KiwiSaver Government contribution

You could get more out of your KiwiSaver account by making sure you’re entitled to the Government contribution each year. The annual Government contribution to your KiwiSaver savings was previously called the Member Tax Credit.

How it works

If you qualify for the Government contribution, you’ll receive 50 cents for every dollar you contribute to your KiwiSaver account, up to a maximum Government contribution of $521.43.

For example, if you’re eligible for the Government contribution and you put at least $1,042.86 in to your KiwiSaver account annually between 1 July – 30 June, the Government will contribute the maximum of $521.43.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible, you must be:

• 18 years or older
• not yet eligible for retirement withdrawals
• mainly living in New Zealand^.

If you don’t meet the eligibility requirements for the full year (1 July – 30 June) but you do for part of it, the maximum Government contribution you receive will be based on the length of time you were eligible for it – with the Government putting in 50 cents for every dollar you put in up to that maximum amount.

You should receive the Government contribution as a lump sum, paid into your KiwiSaver account around July/August each year.

For more information on the Government contribution, visit the Government’s KiwiSaver website.