CSC Class A, B and C Explained: What Your Invalidity Classification Means

This guide explains the three CSC classes in plain English, what each pays, and why a Class C decision needs urgent attention.

What are CSC Class A, B and C?

CSC measures your incapacity for civil employment: how much the conditions that caused your discharge limit the civilian work you could otherwise do. It is expressed as a percentage.

These bands are set in law: Rule 22 of the MilitarySuper Trust Deed and section 16 of the Australian Defence Force Cover Act 2015.

Which super scheme are you in?

• DFRDB – generally members who joined before 1 October 1991.
• MilitarySuper (MSBS) – members who joined from 1 October 1991 to 30 June 2016.
• ADF Cover – the death and invalidity scheme for ADF Super members from 1 July 2016.

The class bands are the same across schemes, but the dollar amounts are calculated differently.

What does each class pay?

MilitarySuper Class A pays an indexed pension calculated as if you had served to your compulsory retiring age. In one CSC example, a corporal invalided out at 30 on a final average salary of about $67,000 receives around $60,000 a year gross.

MilitarySuper Class B pays the greater of half the Class A pension or a pension based on your actual service.

Class C pays no invalidity pension. Your employer benefit stays preserved until a later condition of release, generally from age 55.

DFRDB Class A invalidity pay is 76.5% of your annual rate of pay and Class B is 38.25% (section 31 of the DFRDB Act 1973).

ADF Cover pays a basic pension (prospective years to age 60 × salary × 2.2% for Class A or 1.1% for Class B) plus a top-up that stops at 60.

Can your class change later?

• Class A and B can be reviewed – up to age 65 for MilitarySuper (with no downgrade after 55), and ADF Cover has a mandatory review 12–36 months after transition. DFRDB has no age limit.
• A drop to Class C stops the pension.
• An initial Class C can never be reviewed. Your only remedy is reconsideration, which must be requested within 30 days. See our guide: Classified Class C? How to request CSC reconsideration.

What CSC does not use

CSC does not use your DVA impairment points or DVA acceptance to set your class. It also does not require your condition to be caused by service. These are different tests from DVA compensation. Learn more in How CSC decides your class.

Frequently asked questions

What percentage is CSC Class A?

Class A is an incapacity for civil employment of 60% or more.

Does Class C pay a pension?

No. Class C (under 30%) pays no invalidity pension, and your employer benefit is preserved.

Can I appeal a CSC Class C decision?

Yes, but only through reconsideration within 30 days of the decision. An initial Class C cannot be reviewed later.

Do DVA impairment points decide my CSC class?

No. CSC measures loss of civilian work capacity, which is a different test.

Talk to VHC about your classification

Not sure your class reflects your real limits? VHC's doctor-led team reviews your full Defence and DVA records and tells you plainly whether the evidence supports a higher class. Call 0429 146 039 or email reception@vhc.org.au.

This article is general information only and is not legal, financial or tax advice. Superannuation rules change; check current information with CSC, DVA or a qualified adviser before acting. Veterans Health Centre provides medical evidence and does not provide financial product advice.