We understand that losing a loved one can be one of the most difficult times in your life. And we know you probably have a lot to sort out. We're here to make applying for their death benefit as straightforward as possible.
What's a death benefit?
A death benefit is made up of a person's superannuation account balance, and any insurance cover they may have had at the time of death. It must be paid out by the super fund.
You might be eligible to claim a death claim if you're considered a 'dependant' of the person who died.
Assessment of your claim can vary as each claim is different. Generally, you should allow up to 3 months for a straightforward claim, and up to 6 months for a complicated claim. In some situations, it may take us longer to process your claim.
We know this can be a challenging time so if you have special circumstances we should consider when assessing your claim, let us know as soon as possible.
Let us know you want to claim a death benefit from an ART member so can start the death claim process. There are 2 ways to do this.
Submit the online form
If you want to begin the process online, simply fill out and submit the form on this page.
Complete the form
Let us know by phone
If you'd prefer to talk to one of our caring staff members, you can call us instead.
Call us on 13 11 84You’ll be assigned a dedicated case manager who will guide you through the process of making a death claim. If you've submitted the form online, you'll get a response in 1-2 business days.
We'll also send you a claims pack. Please take some time to carefully read this and complete all the documents required. If you need help filling out your forms, contact us for help.
What you’ll need to provide:
You need to give us a certified copy of the death certificate of the deceased member.
And in most cases, a certified copy of their identity as well. This can include:
Depending on how complex your claim is, other documents could be required. Your case manager will let you know.
Once you've provided all the forms and documents we need, we'll begin processing the claim. There are a few steps in this process, but your claims manager will let you know how your claim is progressing and if we need any additional documents.
If the deceased member had insurance cover when they died, we'll also submit an insurance claim to the insurer for assessment.
For more information about the claims process, download our guide.
Assessment of your claim can vary as each claim is different. Generally, you should allow up to 3 months for a straightforward claim, and up to 6 months for a complicated claim. In some situations, it may take us longer to process your claim.
We know this can be a challenging time so if you have special circumstances we should consider when assessing your claim, let us know as soon as possible.
You may be eligible to make a death claim if you're considered a 'dependant' of the person who died. This can include their spouse, their child, someone who relied on them financially, or their personal legal representative.
Not sure if you're eligible? Give us a call on 13 11 84
The claims process is different for each case. Generally, a straightforward claim can take up to 3 months, with more complicated claims taking up to 6 months for us to process. In some situations, it may take us longer to process your claim.
If you have special circumstances we should consider during the claims process, let us know as soon as possible.
Yes. But the claims manager that's assigned to your case will keep you updated with how your claim is progressing. You can also contact them at any time to ask for an update.
There are a couple of things to consider if you're getting a death benefit from a loved one.
Generally, you wouldn't pay tax if you're a spouse, a minor child, or relying on the deceased member for financial support. In most other cases, payments are taxed. Learn more.
Keep in mind this could also impact any transfer balance cap limits or Centrelink entitlements you have.
Death benefits can be complicated so it could be worth getting some financial advice about how to manage your benefit.
If there are existing income payments, we pause them from when you let us know about the death of a member until the claim is reviewed.
If you’re unhappy with our service, we offer a complaints resolution process at no additional cost to you.
Customer Service Team: 13 11 84
Australian Retirement Trust Customer Relations
GPO BOX 2924
Brisbane QLD 4001
Web: australianretirementtrust.com.au/contact-us
We’ll do everything we can to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. If you’re not happy with our response, you can contact the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). This is an independent body set up by the Federal Government to help resolve disputes between financial institutions and their customers. You can choose to take your complaint directly to AFCA. In some circumstances, AFCA may refer your complaint back to us.
Australian Financial Complaints Authority
GPO Box 3
Melbourne, Vic 3001
Phone: 1800 931 678
Email: info@afca.org.au
Web: www.afca.org.au
Access to AFCA is free of charge. For up-to-date information on our complaints resolution process, refer to australianretirementtrust.com.au/complaint
Please let your case manager know if you're an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, so we can better support you through the claims process. We offer language assistance and have different ways you can prove your identity if you don't have ID, such as getting a statement from a community elder.
If you have any questions about the death claim process, call us and we can support you through it.
