ADF Super (Australian Defence Force Superannuation) is the default accumulation super fund for Australian Defence Force (ADF) members who joined after 1 July 2016. Members who joined before that date may be in the Military Superannuation and Benefits Scheme (MSBS) — a defined benefit scheme.
Key Facts About ADF Super
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fund type | Accumulation (for new members post-2016) |
| Administrator | Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC) |
| Regulator | APRA-regulated |
| Eligible members | ADF members recruited from 1 July 2016 |
| Minimum SG | 11.5% standard + ADF top-up contributions |
ADF Government Contributions
ADF Super members receive more than the standard SG:
| Service type | Government contribution rate |
|---|---|
| Regular ADF members | 16.4% of salary |
| Reserve members (continuous full-time service) | 16.4% |
| Reserve members (other) | 11.5% (standard SG only) |
The 16.4% rate (above standard SG) reflects the ADF’s conditions of service. This is a significant advantage over civilians receiving only 11.5%.
Investment Options
ADF Super offers several investment options:
- MySuper Lifecycle option (default): Adjusts asset allocation as you age — higher growth when young, more conservative approaching retirement
- Cash
- Income Focused
- Balanced
- Growth
- Aggressive Growth
The lifecycle default is common in government funds.
Fees
ADF Super fees are competitive, reflecting the fund’s large membership base:
- Administration fee: No percentage-based admin fee — dollar amounts apply
- Investment fees: Embedded in each option’s net return
For exact fee information, check the current ADF Super Product Disclosure Statement at csc.gov.au.
Insurance
ADF Super members receive automatic death and total and permanent disability cover. The military environment means insurance terms are specifically designed for ADF service — including deployment-related conditions.
Can ADF Members Switch to a Different Fund?
Yes — ADF members are generally not required to stay in ADF Super and can exercise super choice to use a different complying fund. However, the 16.4% government contribution rate is only guaranteed when using ADF Super. Members should carefully consider whether the higher contribution rate in ADF Super outweighs any perceived benefits of switching.
Military Super (MSBS) — Legacy Scheme
Members who joined the ADF before 1 July 2016 may be in the Military Superannuation and Benefits Scheme (MSBS) — a hybrid defined benefit scheme. MSBS and ADF Super are quite different — see Military Super Guide for more.
For personalised advice on ADF Super vs other fund options, speak with a licensed financial adviser via MoneySmart. For more: Defined Benefit Funds, Military Super Guide.