Every year the Government makes contributions to the accounts of eligible KiwiSaver members, up to $521.43 each. These contributions are usually credited to members’ accounts in early July. In 2020 the Government paid $777.8 million in contributions to KiwiSaver members. Did you get your share of that? Make sure you receive your $521.43 this year by contributing enough before 30 June 2020.
How much can I get?
The Government pays 50c for every $1 you pay in, but there is a limit. The Government’s money is credited to your KiwiSaver account. To get the maximum amount of $521.43 from the Government, you need to pay at least $1,042.86 each year. This equates to just over $20 a week. Here are some examples of how this works:
| Your personal contributions | Money from the Government | |
| Weekly | Annual | Annual |
| Over $20 | Over $1,042.86 | $521.43 Max |
| $20 | $1,040.00 | $520.00 |
| $15 | $780.00 | $390.00 |
| $10 | $520.00 | $260.00 |
If you are an employee and earn $34,762 p.a. or more, and contribute the minimum 3% of your pay to KiwiSaver then you’ll qualify for the maximum without having to do anything else.
If you want to receive the maximum amount for the year ending 30 June 2019 year then you can make a top-up contribution. This needs to be done before the end of June 2020.
Who can get this free Government money?
The Government will make an annual payment (Government Contributions) into your KiwiSaver account as long as you:
- have made personal contributions to your KiwiSaver account during the year;
- are aged between 18 and 65*, and
- were resident mainly in New Zealand.
*Eligibility for the Government’s money can extend beyond 65 if you have not been in KiwiSaver for 5 years; in which case it ceases after 5 years membership.
You can make personal contributions to your KiwiSaver account by deductions from your pay, or regular payments, or lump-sum payments.
Not sure about your personal situation
You are welcome to contact us to check on your situation, or you can log on to your member section of the Christian KiwiSaver Scheme website. We have created a dedicated tab for members to keep an eye on how you are tracking towards being eligible for the Government Contribution.
