Frequently asked questions

Is tax payable on a lump-sum death benefit?

Tax is not deducted from lum sums that are paid to dependants. Tax maybe payable when death benefit paid to non-dependants. Read more about tax.

What are your child/children's entitlements?

Refer to the Children's Pension section for details of the benefit entitlements.

What if you are married but separated?

Your spouse will still be a dependant and, as such, entitled to a benefit irrespective of whether you may have entered into a property settlement.

 What if you have more than one dependant?

If more than one person qualifies for the partner benefit, ESSSuper will determine how much and to whom a benefit is payable.

Death of a permanent disability pensioner

If you are receiving a disability pension and die before reaching age 65, ESSSuper may pay a lump sum benefit to your eligible dependants, or other persons that it determines.

The lump sum takes into account your Death in Service Benefit at the date of your disability retirement, with increases based on CPI from the date of disability retirement to the date of your death, and the number of pension payments you have received.

Other factors:

• Where a disability pension has been paid for at least 12 years, there will be no further benefit payable.
• There is no child/children's pension payable if you die while receiving a permanent disability pension.