superguru
MenuClose menu

PSS vs State Super NSW

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.

State Super NSW

Closed public sector schemes

State Super administers closed NSW public sector schemes with benefits based partly or wholly on scheme formulas.

Membership

These schemes serve existing and deferred members and pensioners. SSS closed in 1985; the Police scheme in 1988; SASS in 1992.

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

PSS and State Super NSW: product features and conditions
What to comparePSSState Super NSW
Membership and access

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

Sources12

These schemes serve existing and deferred members and pensioners. SSS closed in 1985; the Police scheme in 1988; SASS in 1992.

Sources12
Accounts and products

Public Sector Superannuation Scheme. This is different from PSSap.

PSS defined benefit

Preserved benefit

Eligible PSSap ancillary account

Sources12

SASS, SSS, Police Superannuation Scheme and SANCS. Scheme-specific identifiers apply.

SASS

SSS

Police Superannuation Scheme

SANCS

Sources12
Investment choices

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

Sources12

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

Insurance

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

Sources12

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

Retirement income

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

Sources12

Benefits can depend on salary, service and historical membership provisions.

Sources12
Comparing investment performance

Do not rank the defined benefit using accumulation investment returns.

Sources12

Keep SASS, SSS and NSW Police PSS distinguishable in search and comparison labels.

Sources12

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 State Super NSW

Editorial assessment

The scheme name and membership history matter more than the State Super umbrella brand. Obtain an estimate under your own rules before comparing a pension or lump sum with another retirement arrangement.

Who this profile is for

  • Existing NSW State Super members assessing their entitlements.

What deserves a closer look

  • NSW Police PSS is different from the Commonwealth PSS.
  • Historical transfers into SASS can carry special rights.
  • These are closed schemes, not general joining options.

Sources12

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 State Super NSW

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 State Super NSW 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 State Super NSW

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

  1. State Super scheme overview
  2. State Super SASS membership and benefits