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 PSSap
Compare what each fund offers, then choose investment options to put their published costs and returns side by side.
PSSap
Restricted public sector fund
PSSap is CSC's accumulation fund for eligible current and former Australian Government employees.
Membership
Joining normally requires eligible government employment. After 12 continuous months in eligible employment, a member can receive contributions from other employers. Some CSS and PSS members can open a personal accumulation account, subject to eligibility.
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 | PSSap MySuper |
|---|---|---|
| Return basis | Choose an option | MySuper net return after administration costs, $50,000 representative member |
| 3-year return, per year | Choose an option | 9.74% |
| 5-year return, per year | Choose an option | 6.77% |
| 7-year return, per year | Choose an option | 7.10% |
| 10-year return, per year | Choose an option | 7.57% |
| APRA strategic growth allocation | Choose an option | 69.06% |
| Reported total fees, net of tax, at $50,000 | Choose an option | $455 a year (0.91%) |
| Administration and advice costs, net of tax (included in total) | Choose an option | $75 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 | PSSap |
|---|---|---|
| Membership and access | The scheme serves eligible existing members and pensioners. Sources1 | Joining normally requires eligible government employment. After 12 continuous months in eligible employment, a member can receive contributions from other employers. Some CSS and PSS members can open a personal accumulation account, subject to eligibility. Sources123 |
| Accounts and products | Defence Forces Retirement and Death Benefits Scheme. DFRDB pension and scheme benefits Separate MilitarySuper ancillary account where eligible Sources1 | Public Sector Superannuation Accumulation Plan. CSCri retirement accounts use the same fund ABN but have separate terms. PSSap employer-sponsored membership PSSap personal accumulation CSCri retirement income Sources123 |
| Insurance | Serving members have built-in death and invalidity protection. Sources1 | lifePLUS can provide death, total and permanent disability and income protection cover. Automatic cover depends on eligibility. 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 | CSCri is a separate retirement income product. Its fees and tax treatment need a separate comparison. Sources123 |
| Comparing investment performance | Keep the pension and ancillary accumulation account separate. Sources1 | Use the same balance, investment risk and reporting date on both sides. Sources123 |
| Investment choices | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. | PSSap MySuper Balanced Members can choose among four investment options. The MySuper comparison applies to Balanced; it does not describe every PSSap account. 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 PSSap
PSSap deserves a place on an eligible employee's shortlist, especially when assessing their employment package. Check the contribution and insurance arrangements attached to the job before comparing funds on fees alone.
Who might put it on their shortlist
- Eligible government employees assessing an accumulation account.
- Former eligible employees who want to keep contributing after changing employers.
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 PSSap
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 PSSap profile · Choose another comparison
Sources for DFRDB
Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.
Sources for PSSap
Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.