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Claiming a superannuation death benefit

Follow a few simple steps to make a claim for a loved one’s super

Download the claim form

We understand this is a difficult time for you, and that it comes with a number of challenges and responsibilities. One of these might be submitting a claim for a loved one's superannuation, but we’re here to make it easy for you.

Make a death benefit claim in three simple steps

Step 1

Gather your documents

Step 2

Return your documents and forms

 

You can either:

  • Return them via email at MB_CFSClaims@colonialfirststate.com.au.
  • Return them by post to:
    Colonial First State
    Insurance Claims
    Reply Paid 27
    SYDNEY NSW 2001

Step 3

Help us finalise your claim

 

Allow up to four weeks for your claim to be processed. Please be ready to provide any additional documents or information that might be requested during this time.  

 

If you need help with this process, call us on 13 13 36 8am – 7pm (Sydney time) from Monday to Friday to speak with our friendly customer service team. 

What documents will I need to start the claim?

We’ll need the following documents to get your claim started. As we progress your claim, we’ll let you know if we need any further information. 

  • Completed death benefit claim form (which includes a request to waive probate)
  • Certified copy of Death certificate (preferably showing cause of death)
  • Certified copy of proof of identity of the deceased, this can include driver’s licence, passport or birth certificate
  • Certified copy of proof of identity of the person making the claim, this can include driver’s licence, or passport
  • Certified copy of probate/letters of administration (if already obtained)
  • Certified copy of will (if any)
  • Authority to release information form to our insurer (only required if the deceased had insurance)

How can I certify my documents?

  1. Make a copy of the original document.
  2. Take the original document and your copy to an authorised certifier. They will check your copy is the same as the original.
  3.  Make sure every page of the documents is clearly noted “True Copy of the Original”.

Authorised Certifiers include:

 

Accountant (member of ICA, ASA, IPA or CPA, ATMA, NTAA), Australian Postal Employee (5 or more years of continuous service), Australian consular officer or an Australian diplomatic officer, Chiropractor, Commissioner for Affidavits, Dentist, Financial adviser or financial planner (provided they have two or more years of continuous service), Judge, Justice of the Peace, Legal practitioner, Magistrate, Medical practitioner, Minister of religion, Nurse, Notary Public, Occupational therapist, Optometrist, Paramedic, Pharmacist, Physiotherapist, Police officer, Psychologist, Veterinary surgeon.  

 

You can see a full list of authorised certifiers here.

Who can make a death benefit claim?

A death benefit claim is usually made by a person who was dependent on the deceased - this includes their spouse, child, a financial dependent, or person who was in an interdependent relationship with them. The death benefit can only be paid to someone else if a dependent can’t be found. 

What if the deceased has already nominated someone to receive their super?

If the deceased had a binding death nomination or reversionary beneficiary in place, the super benefit will be paid to that person. Meaning the beneficiaries will not need to go through the process of claiming the benefit. 

 

However, for the death benefit nomination to be valid, the person nominated must still be a dependant at the time of death.

 

Learn more about nominating a beneficiary.

Do death benefits form part of the deceased’s estate?

An estate refers to all the assets and liabilities left behind by a person at the time of their death. This includes properties, bank accounts, investments, personal belongings, and any debts or obligations.

 

Death benefits generally do not form part of the deceased's estate. Instead, they are typically paid directly to the nominated beneficiaries or dependents. This can include a spouse, children, or other dependents. If no beneficiaries are nominated, the death benefit may be paid to the deceased's estate and distributed according to their will

What if the deceased didn't have a valid binding nomination?

If there is no valid binding nomination, we are usually required by the governing rules of the fund to pay the benefit to the deceased’s estate. Please note, we don't always need the member's will or estate documents before making this payment.

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8:30am to 6pm AEST Monday to Friday.

Contact us    Call 13 13 36

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Avanteos Investments Limited ABN 20 096 259 979, AFSL 245531 (AIL) is the trustee of the Colonial First State FirstChoice Superannuation Trust ABN 26 458 298 557 and issuer of FirstChoice range of super and pension products. 

 

Information on this webpage is provided by AIL and CFSIL. It may include general advice but does not consider your individual objectives, financial situation, needs or tax circumstances. You can find the target market determinations (TMD) for our financial products at  https://www.cfs.com.au/tmd which include a description of who a financial product might suit. You should read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Financial Services Guide (FSG) carefully, assess whether the information is appropriate for you, and consider talking to a financial adviser before making an investment decision. You can get the PDS and FSG at www.cfs.com.au or by calling us on 13 13 36.