Equip Super and TelstraSuper announce intent to merge. The Boards of Equip Super and TelstraSuper have entered into a merger agreement. The two funds have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding and have agreed to explore a 'merger of equals' between the two funds.

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I'm building my wealth | | 2 min read

 

 

“A reluctance to spend superannuation savings means many Australians die richer than the day they retire.”

That’s the unlikely trend identified in a CSIRO research paper.

It’s one that’s been amplified over the previous 12 months due to a combination of COVID-19 belt-tightening and better than expected investment returns.  

Having more money than you can spend is a nice problem to have, and it highlights one of superannuation’s unspoken questions. “What happens to my money when I’m no longer here?”

Let’s find out.
 

Super and your dependents

At a basic level, your super fund must pay out any remaining super and / or insurance coverage to your dependents when you die. This is known as a death benefit. You can learn more in our Quick Guide - death benefits and beneficiaries.

Dependents can include:

  • Your spouse (including de facto or same-sex partners),
  • Your children (including step kids or adopted children),
  • Anyone who is financially dependent on you,
  • Anyone who has an interdependent relationship with you.

The best way to make sure your super ends up in the right hands is to provide your super fund with a Binding Death Nomination.
 

Binding Death nominations and your super

A Bind Death Nomination let’s your super fund know what they should do with your money.

It’s a legally binding contract that outlines who gets your super and insurance benefits if you die.

A binding death nomination can help fast track payments to your dependents, as all the details are agreed upon, and your super fund simply acts on the instructions (providing the nomination remains valid at the time of your death).

Equip members can make a binding nomination by completing the Binding Death Nomination form

Most super funds also allow you make a non-binding nomination. This is a less formal arrangement that can generally be done on the phone or via the website. While it’s not a legally binding document, it helps your super fund understand your wishes.
 

 No NominationNon-Binding NominationBinding Nomination
Who decides where your money goes?Equip’s Trustee decides who receives your money.You nominate who you’d prefer your money to go to, but the Trustee decides.You instruct the Trustee who your money goes to.
How long does your nomination lastN/ANo expiry3 years
How to make a nominationNo action required.Online, over the phone or by completing the Death Benefit Nomination form.Complete and return the Binding Death Nomination form.

 

If you want to leave your super to someone who is not a dependent, e.g., your parents, siblings, or a charity you’ll need to nominate your legal representative in the Binding Death Nomination and direct them to your Will, where you can allocate where your super should go.
 

Who is entitled to your super?

If you haven’t nominated your beneficiaries, that decision will be made by your super fund. The allocation will be based on a number of factors including:

  • Who is legally entitled to your super and insurance benefits,
  • Dependents financial situation and how they were supported prior to the death
  • If a will exists and if there were any instructions about super

Note that a Will doesn’t automatically cover super the same way it might a home, car or other assets. While it may be used as a reference, it’s not binding and may be superseded by other arrangements or documents, such as a Binding Death Nomination.

If you do not have any dependents, your benefit will be paid to your estate and managed as per instructions in your Will, or for those without a Will, via legal avenues.
 

Complete your form today

While it can be a sensitive topic for some, the reality is everyone’s time is limited.

Some of us will leave behind money in our Account Based Pensions, quite possibly more than we expect. A Binding Death Nomination is the best way to ensure your super fund allocates the money appropriately, and it finds its way to the right people.


Download and complete a Binding Death Nomination form.


Issued by Togethr Trustees Pty Ltd ABN 64 006 964 049, AFSL 246383 ("Togethr"), the Trustee of Equipsuper ABN 33 813 823 017 ("Equip Super"). The information contained is general advice and information only and does not take into account your personal financial situation or needs. You should consider whether this information is appropriate to your personal circumstances before acting on it and, if necessary, you should seek professional financial advice. Where tax information is included, you should consider obtaining taxation advice. Before making a decision to invest in Equip Super, you should read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) for the product which are available at equipsuper.com.au. Financial advice may be provided to members by Togethr Financial Planning Pty Ltd (ABN 84 124 491 078 AFSL 455010) – a related entity of Togethr. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

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