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PSS vs PSSap

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

PSS

Closed public sector scheme

PSS is a closed defined benefit scheme for eligible Australian Government employees.

Membership

Existing contributors and preserved members retain scheme-specific rights. Limited re-entry rules can apply when returning to eligible employment.

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.

APRA product data to 30 June 2026
MeasureChoose an investment optionPSSap MySuper
Return basisChoose an optionMySuper net return after administration costs, $50,000 representative member
3-year return, per yearChoose an option9.74%
5-year return, per yearChoose an option6.77%
7-year return, per yearChoose an option7.10%
10-year return, per yearChoose an option7.57%
APRA strategic growth allocationChoose an option69.06%
Reported total fees, net of tax, at $50,000Choose 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 testChoose an optionPass
New-member status at reporting dateCheck the current product eligibility rulesCheck 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

PSS and PSSap: product features and conditions
What to comparePSSPSSap
Membership and access

Existing contributors and preserved members retain scheme-specific rights. Limited re-entry rules can apply when returning to eligible employment.

Sources12

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

Public Sector Superannuation Scheme. This is different from PSSap.

PSS defined benefit

Preserved benefit

Eligible PSSap ancillary account

Sources12

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
Investment choices

Contributors use the default fund. Preserved members can choose Default or Cash for funded amounts.

Sources12

PSSap MySuper Balanced

Members can choose among four investment options. The MySuper comparison applies to Balanced; it does not describe every PSSap account.

Sources123
Insurance

Contributing members receive built-in death and invalidity cover, subject to scheme conditions.

Sources12

lifePLUS can provide death, total and permanent disability and income protection cover. Automatic cover depends on eligibility.

Sources123
Retirement income

Eligible benefits may be paid as an indexed pension, a lump sum or a combination.

Sources12

CSCri is a separate retirement income product. Its fees and tax treatment need a separate comparison.

Sources123
Comparing investment performance

Do not rank the defined benefit using accumulation investment returns.

Sources12

Use the same balance, investment risk and reporting date on both sides.

Sources123

THE SUPERGURU VIEW

Our take on PSS

Editorial assessment

Contribution choices and retirement timing can matter more here than a published investment return. A benefit estimate tied to your employment history is the useful starting point.

Who this profile is for

  • Existing PSS members considering contributions, preservation or retirement.

What deserves a closer look

  • PSS and PSSap should never be combined into one comparison entry.
  • Opting out has scheme-specific consequences and does not necessarily release preserved benefits.

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 PSSap

Editorial assessment

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.

What deserves a closer look

  • PSSap and PSS are different schemes. A decision involving a PSS defined benefit needs a separate benefit assessment.
  • Public sector employment does not automatically make every person eligible; participating-employer rules matter.

Sources123

Based on the cited product features. These are general reasons to investigate the fund, not a personal recommendation. Supporting sources.

Before choosing between PSS 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 PSS profile · Read the full PSSap profile · Choose another comparison

Sources for PSS

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

  1. CSC PSS overview
  2. CSC membership eligibility

Sources for PSSap

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

  1. CSC PSSap product overview
  2. CSC membership eligibility
  3. CSC fund history and identifiers