Estate or not: who claims what
Two kinds of money after a death, and who deals with each.
When someone dies, their money falls into two groups.
Estate assets go through the will. Your estate solicitor claims them, usually once probate is granted, and the executor pays them out.
Non-estate assets pass straight to a person and never go through the will. The person named claims them directly, and where we arranged the product, we help.
Find your asset
| If it is... | It is... | Who claims it |
|---|---|---|
| A bank account in their name alone | Estate | Your solicitor |
| A joint bank account or jointly owned asset | Non-estate: the surviving owner gets it all | The surviving owner, with the bank |
| The refundable accommodation deposit (RAD) | Always estate | Your solicitor. The home refunds it within 14 days of sighting probate |
| A funeral bond | Estate | Your solicitor, with our help. Whoever pays the funeral is usually reimbursed from the estate |
| Super with a nominated beneficiary | Non-estate | The beneficiary. We help where we arranged it |
| Super with no beneficiary, or paid to the legal personal representative | Estate | Your solicitor |
| A pension that continues to a partner (reversionary) | Non-estate | It carries on to the partner. We arrange it |
| An annuity with a nominated beneficiary | Non-estate | The beneficiary. We help |
| An annuity paid to the estate | Estate | Your solicitor |
| An investment bond with a nominated beneficiary | Non-estate | The beneficiary. We help |
Not sure which one you have? Ask us: we can check how it was set up.
Why the funeral bond goes to the estate
A funeral bond can technically pay the funeral director directly, but splitting the payment makes the claim much harder. Paying it to the estate is simpler, and it is what most families do. Whoever pays the funeral is usually reimbursed from the estate.
What the providers will ask for
Usually a certified copy of the death certificate, certified ID for each person claiming, and often the will or probate. Check ID is current: an expired licence or passport is a common cause of delay. See Getting your ID certified.
Back to When someone passes away.
Questions? Text us on 0489 274 766 or email admin@primeyears.com.au.