DFRDB
Closed public sector scheme
DFRDB is a closed Defence pension scheme with benefits determined by salary and service rules.
Membership
The scheme serves eligible existing members and pensioners.
DFRDB vs ING Living Super
Compare what each fund offers, then choose investment options to put their published costs and returns side by side.
ING Living Super
Retail fund brand
Living Super combines diversified investment options with a facility for listed investments, and lets ING customers see super alongside their banking.
Membership
Online applications are available to Australian residents aged 13 or over, subject to the product's terms.
Compare fees and investment returns
Choose the actual investment pathway for each account. For lifecycle products, select the named stage relevant to you. No stage is selected automatically.
Choose an investment option to see the figures
The costs and returns belong to the selected product, option or lifecycle stage.
Source: APRA Comprehensive Product Performance Package 2026, published 28 August 2026. Fees reflect the reporting year to 30 June 2026, are net of tax, use standard arrangements and exclude member-activity fees. Dollar figures are rounded. They are not a current quote. Check the latest PDS for changes, insurance premiums and any separately charged advice.
Returns are annualised historical results. Different return bases, risk levels and periods cannot be treated as interchangeable. MySuper net returns use a $50,000 representative balance even when you change the fee balance. A lifecycle stage return does not track a person moving between stages. Missing figures mean not reported, not zero. Past returns do not predict future returns. Read our method and APRA's definitions.
How the products differ
| What to compare | DFRDB | ING Living Super |
|---|---|---|
| Membership and access | The scheme serves eligible existing members and pensioners. Sources1 | Online applications are available to Australian residents aged 13 or over, subject to the product's terms. Sources123 |
| Accounts and products | Defence Forces Retirement and Death Benefits Scheme. DFRDB pension and scheme benefits Separate MilitarySuper ancillary account where eligible Sources1 | Living Super accumulation and retirement accounts. Sources123 |
| Insurance | Serving members have built-in death and invalidity protection. Sources1 | Check the Product Guide for cover availability, commencement and premiums; bank insurance products are separate from super insurance. Sources123 |
| Retirement income | Service and super salary affect retirement pay. Eligible members can consider a pension and an optional lump-sum commutation under scheme rules. Sources1 | Pension arrangements are available under the Living Super disclosure. Sources123 |
| Comparing investment performance | Keep the pension and ancillary accumulation account separate. Sources1 | Option names do not establish equivalent risk. Living Super Growth's current published allocation is 75% growth assets, so compare its actual mix rather than the label alone. Sources123 |
| Investment choices | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. | Five diversified managed options span conservative to high-growth allocations. Listed investment access includes approved ETFs, shares and listed investment companies. Sources123 |
| Advice and support | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. | Members can apply directly or speak with a financial adviser. Online access is an administration feature, not personal investment advice. Sources123 |
| Fee details to check | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. | Use the PDS and Product Guide for the chosen managed option or direct-investment arrangement. Brokerage, insurance and transaction costs need separate attention. Sources123 |
THE SUPERGURU VIEW
Our take on DFRDB
DFRDB belongs in an explanation of retirement entitlements. It does not belong in a league table of funds to switch into. The value of pension income and any commutation decision needs individual calculation.
Who this profile is for
- Current DFRDB members and pensioners reviewing entitlements.
What deserves a closer look
- Any investment menu applies to a separate ancillary account, not to the core DFRDB pension.
- A commutation changes the form of retirement benefits; compare its full effect before deciding.
Sources1
Based on the cited product features. These are general reasons to investigate the fund, not a personal recommendation. Supporting sources.
THE SUPERGURU VIEW
Our take on ING Living Super
Worth comparing for someone who wants ING account visibility or listed investments without administering an SMSF.
Based on the cited product features. These are general reasons to investigate the fund, not a personal recommendation. Supporting sources.
Before choosing between DFRDB and ING Living Super
Use the membership rules to establish which accounts are available to you. Then compare the total price of the investment option and cover you need. A lower fee or higher historical return alone does not tell you which fund is suitable.
Ask both funds to confirm insurance acceptance, exclusions, waiting periods and whether cover would change when you leave your employer. Obtain advice before giving up a defined benefit or an insurance policy you may not be able to replace. ASIC Moneysmart explains the comparison checks.
Read the full DFRDB profile · Read the full ING Living Super profile · Choose another comparison
Sources for DFRDB
Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.
Sources for ING Living Super
Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.