Question 1

What is a CSC invalidity classification?

Accepted Answer

When you leave the ADF on medical grounds, the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC) assesses how your conditions affect your ability to work in civilian employment. Based on this assessment, you are classified as Class A (unable to work in any capacity), Class B (able to work in a reduced capacity), or Class C (able to work in your pre-discharge role or equivalent). Your classification determines whether you receive an ongoing pension and how much.

Question 2

What's the difference between Class A, B, and C?

Accepted Answer

Class A provides the highest pension rate (76.5% of super salary for DFRDB and MSBS). Class B provides half that rate (38.25%). Class C receives a lump sum only — no ongoing pension. The difference between Class A and Class B can be tens of thousands of dollars per year. The difference between Class B and Class C is whether you receive an ongoing pension at all.

Question 3

Which CSC scheme am I on?

Accepted Answer

DFRDB covers members who joined the ADF before 1 October 1991. MSBS covers those who joined between 1 October 1991 and 30 June 2016. ADF Cover covers those who joined from 1 July 2016. Your scheme determines how your invalidity pension is calculated and what proportion is Commonwealth-funded.

Question 4

How does my CSC pension affect DVA incapacity payments?

Accepted Answer

The Commonwealth-funded portion of your CSC invalidity pension offsets DVA incapacity payments dollar for dollar. For DFRDB, approximately 85% of the pension is Commonwealth-funded. For MSBS and ADF Cover, the employer benefit pension is 100% Commonwealth-funded. A substantial CSC pension can reduce incapacity payments to zero.

Question 5

How does my CSC pension affect SRDP?

Accepted Answer

If you elect SRDP, your CSC pension is offset at 60 cents per dollar (not dollar for dollar like incapacity). This means SRDP is less affected by your CSC pension than incapacity payments. The portion of your CSC pension used to offset SRDP is also excluded from Service Pension income testing.

Question 6

Can my classification change?

Accepted Answer

Yes. CSC can review your classification up to age 55. If your work capacity improves, you may be reclassified from Class A to Class B (pension halves) or from Class B to Class C (pension stops). If your conditions worsen, you can apply for reclassification from Class B to Class A.

Question 7

How accurate is this calculator?

Accepted Answer

This calculator uses the standard CSC invalidity pension formulas for all three schemes. For most straightforward cases, the estimates should be close to actual. However, DFRDB Class B with 23+ years of service may use a different formula, and individual circumstances (including salary adjustments, part-time service periods, and commutation history) may affect the actual amount. Contact CSC for your exact pension amount.

CSC Invalidity Pension Calculator

Common questions about CSC invalidity

Understand the full picture

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