What it means
A superannuation death benefit is the balance of your super account, often boosted by any life insurance held within the fund, that is paid out when you die. Crucially, super does not automatically pass under your will; the fund trustee decides who receives it, subject to any valid death benefit nomination. Benefits can generally only be paid to dependants or your estate. Tax treatment varies depending on whether the recipient is a tax dependant, so super is an important part of estate planning across Australia.
How it's used
Her superannuation death benefit, including $200,000 of life insurance, was paid to her nominated beneficiary.