Cbus simplifies death benefit nominations online

Cbus is expanding its death benefit reforms with the introduction of online non-lapsing binding nominations, following changes last year to simplify how death benefit claims are processed.

From 16 October 2026, members will be able to complete non-lapsing binding death benefit nominations online, replacing both non-binding nominations and three-year lapsing binding nominations.

The new digital process also includes stronger identity verification requirements than the existing paper-based system.

The latest changes build on reforms introduced in December 2025, when the fund simplified the way death benefit claims are distributed where no nomination exists.

Under that framework, benefits are generally paid first to a surviving current spouse, including married, de facto and same-sex partners.

Where there is no surviving spouse, benefits are paid equally to surviving children before being directed to the member’s estate.

Cbus said the changes had largely eliminated lengthy claim staking and cut weeks from the claims process.

Cbus chief executive Kristian Fok said the latest reforms were intended to build on those earlier changes by simplifying the process for members to make binding nominations.

“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.”

Fok said early results showed the previous reforms, together with changes to the fund’s 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.”

The updated nomination arrangements will apply to Cbus Super and Media Super members, excluding those in the Defined Benefit Scheme, Retirement Scheme and Lifetime Pension.