Nominating your beneficiary
Who can I nominate?
The person(s) you nominate must be any one or more of the following:
- your current spouse (legal or de facto; includes same-sex partner);
- your children (including step, adopted, ex-nuptial or children of a same-sex relationship);
- any person(s) financially dependant on you;
- your interdependant; or
- your legal personal representative, which means the executor or administrator of your estate.
You may wish to inform the beneficiaries of their nomination. It's important to note that all your nominated beneficiaries must be alive and fall within one of these categories at the time of your death. We recommend financial advice is sought as the tax treatment of benefits will depend on their personal circumstances.
Dependants
Your dependants include:
- your spouse;
- your children;
- your financial dependants - A ‘financial dependant’ is defined as a person who is wholly or partially dependent upon you.
- Interdependency relationships - An interdependency relationship includes a close personal relationship between two people who live together, where one or both provides for the financial, domestic and personal support of the other. An example is where an adult child lives with and cares for an elderly parent. People who share accommodation for convenience, for example flat mates, do not qualify.
If you choose to nominate a person outside of those listed above - for example, your mother, father or a sibling, the nominee must be a financial dependant. They will be required to provide evidence of their financial dependency. This could be copies of bills or a signed statement certifying how the nominee relied on you for regular financial support.
Types of nomination
With Cbus there are 2 ways you can nominate who will receive your super, and any insurance benefits, in the event of your death.
Option 1. Non-binding nomination
Chances are you made a non binding nomination when you first joined Cbus. A non-binding nomination means your benefit will be paid to either or both your dependant/s or your legal personal representative. However, Cbus’ Trustee will have ultimate responsibility in making this decision. The Trustee will consider your nomination, as well as other information, before making its decision. Payments can only be made in accordance with Cbus’ Trust Deed and relevant legislation. Complete a change of details form to update your non-binding nomination.
Option 2. Binding nomination
A binding nomination can provide greater certainty as to who receives any benefits in the event of your death. However, to remain valid, you must renew or confirm your binding death nomination every three years. To make a binding nomination, you can download the form here or call us on 1300 362 784 for a copy.
