Back to Super tips
March 14 2022
Loading...

What happens to super when a partner passes away?

Losing a loved one is hard enough, worrying about what happens to their super is added stress no one needs. That’s why we’ve explained the process here, to help you be more prepared.
Hand holding a heart with a question mark in the middle Hand holding a heart with a question mark in the middle

What is a death benefit claim?

If a partner (like a spouse or de-facto spouse) passes away, you may be eligible to receive what's known as a 'death benefit'. This is made up of:

  • The deceased’s super balance, excluding any applicable fees and taxes
  • Any insured benefits that may be payable; for example, many Rest members have automatic death insurance included while there are funds in their account.
Lightbulb

Tip

Any death benefit is payable as a lump sum or a pension to the member’s beneficiaries.

How beneficiaries work

Your loved one may have nominated a beneficiary to receive the death benefit. A beneficiary nomination can help a super fund trustee decide who to release the death benefit to. But depending on the type of beneficiary nomination your loved one made will impact whether their nomination is a guide or legally binding on the trustee.

Under the superannuation rules, death benefits are generally paid to one or more of the deceased member’s dependants (or their estate), the trustee will determine who will receive the death benefit unless you nominate a valid binding beneficiary nomination.

Learn more about nominating a super beneficiary

What happens if you are the beneficiary of someone else's super?
In this scenario, the deceased’s super fund will reach out to you if you are the nominated beneficiary for the deceased (if you don't reach out first). They will usually give you a choice of receiving your loved one’s death benefit as a lump sum or pension (income stream):
 
  • If received as a lump sum, tax may be payable if you are not a dependant for tax purposes Learn more.
  • If received as an income stream, any tax payable will depend on the age of both the deceased and the recipient.

Tax rules for death benefits

While nominating beneficiaries are bound under superannuation law, payouts to nominated beneficiaries are guided by the Australian Tax Office (ATO).

Tax laws around death benefits are very different depending on your age, your relationship to the deceased, how you accept the payout and how the deceased was having their super paid to them. If you are facing a current query or concern, you can find out more information and specific case studies from the ATO.

Alternatively, if you are a Rest member, one of our Rest Advisers can help you navigate any tax complexities or questions.

If you're facing the death of a loved one or have come into a sum of money, navigating the tax implications and regulations can be complex. It might be a good idea to discuss your options with a Rest Adviser to work out the best plan for you.

Want to learn more?

Super and relationships

Will your super help you live the life you love?

Help you grow your super so you can afford do the things that makes life worth living (and loving).

Read more

Super and relationships

Super contribution splitting

Find out about contribution splitting, how it works, and why you might consider it to help boost your spouse’s super.

Read more

Unexpected events

Unpaid super

Read about what you can do if you have unpaid super, when employers need to pay your super, and the Super Guarantee charge for unpaid super.

Read more