Cbus Super to simplify beneficiary process in death benefits overhaul
16 September 2025
MEDIA RELEASE
Cbus Super is overhauling its approach to death benefits to make the process faster and more straightforward for members and their loved ones.
Amongst a raft of improvements, Cbus Super will change its Trust Deed to introduce digital non-lapsing binding beneficiary nominations*. The option to make a non-binding beneficiary nomination will be removed as will the current three-year renewal process for binding nominations.
In a major shift for claims where members have not nominated a beneficiary, benefit payments will be paid to the surviving current spouse. If there is no surviving current spouse, surviving children will receive the benefit in equal shares, and in cases where there is not a surviving current spouse and no surviving children, the benefit will be directed to the member’s estate.
This reform will eliminate the need to undertake lengthy and complicated ‘claim staking’ in most cases – a process the fund uses to determine eligible beneficiaries – cutting out an estimated 4-6 weeks from the death claim process**. The changes will be implemented in two stages over 18 months commencing in December this year.
Cbus Super CEO Kristian Fok said the Fund was determined to provide greater clarity and security to members.
“We’re making things simpler for grieving families by stripping away much of the complexity,” Mr Fok said.
“Claims with a binding beneficiary nomination are paid out fastest, but only a small proportion of Cbus members have one. A binding beneficiary nomination is a clear, legally binding way for members to make their final wishes known—and we’re removing outdated barriers like paper-only forms and witness requirements to make them easier and faster to complete.”
“When there is no binding beneficiary nomination, death claim payments will be made in a way that aligns with what people naturally expect - payment to a spouse, to children, or to an estate.”
Mr Fok said the changes, accompanied with simplified and clearer website information and claim documentation means a more streamlined approach.
The changes build upon uplifts implemented over the last 12 months to speed up existing claims processes.
“We are determined to improve claims processing. That’s why we’ve doubled the size of our claims team and created specialist teams trained to handle death claims efficiently and compassionately,” Mr Fok said.
“This has driven a significant increase in death claims finalised and paid within four months.”
“Now we are taking the next step by simplifying our existing death claims processes and we anticipate this will cut a further four-to-six weeks off the time it takes to pay benefits to members’ families and loved ones.”
“Implementing simpler processes will provide our members better peace of mind about where their benefits will go.”
Media enquiries: media@cbussuper.com.au or +61 3 9100 4930
* Members will receive a Significant Event Notice in advance of formal changes, in line with superannuation regulations.
** The Trustee can determine to whom the benefit payment can be made (if considered appropriate in limited circumstances).
This information is about Cbus Super. It doesn’t account for your specific needs. Please consider your financial position, objectives and requirements before making financial decisions. Read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination to decide if Cbus Super is right for you. Call 1300 361 784 or visit cbussuper.com.au.
Insurance is issued under a group policy with our insurer, TAL Life Limited ABN 70 050 109 450, AFSL 237848.
Cbus Super is the leading Industry Super Fund representing those that help build, maintain and shape Australia. As one of Australia’s largest super funds, we provide superannuation and income stream accounts to more than 900,000 members and we manage more than $105 billion of our members’ money (as at 30 June 2025). As of April 2022, Cbus merged with Media Super and offers Media Super products. In May 2023 Cbus Super successfully completed its merger with EISS Super, welcoming 17,000 new members and establishing itself as the leading fund for energy and electrical workers in Australia.
Issued 16 September 2025, United Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 006 261 623 AFSL 233792 as trustee for Construction and Building Unions Superannuation Fund (Cbus and/or Cbus Super)) ABN 75 493 363 262.