We're sorry for your loss
We understand that this can be one of the most difficult times in your life. And we know you probably have a lot to sort out. We're here to make applying for your loved one's death benefit as straightforward as possible.
What's a death benefit?
A death benefit is made up of a person's superannuation account balance, and any insurance cover they may have had at the time of death. It must be paid out by the super fund.
You may be eligible to make a death claim if you're considered a 'dependant' of the person who died.
Contact us
Let us know you want to claim a death benefit from a QSuper member so can start the death claim process. There are 2 ways to do this.
Gather your documents
You'll be assigned a dedicated case manager who will guide you through the process. If you've submitted the form online, you'll get a response in 1-2 business days.
You need to give us a certified copy of the death certificate of the deceased member. And in most cases, a certified copy of their identity as well. This can include:
- Drivers licence
- Passport
- Proof of age card
- Birth certificate.
Depending on how complex your claim is, other documents could be required. Your case manager will let you know.
Your claim is processed
Once you've provided all the forms and documents we need, we'll begin processing the claim. There are a few steps in this process, but your claims manager will let you know how your claim is progressing and if we need any additional documents. If the person you're making a claim from had insurance cover when they died, we'll also submit an insurance claim to the insurer for assessment.
For more information about making a death claim, download our guide.
Death Benefit Claim Guide (PDF)
Assessment of your claim can vary as each claim is different. Generally, you should allow up to 3 months for a straightforward claim, and up to 6 months for a complicated claim. In some situations, it may take us longer to process your claim.
We know this can be a challenging time so if you have special circumstances we should consider when assessing your claim, let us know as soon as possible.
Death claim FAQs
There are a few ways you can choose to access a death benefit, if you're eligible:
- Start an income stream: With a death benefit income stream, you can get regular payments to your bank account.
- Take a lump sum: You can get the full amount at once as a payment to your bank account or cheque.
- Lump sum and income stream: Another option is to take out a lump sum, then use the rest of the money to start an income stream.
Your choice may impact tax and things like Centrelink entitlements. A financial adviser can help you decide which option might be best for you.
You may be eligible to make a death claim if you're considered a 'dependant' of the person who died. This can include their spouse, their child, someone who relied on them financially, or their personal legal representative.
Not sure if you're eligible? Give us a call on 13 11 84.
The claims process is different for each case. Generally, a straightforward claim can take up to 3 months, with more complicated claims taking up to 6 months for us to process. In some situations, it may take us longer to process your claim.
If you have special circumstances we should consider during the claims process, let us know as soon as possible.
Yes. But the claims manager that's assigned to your case will keep you updated with how your claim is progressing. You can also contact them at any time to ask for an update.
There are a couple of things to consider if you're getting a death benefit from a loved one.
Generally, you wouldn't pay tax if you're a spouse, a minor child, or relying on the deceased member for financial support. In most other cases, payments are taxed. Learn more.
Keep in mind this could also impact any transfer balance cap limits or Centrelink entitlements you have.
Death benefits can be complicated so it could be worth getting some financial advice about how to manage your benefit.
If there are existing income payments, we pause them from when you let us know about the death of a member until the claim is reviewed.
Are you a First Nations person?
Please let your case manager know if you're an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, so we can better support you through the claims process. We offer language assistance and have different ways you can prove your identity if you don't have ID, such as getting a statement from a community elder.
We're here to help
You can trust us to be there when you need it most.
If you have any questions about the death claim process, call us and we can support you through it.
Contact us