Important information for dFRDB pensioners re-entering the aDF
If you are planning on re-joining the Australian Defence Force at any time, please read this important information regarding your pension entitlements.
Further information can be found in Fact Sheet DF09A Re-entering the ADF and Fact Sheet DF09B Re-entering the ADF
I am currently receiving a DFRDB pension and I am returning to the ADF. What do I need to do?
ComSuper has recently clarified the operation of the scheme legislation that applies to people who re-enter the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
You must elect whether you want to contribute to the DFRDB Scheme or MilitarySuper before your first day of service back in the ADF.
If you do not make an election before you first day of service you will automatically become a member of MilitarySuper. This membership is final and irreversible and you will never be able to return to the DFRDB Scheme as a contributor.
How do I make a scheme election?
You must fill out a D100 form
This form must be completed and received by ComSuper before your first day of service back in the Defence Force. You should also send a copy to your pay section.
I am returning to the Reserve Forces for less than 12 months, what happens to my pension?
If you elect to contribute to MilitarySuper, or you automatically join MilitarySuper, your DFRDB pension will be suspended and you will contribute to MilitarySuper. On completion of the period of service your DFRDB pension will resume taking into account CPI increases that occurred during your service and you will have a MilitarySuper benefit.
If you elect to contribute to DFRDB, you will continue to receive your DFRDB pension and will not make contributions to DFRDB. Productivity will accrue for the period of service.
I am returning to the Reserve Forces for more than 12 months or returning to the Permanent Forces for any length of time, what happens to my pension?
If you elect to be a MilitarySuper member, or you automatically join MilitarySuper, your DFRDB pension will be suspended and you will contribute to MilitarySuper. On completion of the period of service your DFRDB pension will resume taking into account CPI increases that occurred during your service and you will have a MiltiarySuper benefit.
If you elect to be a DFRDB member, your DFRDB pension will be cancelled and you will contribute to DFRDB. Your DFRDB pension will resume after your service ends, at that time the rate of retirement pay will be recalculated to include your period of service.
I am coming to the end of my current engagement in the ADF and it is likely that it will be extended or continued, do I have to make another scheme election?
You must make another scheme election before the first day of the extension or continuation of your current engagement using the D100 form. If you do not make an election before the first day of the extension or continuation of you current engagement you will automatically become a member of the MilitarySuper.
I am currently in the Inactive Reserves and I intend on going back into the ADF in the Active Reserves or the Permanent Forces. Do I have to make a scheme election in this situation?
Yes. While you are in the Inactive Reserves, you are treated under the DFRDB scheme legislation as if you had retired from the ADF. Your transfer from the Inactive Reserves back to the Active Reserves or the Permanent Forces is treated as if you were rejoining the ADF from civilian employment.
As a result, you must make a scheme election BEFORE your first day of service back in the Defence Force.
Please don’t hesitate to call one of our Customer Service Representatives on 1300 001 877 for further information.