Make it legal! Set up a binding beneficiary and decide what happens to your super

A binding beneficiary nomination gives certainty

1. Download the form

   Binding Beneficiary

2. Print and sign in the presence of 2 witnesses (must be non-beneficiaries)

   A quick step that makes it official.

3. Date it (same day as your 2 witnesses)

   Make it valid.

4. Email or post it to us

   [email protected]

   [email protected]

   GPO Box 2252, Canberra ACT 2601

Why this small life task matters

Life is full of milestones—new jobs, growing families and even planning for retirement. But there’s an important piece of life admin that’s often overlooked: deciding who receives your super when you’re gone. It’s more than a formality. It’s about making sure your hard-earned savings go exactly where you want.

How members are staying prepared

For 43-year-old Jamila, juggling career, study and family meant updating her super simply wasn’t on her radar—until a friend mentioned the peace of mind that comes with a binding beneficiary nomination. In just a few minutes, Jamila downloaded the form, signed and dated it in the presence of 2 witnesses (who weren’t beneficiaries), making sure that her 2 witnesses also signed and dated at the same time. 

Now she knows her super will be paid exactly as she intends, providing financial support for her children. That simple step helped Jamila tick off a life admin task she didn’t even know was on her list, but it gave her the reassurance she needed.

When certainty matters more

During his annual life admin ritual—tax return, paperwork, the whole lot—Paul, 60, took a moment to refresh his estate planning. He already had a binding beneficiary nomination in place, but checking that it was still valid and up to date gave him confidence his super fund knew who he wished his benefit to be paid to.

For Paul, clarity was important. Alongside reviewing his binding nominations, he also learned about lapsing binding beneficiary nominations. Unlike non-binding nominations, Paul’s binding nomination at CSC would expire every 3 years and must be renewed to remain valid. Knowing that CSC will send a reminder letter or email 3 months before the nomination lapses gave Paul peace of mind—it meant he could review and update his nomination without having to remember dates on his own. 

For Paul, it wasn’t just another task on his tax-time checklist; it was a meaningful step in taking responsibility for his future.

A small action with a long-lasting impact

Setting up a binding beneficiary nomination means your instructions are legally¹ binding, provided the nomination remains valid. It protects your loved ones from uncertainty, avoids delays, and ensures your super is distributed exactly as you intend. 

Find out how at csc.gov.au/life

¹ There may be limited circumstances where CSC cannot comply with a valid binding death benefit nomination. This can occur where either you or CSC are subject to a court order restraining or prohibiting payment in accordance with the binding nomination. Some funds don’t offer the same beneficiary nomination options. Check your fund information at csc.gov.au for what applies to you.

Any financial product advice provided is general only and may not be right for you. You may wish to seek financial advice before making any key decisions. CSC provides members with access to authorised financial planners* who provide personalised fee-for-service financial advice. For further information visit csc.gov.au/advice

*CSC financial planners are authorised to provide advice by Guideway Financial Services (ABN 46 156 498 538, AFSL 420367).