We know many of our members have devoted their lives to fulfilling their responsibilities and striving for a comfortable future in their golden years. We understand and appreciate the efforts you have put in, and you deserve to enjoy your superannuation benefits without any interruptions or delays.

Therefore, it is quite worrisome to learn that there has been a notable rise in complaints regarding the handling of superannuation claims, resulting in unnecessary delays.

According to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), the number of superannuation complaints involving delays in claims handling has jumped alarmingly in the past 12 months.

Between June 1 2022, and May 31 2023, there were 1,575 complaints, constituting 24 per cent of all complaints about superannuation for the past year. To put this in perspective, it's up from 18 per cent of all complaints in 2022 and 14 per cent of all complaints in 2021.

Over the past 12 months, nearly 1,600 complaints regarding delays in processing superannuation claims have been lodged. Credit: Shutterstock.

AFCA also mentioned that the number of complaints had steadily increased throughout the year.

Heather Gray, Lead Ombudsman for Superannuation at AFCA, said, 'We are seeing there are delays within the funds, but people can come to AFCA about delays. Once we get involved, most of those complaints will then get resolved because the payment will be made.'

Ms Gray shed light on the potential reasons for these delays, suggesting that they could be due to resourcing, administrative changes, or the complexity of claims.

'No fund sets out to disappoint its members or its beneficiaries,' she added. 'They want to provide a good experience.'

In response to these alarming figures, the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia has stated that the vast majority of claims are handled without complaints as they continue to work towards improving their claims handling processes.

Glen McCrea, the association's deputy chief executive, pointed out, 'Of the approximately 190,000 claims made, less than one per cent resulted in complaints lodged.'

Mr McCrea suggests that the increase in complaints may be partly due to more demanding economic circumstances.

'Given the cost of living pressures, the urgency to access payments, including claims for compassionate and hardship payments, increases,' he explained. He also mentioned, ' There may also be higher levels of complex complaints being received, which take longer to process.'

This news comes on the heels of an ABC report detailing the plight of two widows facing delays in accessing their late husbands' superannuation from Cbus Super. After taking their stories to the media, Cbus Super apologised and resolved their complaints.

Super Consumers Australia echoes the concerns of many, emphasising the importance of fast and straightforward superannuation death benefit claims.

Director Xavier O'Halloran said, 'Costs pile up when a partner passes away. These types of delays can cause real harm to people.'

Key Takeaways

• There has been a sharp increase in complaints regarding delays in superannuation claims handling in the past 12 months, with 1,575 complaints recorded.
• The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) says the number of complaints has increased throughout the year.
• Factors contributing to the delays often include resourcing, administrative changes, and the complexity of claims.
• The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia assures that most claims are handled without complaint, and funds are continuously working to improve their claims-handling processes.

Members, we know how vital your superannuation claim is to you, and the last thing anyone wants is to be caught in a financial bind due to unnecessary delays. If you or someone you know is facing challenges with their super fund, it's essential to contact the customer service department of your superannuation fund or reach out to AFCA for support.

We sincerely hope the necessary steps are taken to resolve these delays and ensure a smooth superannuation claims process for all retirees. Stay informed and stay vigilant, everyone!

Have you encountered any issues or concerns regarding superannuation claims lately? If so, please share your experience and how you dealt with it. Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!

 

[Cattersfan]

We know many of our members have devoted their lives to fulfilling their responsibilities and striving for a comfortable future in their golden years. We understand and appreciate the efforts you have put in, and you deserve to enjoy your superannuation benefits without any interruptions or delays.

Therefore, it is quite worrisome to learn that there has been a notable rise in complaints regarding the handling of superannuation claims, resulting in unnecessary delays.

According to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), the number of superannuation complaints involving delays in claims handling has jumped alarmingly in the past 12 months.

Between June 1 2022, and May 31 2023, there were 1,575 complaints, constituting 24 per cent of all complaints about superannuation for the past year. To put this in perspective, it's up from 18 per cent of all complaints in 2022 and 14 per cent of all complaints in 2021.

View attachment 22840

Over the past 12 months, nearly 1,600 complaints regarding delays in processing superannuation claims have been lodged. Credit: Shutterstock.

AFCA also mentioned that the number of complaints had steadily increased throughout the year.

Heather Gray, Lead Ombudsman for Superannuation at AFCA, said, 'We are seeing there are delays within the funds, but people can come to AFCA about delays. Once we get involved, most of those complaints will then get resolved because the payment will be made.'

Ms Gray shed light on the potential reasons for these delays, suggesting that they could be due to resourcing, administrative changes, or the complexity of claims.

'No fund sets out to disappoint its members or its beneficiaries,' she added. 'They want to provide a good experience.'

In response to these alarming figures, the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia has stated that the vast majority of claims are handled without complaints as they continue to work towards improving their claims handling processes.

Glen McCrea, the association's deputy chief executive, pointed out, 'Of the approximately 190,000 claims made, less than one per cent resulted in complaints lodged.'

Mr McCrea suggests that the increase in complaints may be partly due to more demanding economic circumstances.

'Given the cost of living pressures, the urgency to access payments, including claims for compassionate and hardship payments, increases,' he explained. He also mentioned, ' There may also be higher levels of complex complaints being received, which take longer to process.'

This news comes on the heels of an ABC report detailing the plight of two widows facing delays in accessing their late husbands' superannuation from Cbus Super. After taking their stories to the media, Cbus Super apologised and resolved their complaints.

Super Consumers Australia echoes the concerns of many, emphasising the importance of fast and straightforward superannuation death benefit claims.

Director Xavier O'Halloran said, 'Costs pile up when a partner passes away. These types of delays can cause real harm to people.'

Key Takeaways

• There has been a sharp increase in complaints regarding delays in superannuation claims handling in the past 12 months, with 1,575 complaints recorded.
• The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) says the number of complaints has increased throughout the year.
• Factors contributing to the delays often include resourcing, administrative changes, and the complexity of claims.
• The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia assures that most claims are handled without complaint, and funds are continuously working to improve their claims-handling processes.

Members, we know how vital your superannuation claim is to you, and the last thing anyone wants is to be caught in a financial bind due to unnecessary delays. If you or someone you know is facing challenges with their super fund, it's essential to contact the customer service department of your superannuation fund or reach out to AFCA for support.

We sincerely hope the necessary steps are taken to resolve these delays and ensure a smooth superannuation claims process for all retirees. Stay informed and stay vigilant, everyone!

Have you encountered any issues or concerns regarding superannuation claims lately? If so, please share your experience and how you dealt with it. Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments bel

We know many of our members have devoted their lives to fulfilling their responsibilities and striving for a comfortable future in their golden years. We understand and appreciate the efforts you have put in, and you deserve to enjoy your superannuation benefits without any interruptions or delays.

Therefore, it is quite worrisome to learn that there has been a notable rise in complaints regarding the handling of superannuation claims, resulting in unnecessary delays.

According to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), the number of superannuation complaints involving delays in claims handling has jumped alarmingly in the past 12 months.

Between June 1 2022, and May 31 2023, there were 1,575 complaints, constituting 24 per cent of all complaints about superannuation for the past year. To put this in perspective, it's up from 18 per cent of all complaints in 2022 and 14 per cent of all complaints in 2021.

View attachment 22840

Over the past 12 months, nearly 1,600 complaints regarding delays in processing superannuation claims have been lodged. Credit: Shutterstock.

AFCA also mentioned that the number of complaints had steadily increased throughout the year.

Heather Gray, Lead Ombudsman for Superannuation at AFCA, said, 'We are seeing there are delays within the funds, but people can come to AFCA about delays. Once we get involved, most of those complaints will then get resolved because the payment will be made.'

Ms Gray shed light on the potential reasons for these delays, suggesting that they could be due to resourcing, administrative changes, or the complexity of claims.

'No fund sets out to disappoint its members or its beneficiaries,' she added. 'They want to provide a good experience.'

In response to these alarming figures, the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia has stated that the vast majority of claims are handled without complaints as they continue to work towards improving their claims handling processes.

Glen McCrea, the association's deputy chief executive, pointed out, 'Of the approximately 190,000 claims made, less than one per cent resulted in complaints lodged.'

Mr McCrea suggests that the increase in complaints may be partly due to more demanding economic circumstances.

'Given the cost of living pressures, the urgency to access payments, including claims for compassionate and hardship payments, increases,' he explained. He also mentioned, ' There may also be higher levels of complex complaints being received, which take longer to process.'

This news comes on the heels of an ABC report detailing the plight of two widows facing delays in accessing their late husbands' superannuation from Cbus Super. After taking their stories to the media, Cbus Super apologised and resolved their complaints.

Super Consumers Australia echoes the concerns of many, emphasising the importance of fast and straightforward superannuation death benefit claims.

Director Xavier O'Halloran said, 'Costs pile up when a partner passes away. These types of delays can cause real harm to people.'

Key Takeaways

• There has been a sharp increase in complaints regarding delays in superannuation claims handling in the past 12 months, with 1,575 complaints recorded.
• The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) says the number of complaints has increased throughout the year.
• Factors contributing to the delays often include resourcing, administrative changes, and the complexity of claims.
• The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia assures that most claims are handled without complaint, and funds are continuously working to improve their claims-handling processes.

Members, we know how vital your superannuation claim is to you, and the last thing anyone wants is to be caught in a financial bind due to unnecessary delays. If you or someone you know is facing challenges with their super fund, it's essential to contact the customer service department of your superannuation fund or reach out to AFCA for support.

We sincerely hope the necessary steps are taken to resolve these delays and ensure a smooth superannuation claims process for all retirees. Stay informed and stay vigilant, everyone!

Have you encountered any issues or concerns regarding superannuation claims lately? If so, please share your experience and how you dealt with it. Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!

Following the death of my ex husband, my children expected to be able to pay for his funeral expenses through his super funds - after all, it's what they spruik in the advertising hype. It took 18 months before the funds were released, causing them much financial burden. It's about time the industry had a shake up!