Benefits

		Retirement
		Death
		Payment of Death Benefits
		Total Disablement Benefit
		Monthly Income Benefit
		Lump Sum Benefit
		Effect of Monthly Income Benefit on other benefits
		Insurance
		Leaving Service Benefit

Retirement
On retirement on or after age 65 your benefit payable from the Fund will equal the balance of your Member's Account.

Death
The benefit payable on death will be equal to the sum of:

• your Member's Account; and
• your sum insured (if any).

You should refer to your Benefits Summary as not all Members have a sum insured.

Payment of Death Benefits
The death benefit is paid to one or more of your dependants or your Legal Representative as decided by the Trustee. You can nominate dependants to receive your death benefit on your Death Benefit Distribution form. The Trustee will take your nomination into account but is not obliged to pay the benefit in accordance with your nomination.

Dependants include your spouse or de facto spouse, your children (which could include adult children, adopted children, step children, ex-nuptial children or foster children) and any person who was wholly or partially dependent on you at the time.

Your nomination may be changed at any time and should be updated if your circumstances change - especially if your sole nominated dependant dies.

If you have no dependants, the benefit will be paid to your Legal Representative who will distribute it in accordance with your Will.

To pay the benefits the Trustee requires:

• a certified full Death Certificate;
• a certified Birth Certificate (or Passport or other agreed document);
• details of all dependants.

The Trustee is required to consider all dependants when determining the payment of the benefits.

Total Disablement Benefit
The Fund generally provides two separate benefits on disablement:

1. a monthly income benefit on total disablement (even if temporary); and
2. a lump sum benefit on total and permanent disablement.

You should refer to your Benefit Summary as not all Members have these benefits, or the benefits may be different.

A general description of these benefits follows:

The Fund's insurer will ask for medical reports to judge whether you are eligible to receive a disablement benefit. Further reports will be needed from time-to-time if you are receiving the income benefit.

You cannot claim the income benefit for disablement due to intentional self-inflicted injury, war or service with the armed forces or for absences caused by miscarriage, normal uncomplicated pregnancy and childbirth.

Monthly Income Benefit
The income benefit on total disablement (whether temporary or permanent) is payable:

•  if you have been absent from work due to injury or illness for a continuous period of 90 days; and
•  if you are unable, for the time being, to return to the job you had prior to your absence.

Payment of the income benefit begins after the 90 days waiting period. It normally stops after you have been receiving the benefit for two years, or sooner if you:

• get better;
• go back to work;
• reach your normal retirement date; or
• die.

The income benefit is payable by monthly installments in arrears. The annual amount payable is equal to 75% of your salary. The benefit may be reduced if you receive a sickness or accident benefit, including WorkCover.

There is also provision for Rehabilitation Benefits and Partial Disablement Benefits. e.g. Where a Member can return to work in a part-time capacity while recovering from a disability.

Lump Sum Benefit
The lump sum benefit on total and permanent disablement is payable when:

• you have been absent from work due to injury or illness for six consecutive months; and
• the Trustee and the Fund's Insurer are satisfied, after considering all relevant medical opinions, that you are never likely to return to work in any job for which you are reasonably qualified by education, training or experience.

However, the benefit will be payable immediately if you lose the sight of both eyes, lose both hands, or feet, lose one hand and foot, or lose the sight of one eye as well as losing one hand or foot.

Note: This definition should be used as a guide only, the full definition is contained in the Insurance Policy.

The amount payable is the same amount as the death benefit, unless the insurer places a restriction on the benefit.

Effect of Monthly Income Benefit on other benefits
While you are receiving the Monthly Income Benefit, you remain eligible to receive all other benefits from the Fund. You will not have to pay any contributions while you are receiving this benefit, but may do so if you wish. Unless you are continuing to receive a salary (including sick pay), there would be no Employer contributions while you are receiving the monthly income benefit.

If you are assessed to be Totally and Permanently Disabled while receiving the Monthly Income Benefit, you may receive the Lump Sum Benefit as described above and continue your Monthly Income Benefit for the remainder of the two year period.

Insurance
Insurance is affected in respect of your Monthly Income Benefit. Insurance is also necessary in respect of any excess from time to time of your death and total and permanent disablement benefit over the balance of your Member's Account. Premiums in respect of these insurances are debited to your Member's Account.

Leaving Service Benefit
Your leaving service benefit is set out in your Benefit Summary.

'Read Terms Explained' for further information.