Defined benefits

If you work for a local government or energy industry employer who provided superannuation for their employees under a defined benefit arrangement, you may have a defined benefit account. In a defined benefit fund, your retirement benefit is determined by a formula instead of being based on investment returns. These funds are closed to new members.

How benefits are calculated

As each of our Defined Benefit Funds use different calculations/formulas to determine how benefits are calculated, please refer to the relevant Defined Benefit Guide for your account for additional information.

Super contributions

Your employer contributes to the fund, while you contribute a percentage of your salary to the fund. These contributions are added to a pool of money to provide benefits to all members of that fund.

Insurance cover

Brighter Super's insurance benefits can protect you, your family and your lifestyle against the unexpected, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

As part of your Defined Benefit account, you may be automatically covered for Death and Total and Permanent Disablement (TPD) and Income Protection insurance cover (also referred to as temporary disablement benefit) as part of your membership. As each Defined Benefit Fund offers different insurance cover, please refer to the relevant Defined Benefit Guide for your account for additional information.

Investment choice

Members with a Defined Benefit account have a set investment strategy for their Defined Benefit. If you make any personal contributions or transfer other super to Brighter Super, these funds are invested in an Accumulation account, where you can choose how your money is invested. Please refer to the Investment and Fees Guide for additional information on investment options available for Accumulation accounts.