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DASH Super Simplifier vs DFRDB

Compare what each fund offers, then choose investment options to put their published costs and returns side by side.

By SuperGuru Group · Research checked 11 September 2026 · Historical APRA figures to 30 June 2026

DASH Super Simplifier

Retail investment platform

Super Simplifier is an adviser-access super and pension account with direct investments and no MySuper default.

Membership

The PDS requires an authorised financial adviser to be nominated on the application.

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.

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

DASH Super Simplifier and DFRDB: product features and conditions
What to compareDASH Super SimplifierDFRDB
Membership and access

The PDS requires an authorised financial adviser to be nominated on the application.

Sources12

The scheme serves eligible existing members and pensioners.

Sources1
Accounts and products

Personal Super, Transition to Retirement Pension and Standard Account-Based Pension.

Sources12

Defence Forces Retirement and Death Benefits Scheme.

DFRDB pension and scheme benefits

Separate MilitarySuper ancillary account where eligible

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Investment choices

The menu includes ASX300 securities, ETFs, managed funds and term deposits. Eligible investments can be transferred in or out without selling, subject to the product's rules.

Sources12

This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents.

Insurance

Eligible personal super members can apply for life and terminal illness, total and permanent disablement, and income protection cover through MetLife.

Sources12

Serving members have built-in death and invalidity protection.

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Retirement income

Account-based and transition-to-retirement pensions are available, with payment limits appropriate to each account.

Sources12

Service and super salary affect retirement pay. Eligible members can consider a pension and an optional lump-sum commutation under scheme rules.

Sources1
Advice and support

The authorised adviser helps build the investment strategy and can give instructions for the account.

Sources12

This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents.

Fee details to check

Include platform fees, underlying investments, trading, cash-account margin and adviser charges. Check the cash interest calculation in the current disclosure.

Sources12

This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents.

Comparing investment performance

Returns depend on the chosen portfolio and cash holding. There is no MySuper option to use as a universal benchmark.

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Keep the pension and ancillary accumulation account separate.

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THE SUPERGURU VIEW

Our take on DASH Super Simplifier

Editorial assessment

For members who want an adviser to implement a specific portfolio inside super.

What deserves a closer look

  • Access requires an adviser, with advice costs considered separately.
  • Direct shares and ETFs still need diversification and an investment plan.

Sources12

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 DFRDB

Editorial assessment

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.

Before choosing between DASH Super Simplifier and DFRDB

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 DASH Super Simplifier profile · Read the full DFRDB profile · Choose another comparison

Sources for DASH Super Simplifier

Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.

  1. Super Simplifier product overview
  2. Product disclosure statement

Sources for DFRDB

Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.

  1. CSC DFRDB overview