Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation

Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC) is the Australian Government's specialist superannuation and insurance provider for current and former public sector employees and Australian Defence Force members. Headquartered at 7 London Circuit, Canberra, CSC administers major schemes including PSS, CSS, PSSap, ADF Super, DFRDB and MSBS, and manages retirement savings for hundreds of thousands of members Australia-wide.

CSC administers a range of schemes for public sector and defence personnel: the Public Sector Superannuation Scheme (PSS), Commonwealth Superannuation Scheme (CSS), Public Sector Superannuation Accumulation Plan (PSSap), ADF Super, Military Superannuation and Benefits Scheme (MSBS), Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits (DFRDB), and the 1922 Scheme. Each scheme has different rules, so it's best to check your specific scheme on the CSC website or contact CSC directly.

Eligibility depends on your employment. Generally, CSC schemes are for Australian Government public sector employees, Australian Defence Force members, and some related statutory office holders. PSSap is also open to eligible people outside the public sector in certain circumstances. If you're unsure, contact CSC on 1300 000 277 or check the eligibility criteria on the CSC website.

You can contact CSC by phone on 1300 000 277 (Monday to Friday, 8am–5pm AEST), by email via the contact form on the CSC website, or by post to GPO Box 2252, Canberra ACT 2601. The head office is at 7 London Circuit, Canberra ACT 2601. For Defence members, there are also dedicated ADF Super and MSBS contact lines.

CSC's customer service phone lines are generally open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm AEST (excluding public holidays). The Canberra head office is not a walk-in service centre for general enquiries; most business is conducted by phone, online, or by appointment. Check the CSC website for any changes to opening hours.

You can access your account via CSC's online member services portal, accessible through the CSC website. You'll need to register for an account using your member number and personal details. Once registered, you can view your balance, update personal details, manage beneficiaries, and access forms and publications.

Most CSC schemes include default insurance cover for death and invalidity (disability), and some schemes offer optional additional cover. The type and amount of cover vary by scheme and your individual circumstances. You can generally adjust your insurance cover within scheme rules. For details specific to your scheme, refer to the CSC website or contact CSC.

To claim a benefit or insurance, you'll need to complete the relevant claim form available from the CSC website or by contacting CSC. Claims may include retirement, invalidity, death benefit, or early release on compassionate grounds. CSC will guide you through the process and required documentation. Contact CSC on 1300 000 277 for assistance.

Consolidating other super funds into your CSC account may be possible, depending on your scheme. For accumulation schemes like PSSap and ADF Super, you can generally roll in other super. For defined benefit schemes like PSS and CSS, different rules may apply. Check with CSC or your financial adviser before consolidating, as it may affect your benefits.

CSC schemes have different fee structures. Accumulation schemes like PSSap and ADF Super typically charge administration fees and investment management costs, while defined benefit schemes may have different arrangements. CSC publishes fee information in its Product Disclosure Statements and on its website. It's important to review the fees for your specific scheme.

If you think you have lost super with CSC, you can contact CSC directly on 1300 000 277 with your personal details, including your name, date of birth, and any former member numbers. You can also search for lost super via the ATO's online services. CSC can help identify if you have an account and assist with accessing it.

You can generally access your super when you meet a condition of release, such as reaching preservation age and retiring, turning 65, or transitioning to retirement. The process involves completing the relevant withdrawal form and providing identification. For specific requirements based on your scheme, contact CSC or visit the CSC website.

CSC offers limited financial advice to members about their CSC superannuation, including options within the scheme. This is provided by CSC's licensed advice team. For comprehensive financial planning, you may need to see an independent financial adviser. CSC's advice services are designed to help you understand your benefits and make informed decisions.

You can update your personal details, such as your address, phone number, and beneficiary nominations, by logging into your CSC online account or by completing the relevant form and returning it to CSC. It's important to keep your details current to ensure you receive important communications and that your benefits are paid correctly.

PSS (Public Sector Superannuation Scheme) is a defined benefit scheme closed to new members, where your benefit is based on a formula involving your salary and years of service. PSSap (Public Sector Superannuation Accumulation Plan) is an accumulation scheme where your benefit is based on contributions and investment returns. Most new Australian Government employees join PSSap.

You can nominate a beneficiary by completing a beneficiary nomination form, available from the CSC website or by contacting CSC. You can make a binding or non-binding nomination, depending on your scheme's rules. It's important to review your nomination regularly, especially after life events such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child.

CSC accumulation schemes like PSSap and ADF Super offer a range of investment options, typically including a default MySuper option and other diversified and asset-class-specific options. You can choose the option that suits your risk tolerance and investment timeframe. Details are available in the Product Disclosure Statement and on the CSC website.

To transfer your super from CSC to another fund, you'll need to complete a transfer authority form, which may be provided by your new fund. Before transferring, consider any fees, loss of insurance, or impact on defined benefits. For defined benefit schemes, transferring out may not be allowed or may significantly reduce your benefit. Seek advice if unsure.

If you have a complaint, first contact CSC on 1300 000 277 or via the website to try to resolve the issue. If unresolved, you can lodge a formal complaint with CSC's complaints team. If you're still not satisfied, you may escalate to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), an external dispute resolution scheme. CSC is a member of AFCA.

CSC is a corporate Commonwealth entity established under the Governance of Australian Government Superannuation Schemes Act 2011. It is wholly owned by the Australian Government and operates independently to manage and administer public sector and military superannuation schemes. It is not a government department but works closely with government agencies.