As 2022 slides firmly into the rear-view mirror, so does the midway point of the KiwiSaver year which runs from 1 July to 30 June. With each year seeming to pass by more quickly than the last, now is a great opportunity to check (whilst you have time to plan) whether you’re on track to receive the full Government Contribution of $521.43 to your KiwiSaver.

Often, we leave this check to the last minute which unfortunately means that many of us miss out on what is essentially, free money. In the 2022 financial year, the Government made contributions of $9161 million towards the first home and retirement savings of KiwiSaver members, which is fantastic! However, this represented only 63%2 of members making the most of the benefit available, with over $500 million left unclaimed.

Who gets a Government Contribution?
To be eligible you must be:

  • Aged 18 years or older and not yet eligible for retirement withdrawals3
  • Live mainly in New Zealand4, and
  • Have personally contributed to your KiwiSaver account (see below).

You should receive the full Government Contribution of $521.43 if you’ve been in KiwiSaver for the full year (1 July to 30 June) and have contributed at least $1042.86. If you have contributed less than $1042.86 the Government will still match what you have contributed with 50 cents for every dollar you’ve contributed. If you haven’t been a KiwiSaver member for the full year you could still get a proportional top up from the Government.

It’s worth noting that the Government Contribution only applies to your own contributions i.e., employee contributions and any voluntary contributions you have made. Contributions made by your employer do not attract a Government Contribution.

Check to see if you are on track
Log into your Milford Client Portal and check your Milford KiwiSaver Plan performance summary for the KiwiSaver year to date. This will provide a breakdown of both employer and employee contributions, as well as any voluntary contributions that have been made.

Alternatively, you can check by logging into your MyIR account at www.ird.govt.nz/kiwisaver. Go to “View transactions” and filter on transaction type “Deductions from salary/wages” and the date range from 01/07/2022 to the current date, to see whether you’re on track to reach $1,042.86 by 30/06/2023.

Getting on track
Take five minutes now to check you’re on track to receive the full Government Contribution and if not, you’ve got plenty of time to ensure that you do. If needed, you can make a payment or set up a Direct Debit – login to your Client Portal, then navigate through to Payments & Transactions to make a payment. As always, if you are unsure then please reach out to the team on 0800 662 346.

Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Milford Funds Limited is the issuer of the Milford KiwiSaver Plan. Please read the Milford KiwiSaver Plan Product Disclosure Statement at milfordasset.com. The disclosure statements of all Milford Financial Advisers contain more information and are available for free on request. Visit milfordasset.com/getting-advice to view Milford Private Wealth Limited’s Financial Advice Provider Disclosure Statement.

1 https://www.ird.govt.nz/about-us/tax-statistics/kiwisaver/contributions/scheme-providers-payments
2 https://www.ird.govt.nz/about-us/tax-statistics/kiwisaver/datasets
3 If you joined KiwiSaver before 1 July 2019 and were aged between 60 and 64 inclusive and haven’t yet made a retirement withdrawal, you will also be eligible. If you are unsure, please contact us on [email protected] or 0800 662 346.
4 There are exceptions for government employees who are serving outside New Zealand or persons working overseas as volunteers.