What are death and terminal illness benefits?

Most super funds include a death benefit — a lump sum paid to your dependants (or your estate) if you pass away. Many also offer a terminal illness benefit, paid to you while you're still living if you've been diagnosed with a condition expected to result in death within 12 or 24 months.

These benefits are easy to overlook. If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with a serious illness, or a family member has died, it's worth checking what cover may have been in place.

Terminal illness benefits — for the policy holder

You may be eligible for a terminal illness benefit if:

  • two medical specialists certify your condition is likely to result in death
  • the expected timeframe (often 12 or 24 months) defined in your policy is met
  • you held cover at the relevant time

This benefit is usually paid to you directly while you're still living, so you can put it toward medical care, supporting your family, clearing debts, or whatever helps most.

Death benefits — for dependants

Where a family member has died, a death benefit may be payable from their super to:

  • a spouse or partner (married or de facto, including same-sex)
  • children of any age, with priority to financial dependants
  • other financial dependants or interdependants
  • the deceased's estate

Time-sensitive — but not impossibly so. These claims have time limits, yet many people miss out simply because they never realised cover existed. It can be worth checking even years after a loss.

How CantWork helps

We understand these are sensitive enquiries, and the Free Claim Check is designed to be respectful and free of pressure. We help you check what cover may have existed, explain what a claim involves, and connect you with specialists where needed.

Not sure if this applies to you?

Start with a Free Claim Check — we'll help you understand if there's a pathway worth exploring.

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