CBUS simplifying death benefits for members
18 August 2026
Media Release
CBUS Super is simplifying the way it processes death benefits to give members and their loved ones certainty about where their super will go.
From October 16, the Fund will give members the opportunity to make non-lapsing binding nominations online for death benefits, which provides direction on who should receive their super when they die.
CBUS will no longer offer non-binding nominations or lapsing binding nominations, which are valid for three years and require renewal.
The new online binding nomination process is more rigorous and includes stronger identification requirements than the current paper-only process.
CBUS Chief Executive Officer Kristian Fok said these changes would simplify claims at both ends of the process.
“Simplifying the process of making a binding nomination will encourage more of our members to do so, and reduce the time it takes to process death claims,” he said.
“We want to give our members peace of mind about where their super – and any insurance benefits – will go when they die, and make sure their families receive those benefits sooner.
“This will provide our members and their families with greater certainty in their time of need.”
CBUS introduced a new streamlined process for paying death benefits where no nomination* exists in December 2025, largely eliminating the need to undertake lengthy and complicated claim staking and cutting weeks from the death claim process.
Instead, claims with no nomination are paid to the surviving current spouse (including same sex, married or de facto partners)**. If there is no surviving current spouse, the benefit is distributed to surviving children in equal shares. If there is no surviving spouse or surviving children, the benefit is directed to the member’s estate.
Mr Fok said early results show these changes, as well as internal changes made to strengthen CBUS’ claims teams, meant claims were being paid substantially faster.
“We will be encouraging all CBUS members to review their death benefit nominations and to submit a binding nomination if one does not exist,” he said.
“Our reforms are designed to deliver greater clarity and certainty about who will receive a benefit and provide faster support for families.”
Media enquiries: media@cbussuper.com.au or +61 3 9100 4930
* The changes apply to all CBUS Super and Media Super members except Defined Benefit Scheme, Retirement Scheme and Lifetime Pension members.
** The Trustee can determine to whom the benefit payment can be made (if considered appropriate in limited circumstances).
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 935,000 members and we manage more than $115 billion of our members’ money (as at 30 June 2026). 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.
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
Issued 18 August 2026. 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.