What are death and terminal illness benefits?
Most super funds include a death benefit — a lump-sum payment to your dependents (or your estate) if you pass away. Many also provide 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 often overlooked. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a serious illness, or if a family member has passed away, 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) is met as defined in your policy
- You held cover at the relevant time
This benefit is typically paid to you directly while you are still living, so you can use it for medical care, family support, paying down debts, or whatever helps most.
Death benefits — for dependents
If a family member has passed away, a death benefit may be payable from their super to:
- A spouse or partner (married, de facto, including same-sex)
- Children of any age (with priority to financial dependents)
- Other financial dependents or interdependents
- The deceased's estate
Time-sensitive — but not impossibly so
Death and terminal illness claims have time limits, but many people miss out simply because they don't realise cover existed. It's worth checking even years after a loss.
What ClaimSure does
We understand these are sensitive enquiries. The Free Claim Check is designed to be respectful and non-pressured. We help you check what cover may have existed, what's involved in a claim, and connect you with specialists if needed.