Compare what each fund offers, then choose investment options to put their published costs and returns side by side.
Restricted public sector fund
ESSSuper's Accumulation Plan serves eligible Victorian emergency services and State Super members, including their spouses.
The March 2026 PDS identifies current or former Victorian emergency services employees, State Super members and eligible spouses or de facto partners.
Retail fund brand
Living Super combines diversified investment options with a facility for listed investments, and lets ING customers see super alongside their banking.
Online applications are available to Australian residents aged 13 or over, subject to the product's terms.
Choose the actual investment pathway for each account. For lifecycle products, select the named stage relevant to you. No stage is selected automatically.
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.
| What to compare | ESSSuper | ING Living Super |
|---|---|---|
| Membership and access | The March 2026 PDS identifies current or former Victorian emergency services employees, State Super members and eligible spouses or de facto partners. Sources1 | Online applications are available to Australian residents aged 13 or over, subject to the product's terms. Sources123 |
| Accounts and products | This profile focuses on the ESSSuper Accumulation Plan; defined benefit memberships require separate calculations. Accumulation Plan Separate ESSSuper defined benefit schemes Sources1 | Living Super accumulation and retirement accounts. Sources123 |
| Investment choices | Balanced Growth Managed The PDS lists ten options: eight diversified portfolios plus Shares Only and Cash. The default has a ten-year suggested investment timeframe and a High risk rating. Sources1 | Five diversified managed options span conservative to high-growth allocations. Listed investment access includes approved ETFs, shares and listed investment companies. Sources123 |
| Insurance | Eligible members can access death-only, death and TPD, or income protection insurance. Sources1 | Check the Product Guide for cover availability, commencement and premiums; bank insurance products are separate from super insurance. Sources123 |
| Comparing investment performance | Use the Accumulation Plan PDS when comparing market investment options. 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 |
| Retirement income | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. | Pension arrangements are available under the Living Super disclosure. 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
The accumulation account can complement a defined benefit. Compare each part on its own terms: investment choices and costs for accumulation, benefit rules for the defined benefit.
Sources1
Based on the cited product features. These are general reasons to investigate the fund, not a personal recommendation. Supporting sources.
THE SUPERGURU VIEW
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.
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 ESSSuper profile · Read the full ING Living Super profile · Choose another comparison
Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.
Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.