New research shows most Australians have not made a legally binding death benefit nomination to ensure their superannuation goes to who they want it to when they die. And many funds do not make it easy.

Super Consumers research estimates about 15.7 million people do not have a binding death benefit nomination, meaning their super fund can decide who inherits their accumulated super and any insurance when they die.

Not all funds offer binding death benefit nominations, so Australians are being urged to check.

The federal government has been consulting on whether to introduce mandatory time frames for super funds to respond to claims and will soon announce a decision.