Why binding death nominations are back in the spotlight
Recent media coverage has drawn attention to the fact many Australians don’t know what happens to their money when they pass away, and why.
Many people assume their super will automatically be distributed according to their wishes when they die. The recent attention has highlighted that this isn't always the case and sparked renewed discussion about binding death nominations.
While nominating beneficiaries for your super isn’t new, arrangements can differ from fund to fund. Now’s a good time to check what arrangements you have in place and make sure they reflect your wishes.
Why is this being talked about now?
Media reports including by the ABC have raised awareness that many Australians may not have a binding death nomination in place.
This may be due to a common misunderstanding that all super is automatically distributed according to a person's will. This is not always the case.
A binding death nomination lets you tell your super fund who you want your super death benefit paid to when you die. For many people, it can provide greater certainty about who receives their benefit and may make the payment process simpler for their loved ones.
Has anything changed?
No. Binding death nominations have long been part of the superannuation system. The recent media coverage has simply renewed interest in the topic.
Will your super form part of your estate?
Super is generally treated differently from other assets in your estate, like property and investments.
The way a death benefit is paid depends on the arrangements in place and the rules that apply to the specific account or fund.
As a WA Government super fund, GESB has different arrangements to some other funds. If you don’t have a binding death nomination in place, your super is generally paid to your estate by default. But that’s not always the case for all funds – and generally having a binding death nomination will simplify and speed up the payment process.
Doesn't my will cover my super?
Not necessarily. That’s why it's important to understand the options and arrangements you have in place.
Understanding your options
There are a few options for nominating a beneficiary, depending on who you’re nominating, what you want to happen to your money, and your account type.
A binding death nomination can provide greater certainty about who receives your super benefit, because the fund will generally pay your nominees directly. This can help simplify the process of distributing your super to your loved ones during a difficult time.
It’s important to remember that information discussed in media reports or online won’t apply to every fund, so refer to your fund when considering your options.
What applies to GESB members?
GESB has specific arrangements that differ from other funds.
We offer different binding death nomination options depending on your circumstances. The option that's right for you will depend on your individual situation.
For detailed information about nomination types, eligibility requirements and what applies to your GESB account, visit our Binding death nominations page.
If you have a will, or if you want your entire super benefit to be paid to your estate, you don’t need a binding death nomination.
When there’s no binding death nomination, GESB generally pays your super to your estate as the standard process. Not all funds do this.
When should you review your nomination?
Whether you’ve made a binding death nomination or have arrangements in place through your estate, it’s worth reviewing them from time to time to make sure they’re still valid, especially if:
- You’ve gotten married or started a de facto relationship
- You’ve separated or divorced
- You’ve started a family
- Someone you nominated has died
- There’s been another significant change in your life
Even if your circumstances haven't changed, it's worth checking that your nomination reflects your current wishes.
Check or change your BDN in Member Online.
Review your binding death nomination options
Recent media coverage is a reminder that it's important to understand the arrangements that apply to your super account.
Find out about the nomination options available to GESB members, who can be nominated and what applies to your scheme on our Binding death nominations page.
More information
- Complete our Binding death nomination online form or PDF form
- Learn about our death benefit claims process
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Thank you for printing this page. Remember to come back to gesb.wa.gov.au for the latest information as our content is updated regularly. This information is correct as at 19 August 2026.