Defence Force Retirement & Death Benefits Scheme

About DFRDB

Last updated: 24 Sep 2024
Print / download
  • DFRDB provides benefits for members who entered the ADF between 1 October 1972 and 30 September 1991.

  • DFRDB closed to new members on 30 September 1991.

  • DFRDB is a pure Defined Benefit scheme, and the benefit is calculated based on a formula. Investment returns have no impact on the retirement income that a member ultimately receives from us.

  • In brief, DFRDB offers members retirement benefits that become available when they have completed 20 years' service, invalidity benefits if they retire from the ADF on invalidity grounds, and benefits for dependants when they die.

  • From 1 July 2016, former serving DFRDB members who are in receipt of DFRDB pensions are not able to join the DFRDB or MilitarySuper if they return to the Permanent Forces or become continuous full-time Reservists. Instead, they are covered by the new ADF superannuation arrangement, which includes ADF Super and ADF Cover.

Fees and costs

DFRDB members do not pay any administration or other ongoing fees. We do not charge any investment fees directly to their account.

However, fees and costs that relate to the investment of any ancillary contributions are deducted from investment returns.

Built in Death and Invalidity Cover

Contributing DFRDB members are eligible for automatic Death and Invalidity Cover at no cost.

Invalidity benefits

Generally, members are covered for an Invalidity Benefit based on their degree of incapacity for civilian employment. They’ll be classified as either Class A (60% or more incapacity), Class B (30% or more but less than 60%) or Class C (less than 30%). If they are classified as class A or B, benefits are generally payable. 

Death benefits

In the event of the member's death, Death Benefits are generally payable to eligible dependants or their estate. The benefits payable will depend on who is receiving them.

The amount we pay varies depending on whether the member dies in service or after they retire.

DFRDB booklet

Download more information

DFRDB Book

This booklet provides information on the main features of DFRDB. It covers how benefits are calculated when a member leaves the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Use this booklet to understand the DFRDB entitlements.

MilitarySuper Ancillary benefit

Some super contributions can’t be made to DFRDB or MilitarySuper. Instead, they can be paid to a MilitarySuper ancillary benefit, and claimed as an additional lump sum. This factsheet is for DFRDB and MilitarySuper members who have an ancillary benefit.

Address: GPO Box 2252, Canberra ACT 2601

Business hours: 8:30 am to 5 pm (AEST/AEDT), Monday to Friday. Closed ACT public holidays.

Fax: (02) 6275 7010

MEMBERS (Contributing & preserved)

Phone: 1300 001 677 (+61 2 6214 4906)

Email: members.adf@contact.csc.gov.au

PENSIONERS (Receiving a pension)

Phone: 1300 001 877 (+61 2 6214 4908)

Email: pensions@contact.csc.gov.au