Your guide to binding death benefit nominations

The topic of death isn’t always easy to think about. However, planning ahead can make a big difference for your partner or family.

Even if you leave a will, your super isn’t automatically included. If you want your money to go to someone in particular, be sure to make a written death benefit nomination.

Your written nomination will let us know which of your loved ones should receive your super. For example your husband, wife, partner or children. To be eligible, they must be your dependents.

Alternatively, you can nominate your legal personal representative to receive your super lump sum; which will then form part of your estate and be distributed to your beneficiaries.

This means the executor of your will, or if you haven’t made a valid will – the administrator of your estate (it doesn’t necessarily mean your lawyer). This executor or administrator will hold your estate as a trustee, before distributing it to your beneficiaries.

Our death benefit nomination forms don’t require the name of your legal personal representative. Simply tell us whether you want your money to be directed to your legal representative after your death.

Colonial First State (as the trustee) must follow your written nomination; provided any beneficiaries are dependants at the time of your death (or otherwise your legal personal representative).
Your total super balance will be included, along with any life insurance you might have had in your fund.

Your death benefit will be paid to your legal personal representative (who is the executor of your will or administrator of your estate, if you have no will) – if at the time of your death, you haven’t nominated anyone.