KiwiSaver Government contribution
Check if you are on track before 30 June 2026 to receive the full amount.
Government contribution is a contribution made to your KiwiSaver account by the Government. For every dollar you contribute to your KiwiSaver, the Government adds 25 cents.
The maximum you may be entitled to is $260.72 per annum. To receive the full amount, you must have contributed at least $1,042.86 to your KiwiSaver account during the KiwiSaver financial year (between 1 July and 30 June). Some criteria apply.
To see if you are on track to receive the full amount, log in to your Mercer KiwiSaver scheme account and go to account details and see how much you have contributed since 1 July 2025. If you need to top up your account to reach the $1,042.86 be sure to do this by 30 June.
You can also check your myIR account at www.ird.govt.nz/kiwisaver to find the total contributions made via your salary/wages (if you are employed or self-employed and paying from your salary or wages).
If you became eligible part way through the year, you’ll receive a proportion of the maximum government contribution.
Government Contribution FAQs
Am I eligible for Government Contribution?
To be eligible for the government contribution, you must:
- Be between 16 and 65 years of age; and
- Have your principal place of residence in New Zealand, with the exception of some government employees and certain people working overseas for charities for nominal remuneration.
Please note that if your annual taxable income exceeds $180,000, you will not be eligible to receive the government contribution.
Am I eligible if I am on a savings suspension (formerly contributions holiday)?
Yes - if you satisfy the eligibility criteria (see above) and make a contribution(s).
Am I eligible if I joined part-way through a year?
If you join KiwiSaver part-way through a year (1 July to 30 June), you'll receive a government contribution based on the number of days in the year you've been a member.
Am I eligible if I just turned 16?
When you turn 16, you'll receive a government contribution for the number of days in the year (1 July to 30 June) that you are 16. If you have been 16 for half a year, you’d qualify for half the potential government contribution.
Am I eligible if I am now over 65?
Once you reach the age at which you can withdraw your KiwiSaver savings, you will no longer qualify for a government contribution. If you become eligible to withdraw partway through the year, you will receive contributions up to that point.
How can I top up my Mercer account?
Online banking payment to Mercer
The fastest and easiest way to top up is directly to Mercer via your online banking. Simply search for ‘Mercer KiwiSaver scheme’ in the organisation or person you wish to pay. Then follow your bank’s instructions.
Please note we no longer accept cheques.
How long will it take to process my payment?
Generally, payments made via online banking are processed overnight, except for weekends and public holidays.
When do I get the Government Contribution in my account?
Payment of your government contribution will be made from Inland Revenue to Mercer, who will credit this amount to your account. Mercer will apply for the government contribution on behalf of our members in early July. Inland Revenue expects to process the payment of government contributions shortly after receiving the request from providers. The payment from Inland Revenue of the full amount may be staggered over several months. We therefore encourage you to regularly visit your online account to check whether you've received your government contribution.
What’s the maximum government contribution I can receive?
The maximum you may be entitled to is $260.72 per annum. To receive the full amount, you need to have contributed at least $1042.86 to your KiwiSaver account yourself. That's 25 cents from the government for every $1 you contribute.
What if I am a KiwiSaver member, and a member of a complying superannuation fund?
Members who are eligible for the government contribution from two providers will have these credited to the provider who first submits member information to Inland Revenue. Mercer intends to provide Inland Revenue with the required information for all members in early July.
What if I am a KiwiSaver member, and a member of a complying superannuation fund?
Members who are eligible for the Government Contribution from two providers will have these credited to the provider who first submits member information to Inland Revenue. Mercer intends to provide Inland Revenue with the required information for all members in early July.
How often can I make top ups?
You can make as many top ups as you want per year and you can top up as much or as little as you wish.
Can I see Government Contribution via an online account?
Yes, you simply need to login at www.mercerfinancialservices.co.nz and click on the ‘My Account Activity’ and search / filter for your member contributions.
This article has been prepared by Mercer (N.Z.) Limited. The information contained in this article is intended for general guidance only. It does not take into account your particular financial situation or goals. Before making any investment decision, you should refer to the Product Disclosure Statement or consult an appropriately qualified financial adviser. The Mercer KiwiSaver scheme and Mercer Super Trust are issued by Mercer (N.Z.) Limited. For information about these products, please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement which are available free of charge on www.mercerfinancialservices.co.nz.
