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 Verve Super
Compare what each fund offers, then choose investment options to put their published costs and returns side by side.
Verve Super
Retail fund brand
Verve Super combines an ethical investment approach with a focus on gender equity. Its menu now contains six options, so older descriptions of a single-option product are out of date.
Membership
Check the current PDS for joining eligibility; the brand's focus should not be substituted for the formal rules.
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 | Verve Super |
|---|---|---|
| Membership and access | The scheme serves eligible existing members and pensioners. Sources1 | Check the current PDS for joining eligibility; the brand's focus should not be substituted for the formal rules. Sources123 |
| Accounts and products | Defence Forces Retirement and Death Benefits Scheme. DFRDB pension and scheme benefits Separate MilitarySuper ancillary account where eligible Sources1 | Verve Super accumulation. Sources123 |
| Insurance | Serving members have built-in death and invalidity protection. Sources1 | MetLife supplies death, TPD and income protection cover. The new-member standard-cover application window is 60 days, subject to 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 | The reviewed pages do not establish a separate Verve pension product. Confirm a retirement-income pathway before relying on the brand for pension needs. Sources123 |
| Comparing investment performance | Keep the pension and ancillary accumulation account separate. Sources1 | Several options are relatively new; their short record should not be presented as a ten-year history. Sources123 |
| Investment choices | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. | Six ethical choices, including Gender Equity Australian Shares. Different options have different risk bands and minimum suggested timeframes. Sources123 |
| Advice and support | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. | Coaches offer support, with more tailored personal advice available through an adviser. Sources123 |
| Fee details to check | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. | Each option has its own fees and costs. Include insurance premiums rather than comparing the investment percentage alone. 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 Verve Super
Relevant for someone who wants the specific ethical and gender-equity approach after checking how it is applied.
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 Verve 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 Verve Super profile · Choose another comparison
Sources for DFRDB
Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.
Sources for Verve Super
Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.