Applying for a benefit
General
When applying for a benefit it is important that you complete all the necessary application forms correctly. Failure to do so will result in ComSuper returning the form to you, which will cause a corresponding delay in the time it takes to process your application.
In order to avoid this delay, you should read the explanatory notes on the forms before completing them. If you are not sure about something, your Pay Office should be able to help you. If they cannot, you can contact ComSuper for information.
Applying for retirement pay and commutation
When you decide to retire from the ADF, you will need to fill in a ComSuper form which is available from your Pay Office and on the DFRDB website www.dfrdb.gov.au. To allow adequate processing time for your application, you should send the completed form to ComSuper in advance of your discharge date (but not more than three months before).
The form that you need to fill in is called Application for Retirement Pay, Commutation and Superannuation Productivity (Form D20). This form asks you for your personal details, including details of the financial institution you want your retirement pay to be paid to. You can also use this form if you decide to commute a portion of your retirement pay. For taxation reasons you should send in the form no more than six months after your discharge date.Top
Applying for a refund of contributions
If you do not qualify for retirement pay or an invalidity benefit, you will receive a lump sum refund of all the contributions you have paid into the Scheme. You may also be entitled to a one-off payment, called a gratuity. In these circumstances, you will need to complete a Refund and Gratuity Application and Superannuation Productivity form (D1) and send it to ComSuper.
Applying for invalidity benefits
If you are anticipating invalidity retirement, you must complete an Application for Invalidity Benefits and Superannuation Productivity form (D40). This form requests personal information needed for the processing and payment of the benefit. On the form, you are requested to provide information about your skills, qualifications and employment experience to assist in the consideration of employment types relevant to the invalidity provisions of the Scheme. The form provides explanatory notes and also contains useful information about invalidity benefits. You should send the completed D40 application form directly to ComSuper no earlier than three months before your expected date of retirement.
Action to process an invalidity benefit cannot be taken until accompanying medical documents are received by ComSuper.Top
Applying for preservation of rights
If you are leaving the Defence Force without an entitlement to retirement pay or an invalidity benefit, and you want to preserve your benefit from the Scheme, you must complete an Election for Preservation of Rights and Superannuation Productivity form (D60). Before completing this form, you should contact ComSuper for information on the eligibility criteria for preserving your benefits.
Applying for lower taxation of benefits
If you wish to avoid having tax deducted from your benefit at the top marginal rate, you must also provide ComSuper with a completed Tax File Number Declaration. This form is available from the Australian Tax Office, Australia Post Offices and some newsagents.
Applying for dependants’ benefits
In the event of your death, your eligible dependants will need to complete an Application for Spouse, Child/Student or Student Pension form (D80). This package includes application forms for your children as well as for your spouse.
There are also some documents which will have to be sent to ComSuper so that the eligibility of your dependants can be confirmed. These documents are listed in the D80 form, and they should be sent in with the completed form.
Generally, your spouse’s eligibility can be confirmed if your marriage certificate is provided, and your children’s eligibility can be confirmed if their birth certificates are provided. If additional documentation is required to determine your dependants’ eligibility, ComSuper will request it.