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 legalsuper
Compare what each fund offers, then choose investment options to put their published costs and returns side by side.
legalsuper
Industry fund
legalsuper is aimed at the legal profession and gives members both managed investment options and a direct investment facility.
Membership
Check current employer-sponsored and personal membership terms. The account category matters when comparing fees and insurance.
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.
| Measure | Choose an investment option | MySuper |
|---|---|---|
| Return basis | Choose an option | MySuper net return after administration costs, $50,000 representative member |
| 3-year return, per year | Choose an option | 10.11% |
| 5-year return, per year | Choose an option | 7.32% |
| 7-year return, per year | Choose an option | 7.53% |
| 10-year return, per year | Choose an option | 7.90% |
| APRA strategic growth allocation | Choose an option | 77.72% |
| Reported total fees, net of tax, at $50,000 | Choose an option | $470 a year (0.94%) |
| Administration and advice costs, net of tax (included in total) | Choose an option | $190 a year |
| 2026 performance test | Choose an option | Pass |
| New-member status at reporting date | Check the current product eligibility rules | Check the current product eligibility rules |
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 | legalsuper |
|---|---|---|
| Membership and access | The scheme serves eligible existing members and pensioners. Sources1 | Check current employer-sponsored and personal membership terms. The account category matters when comparing fees and insurance. Sources1234 |
| Accounts and products | Defence Forces Retirement and Death Benefits Scheme. DFRDB pension and scheme benefits Separate MilitarySuper ancillary account where eligible Sources1 | Superannuation, pension and transition-to-retirement pension. Sources1234 |
| Insurance | Serving members have built-in death and invalidity protection. Sources1 | The fund has insurance options for its membership. Compare the actual policy and occupation category, rather than treating a legal-industry label or award as proof of value. Sources1234 |
| 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 members have a managed menu and can access direct investment subject to its rules. Transition-to-retirement pension members cannot use the Direct Investment Option. Sources1234 |
| Comparing investment performance | Keep the pension and ancillary accumulation account separate. Sources1 | A member who holds direct securities has a personal portfolio return. It is not meaningful to assign the MySuper return to that portfolio. Sources1234 |
| Investment choices | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. | Members can choose managed options. Eligible accounts can also use the Direct Investment Option for ASX300 shares, selected ETFs, listed investment companies and term deposits. Sources1234 |
| Advice and support | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. | The fund provides member information and support. Personal financial advice should have a clear scope and agreed fee; only eligible super-related advice fees may be paid from the account. Sources1234 |
| Fee details to check | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. | Direct investing adds its own administration and other costs to the ordinary product schedule. Include these when comparing it with a pooled option or another direct-share facility. Sources1234 |
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 legalsuper
Worth examining for legal professionals or eligible members who want more investment control and will use the direct menu.
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 legalsuper
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 legalsuper profile · Choose another comparison
Sources for DFRDB
Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.
Sources for legalsuper
Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.