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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change My Personal Details?

How do I Get an estimate of my superannuation benefit?

Can I transfer my money to another Fund?

What happens to my super if I die?

I'm being medically discharged. What happens to my super?

I'm in some financial trouble. Can I access some of my super?

I need to get a Statement of Earnings. How do I go about it?

Can I contribute to MilitarySuper if I am on leave without pay?

How do I find out more about Unitisation of the Fund?

What is the Retention Benefit?

How will the selection of Investment Choice affect the amount I can access in the event of my Discharge from the Military?

Questions about Recognised Environmental Allowance

PDFs can be viewed and printed using the FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader.

If you have any further questions, contact us.

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How do I change My Personal Details?

How do I change my address details?

contributors

ComSuper does not record address details of service Members. You will need to advise your pay centre.

preserved benefit Members and retired Members

You can phone the Customer Service Centre on 1300 006 727 to advise your change of address. You will be asked to provide:

  • your reference number
  • name
  • date of birth
  • old address
  • new address

You can also fill in the Change of Address form (PDF, 62KB) and return it to ComSuper.

PDFs can be viewed and printed using the FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader.

How do I change my taxation details?

Within the limits of relevant taxation legislation, you have the option to change the amount of tax being deducted. The change will usually take effect from the next pension payment day (depending on when the change is made).

There are a number of options regarding the tax free threshold and additional tax. These options are detailed in the Taxation of Lump Sums (MB09) (PDF, 941KB) fact sheet or the Taxation Concessions for Pensions (ms08) (PDF, 119KB) fact sheet.

To change your taxation details you must complete a Tax File Number Declaration which can be downloaded from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) web site. This should then be forwarded to:

ComSuper
PO Box 22
BELCONNEN ACT 2616

If you have further taxation queries information is available from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) web site or by calling the ATO on 13 2861.

More Information

Forms and Fact Sheets

PDFs can be viewed and printed using the FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader.

How do I change my bank or account details?

By phoning the Customer Service Centre on 1300 006 727 you can change your account details.

You will be asked to provide the following details:

  • your name
  • your Member's reference number
  • your date of birth
  • your address
  • your account number
  • your financial institution's 6 digit BSB number
  • previous account number
  • previous BSB number
  • account name (must be an Australian bank account bearing your name)

The pay day that the change will take effect depends on when you called. It is advisable to keep your old account open until a payment is made to your new account. If the payment is rejected from a closed account it will be reissued to the new account (usually after 3 working days).

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How do I Get an estimate of my superannuation benefit?

Retirement

An estimate of your benefit can be obtained from the Customer Service Centre by phoning 1300 006 727. Estimates (except for Preserved Benefit Members) may also be obtained online from the MilitarySuper i-Estimator.

Information you need to get an estimate from the Customer Service Centre.

  • Service Number
  • Service
  • Full name
  • Date of Birth
  • How much eligible service you have
  • Proposed date of retirement
  • Your return address

Information you need to get an estimate from the i-Estimator

To access the MilitarySuper i-Estimator you will need to apply for an Access Number (PDF, 62KB). Please note that Access Numbers can only be returned by post. No Access Numbers will be sent by fax or email.

Alternatively please ring the MilitarySuper Customer Service Centre on 1300 006 727and a Customer Service Representative will provide you with an Access Number over the telephone.

If you intend leaving the ADF within the next 12 months it is recommended that you call the Customer Service Centre on 1300 006 727 and ask for a written estimate of your MilitarySuper benefits.

Email Request for a Retirement Estimate

More Information

Forms and Fact Sheets

PDFs can be viewed and printed using the FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Invalidity

An estimate of your benefit can be obtained from the Customer Service Centre on 1300 006 727. Estimates (except for Preserved Benefit Members) may also be obtained online from the MilitarySuper i-Estimator.

Information you need to get an estimate from the Customer Service Centre

  • Service Number
  • Service
  • Full name
  • Date of Birth
  • How much eligible service you have
  • Proposed date of discharge
  • Your return address

Email request for an Invalidity Estimate

Information you need to get an estimate from the i-Estimator

To access the MilitarySuper i-Estimator you will need to apply for an Access Number (PDF, 62KB). Please note that Access Numbers can only be returned by post. No Access Numbers will be sent by fax or email.

Alternatively please ring the MilitarySuper Customer Service Centre on 1300 006 727and a Customer Service Representative will provide you with an Access Number over the telephone.

If you intend leaving the ADF within the next 12 months it is recommended that you call the Customer Service Centre on 1300 006 727 and ask for a written estimate of your MilitarySuper benefits.

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More Information

Forms and Fact Sheets

PDFs can be viewed and printed using the FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Resignation

An estimate of your benefit can be obtained from the Customer Service Centre on 1300 006 727. Estimates (except for Preserved Benefit Members) may also be obtained online from the MilitarySuper i-Estimator.

If you intend leaving the ADF within the next three months it is recommended that you call the Customer Service Centre and ask for a written estimate of your MilitarySuper benefits. If you are more than three months from discharge you should use the i-Estimator.

Information you need to get an estimate from the Customer Service Centre

  • Service Number
  • Service
  • Full name
  • Date of Birth
  • How much eligible service you have
  • Proposed date of resignation
  • Your return address

Email request for a Resignation Estimate

Information you need to get an estimate from the i-Estimator

To access the MilitarySuper i-Estimator you will need to apply for an Access Number (PDF, 62KB). Please note that Access Numbers can only be returned by post. No Access Numbers will be sent by fax or email.

Alternatively please ring the MilitarySuper Customer Service Centre on 1300 006 727and a Customer Service Representative will provide you with an Access Number over the telephone.

Unit Pricing

Unit pricing affects you if you are leaving the ADF and choose to withdraw your benefits.

More Information

Forms and Fact Sheets

PDFs can be viewed and printed using the FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader.

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Can I transfer my money to another Fund?

Transferring money from one superannuation Fund to another is referred to as rolling over.

Rolling Funds out of MilitarySuper - Contributors

To be able to roll Funds out of MilitarySuper you must have discharged from the full time ADF.

As a Member of MilitarySuper your pre-July 1999 Member component can be taken as a lump sum, preserved in MilitarySuper or rolled over to a Fund of your choice.

Your post July 1999 Member component can be preserved in MilitarySuper or rolled over to a Fund of your choice until you retire from the workforce and reach preservation age. Your Employer Benefit must remain preserved in MilitarySuper until at least age 55. For further details see the MilitarySuper Book.

The Customer Service Centre Customer Service Representative will be able to provide and estimate of the amount to be rolled over. Estimates may also be obtained online from the Military Super i-Estimator.

More Information

Publications

PDFs can be viewed and printed using the FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Rolling Funds out of MilitarySuper - Preserved benefit Members

If you are over 55 years and have passed your preservation age you can do one of the following with your Employer Benefit:

  • roll over the preserved employer benefit to another Fund
  • take it all as pension
  • take 50 per cent or more as pension and roll over the balance
  • leave the balance in MilitarySuper

You cannot take any part of it as lump sum until you have:

  • reached your preservation age and retired from the workforce
  • reached age 60 and ceased employment

Information should be sought from the Customer Service Centre on 1300 006 727 on your options. To claim your benefit you will need to complete the form Claiming Preserved Member Benefits after Preservation Age (M65) (PDF, 230KB) and return it to ComSuper.

When phoning the Customer Service Centre you will need to provide:

  • your full name
  • your date of birth
  • service number
  • service
  • rank
  • enlistment date
  • discharge date
  • current address
  • previous address

The Customer Service Representative will be able to provide an estimate of the amount to be rolled over. Estimates may also be obtained online from the Military Super i-Estimator.

If you are under 55 years

You are able to claim all or part of your preserved Member Benefit before reaching your preservation age.

Your Member Benefit is made up of your contributions and interest accrued at the earning rate of the MilitarySuper Fund. If you transferred from the DFRDB Scheme, your Member Benefit includes your DFRDB contributions plus notional interest on those contributions.

The options for your Member Benefit are:

  • the pre 1 July 1999 component (contributions and interest earned on those contributions prior to 1 July 1999) can be taken as cash lump sum, rolled over, or preserved in MilitarySuper
  • the post 30 June 1999 component (interest earned and all contributions made after 30 June 1999) must be preserved in the MilitarySuper or rolled over to another Fund. If you preserve any of your pre 1 July 1999 component with MilitarySuper, any future withdrawal must be in multiples of $10,000. There must be a minimum of six months between withdrawals

You do not have any option for your Employer Benefit - it must be preserved in the Military Super until you reach at least age 55. Your Employer Benefit can be paid out earlier in some limited circumstances (e.g. severe financial hardship, total and permanent disablement). See the Early Access to MilitarySuper Benefits fact sheet (under review).

Information should be sought from the Customer Service Centre 1300 006 727 on your options. To claim your benefit you will need to complete the form Claiming Preserved Member Benefits before Preservation Age (M60) (PDF, 113KB) and return it to ComSuper.

When phoning the Customer Service Centre you will need to provide:

  • your full name
  • your date of birth
  • service number
  • service

The Customer Service Representative will be able to provide and estimate of the amount to be rolled over. Estimates may also be obtained online from the Military Super i-Estimator.

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More Information

Forms and Fact Sheets

PDFs can be viewed and printed using the FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Can I continue to contribute to MilitarySuper following discharge from the Military?

No. If you are no longer a serving Member, you cannot continue to contribute.

I intend to join another superannuation scheme following discharge. Can I transfer the preserved component to that scheme?

There is no provision to transfer your preserved Employer Benefit under current legislation. However, your compulsorily preserved Member Benefit can be rolled over to another Fund after you have discharged from the ADF.

More Information

Forms and Fact Sheets

PDFs can be viewed and printed using the FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader.

What happened to my super when I transferred from the DFRDB?

The Member Benefit

When you changed schemes, your DFRDB Scheme contributions were transferred across to your MilitarySuper account. Interest was added to those contributions, at the long term bond rate that applied during the term of your DFRDB membership. If you owed any debts at the time of transfer (such as for the purchase of prior service), they would have been deducted from your MilitarySuper account. As soon as you came over to MilitarySuper, your total contributions began earning interest at the crediting rate of the Fund.

The Employer Benefit

If you transferred to MilitarySuper from the DFRDB, all your DFRDB contributory service (including any prior service you had purchased) counts as MilitarySuper service when your Employer Benefit is calculated.

Can I transfer superannuation from another superannuation Fund into MilitarySuper?

Yes. To be able to transfer amounts into MilitarySuper, you must be a current contributing MilitarySuper Member. You cannot transfer amounts into MilitarySuper if you are a preserved benefit Member.

Tax of 15% will be deducted from any untaxed portion of any amount you transfer into MilitarySuper. The amount paid into MilitarySuper is called a Transfer amounts and it forms part of your Ancillary Benefit. Your Ancillary Benefit is invested in the same investment strategy as your Member Benefit. You may elect to change this investment strategy at any time by completing the Member Investment Choice form (MIC1).

Generally, an Ancillary Benefit cannot be paid in cash until you permanently retire from the workforce after reaching your preservation age. However, you can roll over the Ancillary Benefit at any time, even before you leave the ADF.

In order to arrange the payment of a Transfer amount into MilitarySuper, you will need to contact your other superannuation provider(s) and complete their paperwork asking for the benefit to be transferred to MilitarySuper. The cheque must be made payable to 'MilitarySuper * Account of (Member's name)'..

We will also require you to complete an Application to Pay in a Transfer Amount (MAC02) (PDF, 264KB) form.

PDFs can be viewed and printed using the FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader.

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What happens to my super if I die?

If there is a surviving spouse or children

If there is a surviving spouse or children they may be eligible for part of the deceased's pension or any unclaimed part of an accumulated benefit. Please refer to the relevant application forms below.

Completion of the Spouse's Benefit Claim form will need to be accompanied by:

  • marriage certificate
  • death certificate
  • tax file number of claimant
  • new bank account details

An estimate of any benefit can be obtained from the Customer Service Centre on 1300 006 727.

More Information

Forms and Fact Sheets

PDFs can be viewed and printed using the FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader.

If there is no surviving spouse or children

If there is no surviving spouse or children, the benefit would normally be paid to the Member's estate. However the Board has a discretion to pay a benefit to a person who is dependent upon the Member, provided that person is named in the Member's will and was previously nominated by the Member to the Board.

An estimate of any benefit can be obtained from the Customer Service Centre on 1300 006 727.

More Information

Forms and Fact Sheets

PDFs can be viewed and printed using the FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader.

A family Member has died. What should I be doing about his OR her superannuation?

You should notify MilitarySuper of the family member's death by phoning the Customer Service Centre on 1300 006 727 or by writing to:

MilitarySuper
PO Box 22
BELCONNEN ACT 2616

The following information will be required:

  • the name of the deceased
  • his/her reference number
  • the date of death
  • your relationship with the deceased

Surviving spouse or children

If there is a surviving spouse or children they may be eligible for part of the deceased's pension or any unclaimed part of an accumulated benefit. Please refer to the Death and Dependants' Benefits fact sheet (MS04) (PDF, 321KB), the Dependants' Benefits (Death Benefits) fact sheet (MB02) (PDF, 594KB) and the Application for Spouse's Benefit (M80) (PDF, 234KB).

Completion of the Spouse's Benefit Claim form will need to be accompanied by:

  • marriage certificate
  • death certificate
  • tax file number of claimant
  • new bank account details

An estimate of any benefit can be obtained from the Customer Service Centre on 1300 006 727.

More Information

Forms and Fact Sheets

PDFs can be viewed and printed using the FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader.

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I'm being medically discharged. What happens to my super?

What's the Procedure?

Firstly, the MilitarySuper (MSB) Board (or its delegates) classify you according to your degree of incapacity for appropriate civilian employment. They determine the types of employment that a person with your qualifications, skills and experience could reasonably undertake, disregarding your medical condition. When they have determined your appropriate civilian employment, they then assess your incapacity for that employment. They will consider your service medical papers, and any other medical evidence provided. You may have to attend a medical examination (at the Board's expense) if the Trustees want more information. After all the reports have been examined, the Trustees will classify you as either Class A (incapacity of 60% or more), Class B (incapacity from 30% to less than 60% inclusive), or Class C (incapacity less than 30%).

More Information

For more information on what happens to your Benefit when you are medically discharged please see the online seminar.

Forms and Fact Sheets

PDFs can be viewed and printed using the FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader.

How do I apply for my super?

If you are retired from the ADF on the grounds of invalidity, you may be eligible to receive a MilitarySuper invalidity benefit to help you resettle into civilian employment.

You need to complete an Application for Invalidity Benefits (M40) (PDF, 206KB) form and arrange a Service Medical Board assessment. This should be done through your pay area.

Once you have been assessed the forms must be completed and forwarded to ComSuper as soon as possible prior to your date of discharge.

Once your final Medical Board assessment has been completed, your classification rating will be determined and you will be notified in the mail.

Invalidity Classification Process

Each Member is allocated to a case officer within ComSuper, who can advise you in general as to the process. To contact you case officer please contact the Customer Service Centre on 1300 006 727.

After receipt of the relevant medical documentation each case is considered by the Consultant Doctor. The case officer then prepares the matter for a delegate of the MSB Board to make a decision on your invalidity classification. The time taken to receive information affects when this decision is taken but sometimes a decision may be taken prior to discharge.

More Information

Forms and Fact Sheets

PDFs can be viewed and printed using the FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader.

How long does the payment take?

If the form is submitted before discharge, the lump sum should be in your nominated bank account within 10 working days after the date of discharge.

How do I get an estimate of my superannuation benefit? - Invalidity

An estimate of your benefit can be obtained from the Customer Service Centre on 1300 006 727. Estimates (except for Preserved Benefit Members) may also be obtained online from the MilitarySuper i-Estimator.

Information you need to get an estimate from the Customer Service Centre

  • Service Number
  • Service
  • Full name
  • Date of Birth
  • How much eligible service you have
  • Proposed date of discharge
  • Your return address

Email request for an Invalidity Estimate

Information you need to get an estimate from the i-Estimator

To access the MilitarySuper i-Estimator you will need to apply for an Access Number (PDF, 62KB). Please note that Access Numbers can only be returned by post. No Access Numbers will be sent by fax or email.

Alternatively please ring the MilitarySuper Customer Service Centre on 1300 006 727and a Customer Service Representative will provide you with an Access Number over the telephone.

If you intend leaving the ADF within the next 12 months it is recommended that you call the Customer Service Centre on 1300 006 727 and ask for a written estimate of your MilitarySuper benefits.

More Information

Forms and Fact Sheets

PDFs can be viewed and printed using the FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader.

What is the difference between entitlements under Repatriation (DVA), Compensation and MilitarySuper?

It is not appropriate to compare the MilitarySuper legislation to either Veterans Affairs' or Military Compensation legislation. The three pieces of legislation are designed to meet quite different objectives.

The MilitarySuper scheme is designed to provide assistance to a Member irrespective of where or when an injury has incurred. That is, it does not have to be in the line of duty or in a war zone.

The Veterans Affairs and Military Compensation schemes on the other hand are more designed to compensate a Member who has suffered an injury or a condition in the course of their employment. In assessing entitlements under this legislation, quite different criteria to that used by MilitarySuper are taken into account.

Because the three schemes are so different and because they use different criteria to assess entitlement to benefits, there can be no guarantee that an assessment made under one scheme will automatically give rise to an entitlement under another scheme. It is therefore not practical to compare assessments provided under the MilitarySuper legislation with those that may be provided under legislation administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Military Compensation and Rehabilitation Unit.

More Information

Links

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I'm in some financial trouble. Can I access some of my super?

Contributor

You cannot access any part of your superannuation benefit while you are a current contributor.

Preserved Benefit Member

Have you been receiving defined income support from Centrelink or DVA continuously for six months?

Yes

If you have a preserved pre-July 1999 component of your Member Benefit, you can access that amount as a lump sum. You will need to complete the form Claim for Preserved Member Benefits Before Preservation Age (M60) (PDF, 113KB) and send it to ComSuper.

If you do not have a pre-July 1999 component of your Member Benefit, you must have a letter from Centrelink (Form Q230) or DVA (Release of Superannuation Benefits on Hardship Grounds - Income Support requirements met) before application will be considered.

The letter must relate to the applicant (not another family member) and must be dated within 21 days of application.

You should also complete and return the Application for Early Release of MilitarySuper Preserved and/or Ancillary Benefits on the grounds of Severe Financial Hardship (PDF, 373K). It usually takes 10 working days to process this application once received by ComSuper.

The maximum amount payable per year is $10,000 before tax.

No

You are unable to access your superannuation benefits under the financial hardship provisions. You can, however, contact the Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority (APRA) and put the case to them as they have different grounds upon which they can grant access to superannuation Funds. The APRA phone number is 13 10 60.

For further information please phone the Customer Service Centre on 1300 006 727.

More Information

Links

Forms and Fact Sheets

Publications

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I need to get a Statement of Earnings. How do I go about it?

If you require proof of income and need to have a Statement of Earnings you should phone the Customer Service Centre on 1300 006 727.

You will need to provide:

  • Your name
  • Your date of birth
  • Your reference number

This information can be supplied over the phone, by email or in writing. If you require the information urgently this may be sent by fax.

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Can I contribute to MilitarySuper if I am on leave without pay?

Yes, in certain circumstances MilitarySuper contributors may contribute during Leave Without Pay (LWOP). Those circumstances include Parental LWOP, Marital LWOP, Compassionate LWOP, and some other forms of LWOP, such as to accompany a spouse to overseas post, or undertake a course of study. An election to pay contributions must be made before the end of the period of LWOP. Contributions can be paid before, during, or at the completion of LWOP.

More Information - MB07 (PDF, 639KB)

How do I find out more about Unitisation of the Fund?

View Daily Unit Prices

Unitisation Fact Sheet (MS07) (PDF, 319KB)

How do I add to my units?

Each fortnight any additional contributions you have made will purchase additional units at the daily unit price for that particular payday.

For example, if your fortnightly contribution is $100.00 and the unit price is $0.98 cents then the number of units you purchase is calculated as:

100 ÷ 0.98 = 102.0408 units

If, however the unit price was $1.03 then the number of units purchased would be:

100 ÷ 1.03 = 97.0874 units

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What is the Retention Benefit?

Under MilitarySuper legislation certain members of the ADF who serve 15 years MilitarySuper continuous service and achieve a certain promotion level may apply for the 'Retention Benefit', provided you undertake to serve a further 5 years. The 'Retention Benefit' is the equivalent of one year's MilitarySuper salary. The 'Retention Benefit' is not administered by ComSuper but by the Department of Defence.

The MilitarySuper 'Retention Benefit' is no longer available to new members of the ADF. You may only qualify for it if you were in the ADF before 6 October 2005 and you then meet the other eligibility requirements in the future.

Your Pay Unit / Orderly Room should be able to provide the necessary information, or refer you to the appropriate area within the Department of Defence.

How will the selection of Investment Choice affect the amount I can access in the event of my Discharge from the Military?

Investment Choice does not affect the amount of money you may access in cash - that amount is the total value of your Member Benefit (total contributions and interest) as at 30 June 1999. So if your total Member benefit at 30 June 1999 was $13,300 then that remains the amount you can access prior to your preservation age. But the number of units that equate to this cash amount will depend on the Unit Price of the particular Investment Choice Option/s you have elected to take (if any).

If the unit price for your Investment Option was $0.95 then you would have to surrender 14000 units to achieve the value of $13,300.00; alternatively if the unit price was $1.05 then you would only have to surrender 12666.67 units to achieve the value of $13,300.

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Questions about Recognised Environmental Allowance

What is a Recognised Environmental Allowance?

From 12 August 2004 the Qualification and Skill elements of Flying Allowances, Submarine Service Allowance, Specialist Operations Allowance and Special Action Forces Allowance have been recognised for superannuation purposes.

This means that:

  1. whilst you are in receipt of such an allowance it will be included in the calculation of final average salary for benefit purposes; and
  2. you will be required to pay contributions to MilitarySuper on the basis of a salary that includes that allowance.

How did these allowances become part of superannuation salary?

Following the outcomes of the ADF Review of Remuneration (Aug 2001), a paper prepared by Major General Barry Nunn (ret) (The Nunn Review), on 1 March 2004 the Government agreed that the specified Qualification and Skill elements of Flying, Submarine Service, Specialist Operations and Special Action Forces Allowancess would be included in the salary for superannuation. The Government's proposal was agreed to by the scheme's Trustees.

When did these changes take effect?

12 August 2004.

Will all of my allowance that I receive for Qualifications and Skills (Q & S) be included in my salary for superannuation?

Yes it will be. The allowances covered by the new arrangements are:

  • Submarine Service Allowance
    • Qualified submariner
  • Special Action Forces Allowances
    • Special Action Forces Allowance - Trainee rate
    • Qualified Member
    • Member of 152 Sig Sqn
  • Specialist Operations Allowance
    • Trainee 2nd TAG Member
    • Qualified 2nd tag Member
    • Qualified Commando
    • Member of 126 Sig Sqn
    • Clearance Diver Qualified
    • Clearance Diver Advanced
    • Incident Response Regiment trained
    • Incident Response Regiment trained (addit spec)
  • Flying allowance
    • Amount is dependent on rank and number of years

NOTE: Some of these allowances are paid at different rates depending upon rank and number of years completed. The rates are given under the question 'Will all my Q&S components count for superannuation purposes?'

I discharged prior to 12 August 2004. Will my pension be adjusted to provide the benefit for the Q&S allowance that I was paid when I was serving?

No. Your superannuation benefits were calculated on your final salary at the time of discharge. The Q&S elements were not included as part of that calculation, because the rules of the superannuation scheme did not allow them to be. The rule changes occurred on 12 August and do not apply if you were not a Member on that day.

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How much will I get? How will my benefit be calculated?

Each Member's situation will be different. Factors such as age, rank, contributory service, previous eligible service, the allowances received and the superannuation options selected on retirement are some of the variables that will impact on the final lump sum or pension amount.

See the question on 'How can I get an estimate of my superannuation benefit?'

How much is the minimum employee contribution?

For the Q&S elements of allowances that are part of your superannuation salary, you will be required to pay a Member contribution on them.

The Member contribution is a minimum of 5% of your superannuation salary, but you can elect to pay up to 10%.

You can calculate the approximate additional fortnightly deduction by multiplying the Q&S rate of the allowance by the % Member contribution, and then dividing by 26.

Example 1

Clearance Diving Rate (advanced) = $6090pa
MilitarySuper deduction (Member paying 5% x $6090) = $304.50 pa
Payment per fortnight = $11.71 pf

Example 2

Qualified Commando Rate = $3, 263 pa
MilitarySuper deduction (Member paying 10% x $3263) = $326.30 pa
Payment per fortnight = $12.55 pf

Will all of my Q&S component count for superannuation purposes?

Yes. All of the Q&S component that you are receiving will count as salary for superannuation purposes. Some Q&S allowances are paid at different rates depending on rank and years of completed service.

For example: Submarine Service Allowance has one rate which is applicable to all qualified submariners, but Specialist Operations Allowance has 11 rates, depending on your trade and status.

For further information regarding these rates please see your Pay Unit.

Why has my net pay decreased? Why have my contributions increased? How does this affect me?

MilitarySuper Members are required to pay Member contributions between 5 and 10 percent of their salary for superannuation. As the Qualification and Skills allowances now form part of your superannuation salary, the actual amount of contributions that you pay has increased. Although your contributions are calculated on your gross superannuation salary, the contributions payable are deducted from your net pay.

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What happens if I lose entitlements to the Qualifications and Skills allowance?

Your salary for superannuation will decrease by the amount of the allowance. Long term, the reduction will also have an effect on your final average salary and, therefore, on your benefit entitlement.

What happens if I lose entitlements to the Qualifications and Skills allowance just prior to discharge?

If you lose the allowance prior to discharge the allowance will not count as salary and, therefore, will not be included in your final average salary.

What is happening to the MilitarySuper Retention Benefit?

Under MilitarySuper legislation certain members of the ADF who serve 15 years MilitarySuper continuous service and achieve a certain promotion level may apply for the 'Retention Benefit', provided you undertake to serve a further 5 years. The 'Retention Benefit' is the equivalent of one year's MilitarySuper salary. The 'Retention Benefit' is not administered by ComSuper but by the Department of Defence.

The MilitarySuper 'Retention Benefit' is no longer available to new members of the ADF. You may only qualify for it if you were in the ADF before 6 October 2005 and you then meet the other eligibility requirements in the future.

Your Pay Unit / Orderly Room should be able to provide the necessary information, or refer you to the appropriate area within the Department of Defence.

Why doesn't the disability element of my allowance count towards my superannuation?

This is a policy decision over which neither the Board nor ComSuper has any control. The difference between the disability allowance and the Q&S allowance is that the Q&S allowance:

  • often makes up a substantial part of a Member's income - often for a long period of their career; and
  • qualifications and skills are considered by the Australian Industrial Relations Commission as contributing to the work value of an individual and subsequently as a relevant factor for determining salary and hence superannuation.

On the other hand the disability element of the major salary-related allowances is payable when the hardship is being suffered and ceases when it is not. It is therefore primarily a compensatory payment.

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I am currently in receipt of an allowance, which does not have a Q&S component. Why doesn't the allowance count towards my superannuation? Is it likely to do so in the future?

Currently, there are 16 salary-related allowances, only four of which contain a Q&S component - Flying Allowance, Submarine Service Allowance, Specialist Operations Allowance and Special Action Forces Allowance. The other 12 allowances are:

  • Adventurous Training Instructor Allowance
  • Arduous Conditions Allowance
  • Diving Allowance
  • Field Allowance
  • Flight Duties Allowance
  • Hard Lying Allowance
  • Language Proficiency Allowance
  • Navy - Med Grade 4 - Allowance
  • Paratrooper Allowance
  • Seagoing Allowance
  • Boarding Party Allowance
  • Submarine Escape Allowance

These disability allowances recognise additional hardship, discomfort or the like associated with specific working environments such as serving at sea or in the field. These allowances were not included in the Government's decision and there is no indication that these allowances will be recognised for superannuation purposes in the future.

What if I am rejoining the ADF after retiring?

Please see Re-entering the Australian Defence Force.Top