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SCT urges use of registered mail
Superannuation funds have been urged to use registered mail when sending all time-sensitive correspondence, especially that relating to death and other benefits.
The Superannuation Complaints Tribunal (SCT) has urged the use of registered mail after being forced to disqualify itself from hearing a complaint over a death benefit because it was not received within the statutory 28-day period.
The SCT disqualified itself even though it acknowledged the possibility that the complainant had not received the necessary correspondence from the superannuation fund and the fund itself had no firm proof that it had sent the letter.
In dealing with the issue, a panel led by SCT chair, Jocelyn Furlan referenced the need for superannuation funds to use communications systems that could be appropriately tracked.
“A simple way for trustees to avoid complaints of this type is to send all notices relating to disputed death benefit distributions to potential beneficiaries by registered mail,” the panel said.
“As the ‘prescribed period’ of 28 days is calculated from the date of receipt of the notice, there will be probative evidence to support the receipt date of the notices,” it said.
“The Tribunal commends this procedure to Trustees.”
AUTHOR
Mike Taylor
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