nominate who the money is given to.

Who can be a superannuation beneficiary?

Your nominated super beneficiary must be a dependent. A 'dependent' for superannuation purposes can be any of the following:

• A person dependent on you financially (for example someone who relies on you to pay regular bills and living expenses)
• A child (including adopted children and step children)
• A spouse (including de facto partners)

A spouse is regarded as being a person you have legally married, a de facto partner (as long as the partnership has been formerly registered in an Australian state or territory), or any other person you are not legally married to, but who genuinely lives with you in a relationship as a couple.

Expert insight

"Fewer than 30% of superannuation holders have a binding death benefit nomination; the other 70% assume their super is directed by their will. Their assumption is incorrect! Outside of any property, your super will often be your greatest asset; make sure your loved ones receive it."

Pascale Helyar

Superannuation and wealth expert

Types of superannuation beneficiaries

There are two main types of beneficiary options to choose from. Depending on your fund, you might only be able to make a non-binding nomination.

Binding beneficiary

A binding nomination is, as the name suggests, legally binding. If you make a binding nomination your fund trustee must distribute your super benefit to your nominated beneficiary, regardless of your situation before death and regardless of what it might say in your will.

A binding nomination will usually only last 3 years before it converts into a non-binding nomination. This is because your personal situation may change over time. For example, you might have nominated a previous spouse, or perhaps you've had another child since nominating your original beneficiaries. Having a binding nomination lapse every 3 years gives you the opportunity to reassess your choices. Make sure you re-visit your beneficiary nominations every few years to ensure they're up-to-date.

Non-binding beneficiary

A non-binding nomination isn't legally binding, but it's still used by your fund to help determine who should receive your super. You fund trustee with use your non-binding nomination as well as their best discretion to determine where your benefit should be paid. Your fund will consider your personal situation and relationships at the time of your death, as well as consider if you have any dependents and what's stipulated in your will.

Because it's non-binding, tis type of nomination doesn't lapse after 3 years. You're still able to change or update your non-binding nominations at any time.

What if I have no dependents or don't choose a beneficiary?

In the case where you have no dependents as are defined under superannuation rules you can arrange a brother, sister or even a charity to receive your superannuation proceeds should you happen to die. You can do this by nominating your estate's legal representative (executor of your will) as your preferred beneficiary. By doing this you can determine where the money finishes up by making the necessary provisions in your will.

If you don't nominate any super beneficiaries, your super fund will pay your super benefit to your estate. Your estate or legal representative will then distribute your super in line with your will. If you don't have a legal representative or estate, the super fund trustee will use their full discretion on how the money should be distributed (it would likely go to any spouse or dependents you have).

Because it can become rather complex, and it being something you want to get right, you should always seek professional advice when it comes to settling matters concerning your superannuation death proceeds, your will and your individual personal circumstances.

Our expert says

"It's important to review your nominated super beneficiaries every few years or so, as the person you once nominated may not be who you want to nominate now. For example, you might have a new spouse or a child that you didn't previously have."

Alison Banney

Editorial Manager, Money

How to set your super beneficiary

1. Choose your beneficiary (or beneficiaries). Decide who you'd like your super to go to if you died, keeping in mind you must nominate a dependent.
2. Determine the split of funds. Decide how you'd like your super to be split between your beneficiaries if you'd like to nominate more than one person
3. Decide the payment type. You can nominate your beneficiaries to receive your super in one lump sum payment or in the form of a regular income stream.
4. Inform your super fund. Tell your super fund who you've nominated - you can do this yourself in your online account portal or by calling your fund.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who gets superannuation after death?

  Superannuation is typically paid to the beneficiary nominated by the account holder. If no beneficiary is nominated, the super fund trustee decides who receives the death benefit, often prioritising dependents or the estate.

• Does a will override a superannuation beneficiary?

  No, a will does not override a superannuation beneficiary nomination. Super is not automatically part of your estate and is governed by the super fund's rules and the nominated beneficiary. However, if the nomination is non-binding, the trustee has discretion over the distribution.

• Do beneficiaries pay tax on super inheritance?

  Yes, beneficiaries may need to pay tax on superannuation inheritance, depending on factors like their relationship to the deceased and the tax components of the super fund. Lump-sum payments to dependents are generally tax-free, while non-dependents may face tax obligations.

• Do children inherit superannuation?

  Yes, children can inherit superannuation if they are nominated as beneficiaries. However, tax implications may vary depending on whether they are considered dependents or non-dependents under superannuation law.

• Who is eligible to be a super beneficiary?

  Eligible super beneficiaries typically include spouses, children, financial dependents and interdependents. You can also nominate your estate as a beneficiary, allowing the super to be distributed according to your will.

• How do I claim super as a beneficiary?

  To claim super as a beneficiary, you need to contact the super fund and provide necessary documentation, such as proof of identity and relationship to the deceased. The fund will then process the claim according to its rules and the deceased's nomination.

• Can you leave super to your parents?

  Yes, you can nominate your parents as beneficiaries of your superannuation. However, tax implications may differ if they are not considered financial dependents under superannuation law.

To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been reviewed by Pascale Helyar, a member of Finder's Editorial Review Board.

Written by

Alison Banney

Editorial Manager, Money

Alison is an editor at Finder and a personal finance journalist with over 10 years of experience, having contributed to major financial institutions and publications such as Westpac, Money Magazine, and Yahoo Finance. She is frequently quoted in media outlets like SmartCompany and SBS, offering expert insights on superannuation and money management. Alison holds a Bachelor of Communications in Public Relations and Journalism from the University of Newcastle, and has earned three ASIC RG146 certifications in superannuation, securities and managed investments and general financial advice, ensuring her expertise is fully aligned with ASIC standards. See full bio

Alison's expertise

Alison has written 674 Finder guides across topics including:

• Superannuation
• Savings accounts, bank accounts and term deposits
• Budgeting and money-saving hacks
• Managing the cost of living