How do I claim an AustralianSuper death benefit?

Call AustralianSuper on 1300 300 273 or visit australiansuper.com/tools-and-advice/forms-and-documents to start a death benefit claim. You'll need the death certificate, your identity documents, and a completed Claimant Statement form. Source: AustralianSuper.

Who can receive an AustralianSuper death benefit?

Under superannuation law, the death benefit must be paid to a dependant (spouse, de facto partner, financial dependant, or child) or to the deceased's estate. The trustee of AustralianSuper has discretion unless a binding death benefit nomination was in place. Source: AustralianSuper, SIS Act 1993.

How long does an AustralianSuper death benefit claim take?

AustralianSuper aims to process straightforward claims within 20 business days of receiving all required documents. Complex cases or disputes may take longer. Source: AustralianSuper.

AustralianSuper Death Benefit Claim — How to Claim Super After Someone Dies

Q: Is a super death benefit taxed in Australia?

Super paid to a tax dependant (spouse, de facto, minor child) is generally tax-free. Paid to an adult non-dependant child, it is taxed at up to 17% (15% + 2% Medicare levy) on the taxable component. Paid via the estate to a non-dependant, the same tax applies. Source: ATO ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/deceased-estates.

AustralianSuper is Australia's largest superannuation fund with over 3 million members. Super does not automatically form part of the estate — it is paid at the trustee's discretion unless a Binding Death Benefit Nomination (BDBN) is in place.

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Sources

AustralianSuper (australiansuper.com) · Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (SIS Act) · ATO (ato.gov.au)

Step 1 — Notify AustralianSuper

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Call 1300 300 273
Contact AustralianSuper's Member Centre on 1300 300 273 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm AEST). Tell them a member has died and you want to start a death benefit claim. They will send you a Claimant Statement form and a list of required documents.
2
Check if a Binding Death Benefit Nomination exists
Ask AustralianSuper whether the member had a current, valid BDBN on file. A valid BDBN directs who receives the benefit. Without one, the trustee decides — usually favouring a legal spouse or financial dependant. Source: AustralianSuper · SIS Act 1993

Step 2 — Documents required

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Certified death certificate — from the state BDM. AustralianSuper accepts certified copies.

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Completed Claimant Statement form — download from australiansuper.com/forms or request from Member Centre.

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Your identity documents — driver licence + Medicare card or passport. Certified copies required.

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Evidence of relationship — marriage certificate, de facto declaration, or evidence of financial dependence (e.g. bank statements, shared lease).

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Probate or Letters of Administration — if benefit is paid to the estate rather than directly to a dependant.

Step 3 — Who receives the benefit

Under the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (SIS Act), super must be paid to a dependant or the deceased's legal personal representative (executor/administrator).

Who	Tax on death benefit
Spouse / de facto partner	Tax-free (tax dependant)
Minor child (<18)	Tax-free (tax dependant)
Financially dependent child	Tax-free (if meets SIS Act definition)
Adult independent child (18+)	Up to 17% tax on taxable component
Estate (to non-dependant)	Up to 17% tax on taxable component

Source: ATO · ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/deceased-estates

Step 4 — Timeline

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Day 1 — Notify AustralianSuper, request claim pack
The account is flagged and no further contributions or withdrawals can occur.
2
Week 1–3 — Submit documents
Gather and lodge all required forms and certified documents. AustralianSuper starts the trustee determination process.
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~20 business days — Payment
AustralianSuper aims to pay straightforward claims within 20 business days of receiving all documents. Complex or disputed claims may take longer. Source: AustralianSuper

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Frequently asked questions

AustralianSuper death benefit FAQs

Call 1300 300 273 or visit australiansuper.com to download the Claimant Statement form. You'll need the death certificate, your ID, and evidence of your relationship to the deceased. Source: AustralianSuper.

Generally no. Super is not automatically an estate asset — it is paid at the trustee's discretion to a dependant or the estate. A Binding Death Benefit Nomination overrides trustee discretion. Source: SIS Act 1993.

Yes. Super paid to an adult non-dependant child (18+ and financially independent) is taxed at up to 17% (15% + 2% Medicare levy) on the taxable component. Source: ATO ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/deceased-estates

How to claim an AustralianSuper death benefit

Step 1 — Notify AustralianSuper

Step 2 — Documents required

Step 3 — Who receives the benefit

Step 4 — Timeline

AustralianSuper death benefit FAQs