Know who can usually receive super directly
Super-law dependants generally include a spouse, children, people in an interdependency relationship and people financially dependent on you. You can also nominate your legal personal representative so the benefit is paid to the estate and dealt with under the will. Fund rules and circumstances determine what evidence is needed.
Do not assume every relative or friend can be nominated directly. An adult child may be eligible under super law, while a friend who is not financially dependent or interdependent may need to benefit through the estate. Tax-dependant rules are a separate question and can affect the amount ultimately received.
Choose the nomination type deliberately
A valid binding nomination directs the trustee, while a non-binding nomination records a preference that the trustee considers. Some funds offer non-lapsing binding nominations; others require renewal, often every three years. An account-based pension may offer a reversionary nomination with different consequences.
Validity depends on the fund’s form, eligible nominees, signatures, witnessing and percentages. Download the current form from the fund instead of reusing an old copy, and keep the written acceptance. Set a reminder before any expiry date.
Make the nomination work with the whole estate plan
The directness and potential tax treatment of a super payment can change how fairly an estate plan works. For example, leaving one asset through a will and super directly to another person may create an unintended imbalance when values change. Model the result rather than allocating labels alone.
Review after marriage, separation, birth, death, dependency changes or a new pension. Complex families should use a lawyer who understands both estates and super. The aim is not merely to complete a form; it is to create a valid, coordinated path for the money.
Quick reference
Key things to remember
- Binding, non-binding and reversionary arrangements do different jobs.
- Your legal personal representative routes the benefit through the estate.
- Tax dependants and super-law dependants are not identical concepts.
- Life events can invalidate the intention behind a nomination.
Put it into practice
Your next steps
- 01
Read your fund’s nomination guide.
- 02
List every person financially dependent or interdependent with you.
- 03
Check the tax and estate implications with a professional.
- 04
Set a reminder before any nomination expires.
Check the source
Official information
Super and tax rules change. These primary sources are the right place to verify the details before you act.