Support when it’s needed most
ESSSuper - 02 Dec 2024
Did you know that your defined benefit can offer support if you’re dealing with disability?
Our emergency service workers put their lives on the line to serve our community and face incredibly tough challenges.
Your defined benefit supports you not only in retirement, but also in the event of disability.
With the increasing need for support, it’s worth considering whether you’re prepared if the unexpected were to happen.
How do death and disability benefits work?
Your Emergency Services Defined Benefit Fund provides built-in protection to help cover you and your loved ones.
They’re not an insurance product, but they can provide a similar assurance.
The benefit amount depends on factors like:
- your contribution rate
- your final average salary
- service to date
- your prospective remaining service
Understanding your death and disability benefits
To make sure you and your loved ones are prepared, here are a few things you can do:
Set up your contribution rate
Having a lower contribution rate can compromise your death and disability benefits. Setting a higher rate can help ensure the right support is in place. Plus, you’ll also be growing your retirement benefit.
Check your beneficiaries
By nominating your beneficiaries, you’re telling the ESSSuper Board who should receive your super if you pass away. Even if you’ve set up your beneficiaries previously, some types of beneficiary nominations expire – plus, life changes might mean you’d prefer to change who your super goes to.
Do you need additional cover?
Additional death and disability insurance is available through the ESSSuper Accumulation Plan account. Depending on your circumstances, applying for insurance could provide added assurance for you and your family.
You can check or change your contribution rate, beneficiaries, or insurance arrangements through Members Online. Otherwise, contact us and we can help you out.
Looking for more information?
To learn more about disability claims for ESSS Defined Benefit Fund members, refer to our guide to Claiming a Disability Benefit (PDF 341.2KB).