Military Superannuation

There are 3 classes of Military Superannuation pensions, which are based on the degree of severity of the veteran’s retiring impairment[s] and their consequent incapacity for employment:

  • Class A – at or above 60%
  • Class B – at or above 30% but below 60%
  • Class C – less than 30%

Some important facts about Military Super

  • There are a number of Military Superannuation Funds, but they are all administered by the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation [‘CSC’]
  • The qualifying criteria for almost all of the Military Superannuation Funds is the severity of the injuries the veteran was suffering from, at the time of his separation from the Australian Defence Forces, known as ‘retiring impairments’.
  • Classes A and B are the most ‘valuable’ in economic terms.
  • It is possible for a veteran to be re-classified from Class B to Class A,
  • But, once a veteran is classified Class C, there is no right to apply to be reclassified, at a later time, to either Class B or Class A.
  • Consequently it is essential that, if a veteran is dissatisfied with being classified at the Class C level, the available appeal processes must be utilized and exhausted, without delay, within the necessary time frames, if a veteran receives a C classification.

The Appeal Process

With all Military Superannuation claims, excepting the Defence Force Retirement Benefits Scheme [‘DFRDB’], the appeal process is as follows:

  • An initial Decision is made by the CSS;
  • If dissatisfied with this Decision, a Reconsideration is sought from the CSS;
  • If dissatisfied with this Reconsideration, then an Appeal can be brought to the Superannuation Complaints Tribunal [‘SCT’], with the exception of DFRDB claims, which are brought in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal [‘AAT’].

We are here to help

Military Superannuation is quite technical and a veteran should seek our carefully considered legal advice before accepting the superannuation classification offered to them, or, more preferably, should seek such advice before even claiming Military Superannuation  benefits.

  • “I cannot speak highly enough of Emanuel Solicitors. Max and Melissa have assisted me, not once but twice, through complex and challenging matters with successful outcomes achieved on both occasions. In their dealings with me they have always been friendly, professional and helpful. Most importantly, they have explained often complex (and at times frankly overwhelming), …


    Read more

    Wendy – Melbourne, 2017
    Read full testimonial
  •  “I would like to thank Max and Melissa for their extremely hard work ever since I had my first meeting with them. I was able to focus on getting my treatment, rather than dealing with the paperwork and headaches.  I’m glad I chose Emanuel solicitors as my go to. They will ring you and keep …


    Read more

    Brad – Regional Victoria, 2017
    Read full testimonial
  •  “I was losing an uphill battle with DVA for years, then I found Emanuel Solicitors and what I had tried to achieve in 4 years “We” achieved within a year. It’s great to know that someone actually cares about you and your family’s wellbeing. If you’re looking for help with your DVA claims and want …


    Read more

    Jamie – Gold Coast, 2017
    Read full testimonial
  • “I was at my wits end with DVA, trying to navigate their system on my own. I found Emanuel Solicitors and they were beyond helpful! They were extremely knowledgeable in regards to DVA and they were always available to answer any questions I had. The turn out was much better than I could have imagined …


    Read more

    Samuel – Brisbane, 2017
    Read full testimonial
  • “We were lost 12 months ago and thought we would never get these issues resolved…You have forever changed our lives for the better. We would recommend Max and Melissa without a doubt to anyone needing help with any military legal matter…”

    Kasey – Brisbane 2017
    Read full testimonial
  • “Attempting to sum up the impact Max & Melissa have had on my families life in a few words, is incredibly difficult. We began working with Emmanuel solicitors in 2014 after a chance phone call to gain advice about my husband’s case, which was before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. Prior to this point he had …


    Read more

    Kellee – Cairns, 2016
    Read full testimonial
  • “The compassion, experience, knowledge, and commitment from the team at Emanuel Solicitors continues to exceed my expectations. I would without a doubt recommend this firm to anyone dealing with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.”

    Brooke – Sydney, 2016
    Read full testimonial
  • “Working with Max and Melissa has been a seamless and incredibly positive experience. My husband and I received a referral to Max Melissa from a fellow defence member going through similar challenges as we were. We were at the end of our rope and felt that we were never going to get a resolution.  After …


    Read more

    Matthew and Kasey – Brisbane, 2016
    Read full testimonial
  • ” Emanuel Solicitors took on my case where others had found it to difficult too.  Then not only were they able to achieve exactly what I was hoping for they did it with clear communication, professionalism, hard work and attention to detail.  I am extremely thankful for all help and support Max and Melissa have given …


    Read more

    Brett – Geelong, 2016
    Read full testimonial