How to get your KiwiSaver Government contribution?
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How to get your KiwiSaver Government contribution?
5 Jun 2025
Originally published: 27 May 2024. Updated: June 2025 to include the latest Government contribution changes and expanded KiwiSaver guidance.
Did you know you can get up to $521.43 from the Government – every year? One of the best features of KiwiSaver is that you’re not the only one contributing to your retirement savings. Your employer must contribute at least 3% (sometimes more), and the Government also chips in!
Summary
Each year, if you’re aged 18–64 and live in New Zealand, the Government will add up to $521.43 to your KiwiSaver account. For every dollar you contribute (including employer and voluntary contributions), the Government adds 50 cents, up to the maximum of $521.43.
To get the full amount, you need to contribute at least $1,042.86 each year. Even if you can’t reach that amount, you’ll still get a 50% match on whatever you put in – a great way to boost your retirement savings with minimal effort.
Important Update: 2025 Budget Changes
But here’s the catch: this is the last year to get the full $521.43 from the Government.
From 1 July 2025, the Government contribution will be halved – they’ll only contribute 25 cents for every $1 you put in, up to a maximum of $260.72 a year.
So, if you want to lock in the full $521.43, make sure you’ve contributed $1,042.86 by 30 June 2025.
Are you eligible to receive this bonus?
To receive the Government contribution, you must:
- Be aged 18-64
- Live in New Zealand
Exceptions include: Government employees, people working as volunteers for charitable organisations, and people employed in a job that meets one or more of the requirements of the Student Loan Scheme Act 2011
How to Make Sure You Get It
You can contribute to your KiwiSaver account through:
- Salary and wage deductions
- Payments to your KiwiSaver provider
Pro Tip: Voluntary contributions need to be made in time for processing – aim to have them in well before 30 June each year.
Key Dates: Annual Deadline is 30 June
The KiwiSaver year for Government contributions runs from 1 July to 30 June. Contributions need to be processed by 30 June to qualify for that year’s Government top-up.
If you’re using direct debit or automatic payments, check their timing to make sure they’re counted for the current year.
Examples of How it Works
For every $1 you put in, the Government adds 50 cents.
To get the maximum $521.43, you need to contribute at least $1,042.86 annually.
Here’s how that could look:
- Contribute $200 → you’ll get an extra $100 from the Government.
- Contribute $650 → you’ll receive $325.
Pro-rated Contributions
If you:
- Joined KiwiSaver part-way through the year
- Turned 18 or 65 during the year
- Moved to or from overseas
the Government contribution will be pro-rated based on how many days you were eligible.
Self-Employed? You’re Eligible Too!
If you’re self-employed and don’t have employer contributions, the Government’s top-up is an extra boost for your retirement savings. To get the full $521.43, you’ll need to contribute at least $1,042.86 yourself – that’s about $20 a week.
Even if you can’t contribute the full amount, the Government still matches your contributions 50 cents to every dollar you put in, up to the maximum until June 30 2025.
Quick Tips
- Set a savings target: Even $50 a week can help you stay on track for a comfortable retirement.
- Make sure your contributions are in by 30 June so you don’t miss out on the Government top-up.
Check your contributions
Kōura Member: Check the Kōura app/portal or My IR section on the IRD website for your employee contributions. The Kōura app/portal will also have a record of your voluntary contributions.
Joined Kōura (part way through the year): You will be able to check My IR section on the IRD website for all your employee contributions throughout the year. The Kōura app/portal will only show your voluntary contributions made after joining Kōura.
Not with Kōura: Check the My IR section on the IRD website for your employee contributions.
If you are self-employed: You can only check your voluntary contributions through your KiwiSaver Scheme provider.
Key Tip: Check your contributions at least two weeks before the 30 June deadline. If you’ve contributed less than $1,042.86, there’s still time to top up and get the maximum Government contribution.
Bottom Line: Don’t Miss Out!
The KiwiSaver Government contribution is one of the best ways to boost your retirement savings – it’s essentially free money! Combined with your contributions, your employer’s contributions (if you’re employed), and the power of compounding returns, your KiwiSaver balance can grow significantly over time.
Remember:
- Every dollar counts – even small contributions can make a difference.
- Double-check your contributions before 30 June, especially this year, to get the full $521.43 before the rules change.
Frequently Asked Questions
I just turned 18 – do I get a Government contribution?
You’re eligible for a partial contribution for the days you were 18 in that year.
I’m over 65 – am I still eligible?
Once you become eligible to withdraw your KiwiSaver savings (usually at 65), you’re no longer entitled to the Government contribution. If you hit 65 part-way through the year, you’ll get a contribution up until that date.
Can I make multiple top-ups?
Yes! You can make as many voluntary top-ups as you like – the more you put in, the more you get (up to the maximum match).
Disclaimer: Please note that the content provided in this article is intended as an overview and as general information only. While care is taken to ensure accuracy and reliability, the information provided is subject to continuous change and may not reflect current developments or address your situation. Before making any decisions based on the information provided in this article, please use your discretion, and seek independent guidance.
Kōura Wealth Limited is the issuer and manager of the Kōura KiwiSaver Scheme. A copy of the Product Disclosure Statement is available at kourawealth.co.nz/documents.