Binding beneficiary option

From 1 July 2016, the Trust Deed of NSF Super will be amended to enable binding death benefit nominations, providing our members with the ability to gain greater estate planning flexibility and peace of mind when nominating loved ones to receive their super benefit upon death.

Currently, NSF Super members are only able to make ‘non-binding’ death benefit nominations, whilst NSF Pension members are able to make both non-binding and reversionary death benefit nominations. These nomination options will remain in place.

Benefits of binding nominations

• Provides certainty to NSF Super members in making choices about who gets what in the event of their death, assisting them to make estate planning more precise and effective.
• Provides a more effective estate planning option to members seeking to minimise estate tax implications or avoid potential legal challenges.
• Simplifies the death benefit claim process for those members with a valid binding death benefit nomination in place, reducing the period of time between notification of death and payment of a death benefit.

Information for members

How to make a binding nomination

To make a binding beneficiary nomination, you must complete the Binding Death Benefit Nomination form:

• You can nominate your legal personal representative (i.e. Estate) and/or any dependants (i.e. current spouse, children, financial dependant, interdependent relation). Please note that the named beneficiaries have to be dependent upon the member at the time of their death.
• This form must be signed and dated by you and witnessed by two adults who are not named beneficiaries.
• Once we receive your valid Binding Death Benefit Nomination form, we will process your request and send you a confirmation.
• You can revoke or amend your binding nomination at any time.

Keeping a binding nomination current

Any binding nomination you make will remain in place for a period of three years from the date you made the nomination, and would need to be renewed prior to expiry to remain valid.

It’s important to regularly review a binding death benefit nomination and keep it up to date as your circumstances change, as a valid nomination cannot be overridden by the Trustee.

Definitions

Non-binding nomination

A non-binding, or preferred, beneficiary nomination will guide the Trustee as to the member’s wishes; however, the Trustee makes the final decision as to whom the benefit will be paid. The Trustee is guided by superannuation legislation and must ensure the benefit is paid to the member’s dependants.

The Trustee will take into consideration the member’s circumstances and the circumstances of their potential beneficiaries at the time of death.

Binding nomination

A binding death benefit nomination is legally binding on the Trustee of NSF Super. This means that on the member’s death, their NSF Super benefit would be paid as instructed, as long as the nomination is valid and any named beneficiaries are dependent upon the member at the time of their death.

Reversionary nomination (NSF Pension only)

A reversionary beneficiary (spouse or child only) will continue to receive the member’s pension if the member dies.

In most cases, the reversionary beneficiary can elect to cash the pension in for a lump sum benefit.

A member is not able to change a reversionary beneficiary nomination, as it can only be made at the time of applying to commence a pension.

More information

For more information or to register your interest to receive a Binding Death Benefit Nomination form, please contact the NSF Super team on 1800 025 241 or by emailing enquiries@nationwidesup.wpengine.com