Maximise the Government contribution

One way to keep your KiwiSaver account growing is to contribute (if you are financially able to). Thanks to an annual contribution from the Government, you can boost your KiwiSaver account by up to $521.43 every year (eligibility criteria apply). This could add up to over $5,000 of extra money in 10 years!

This Government contribution is calculated each year based on your contributions between 1 July to 30 June and paid directly into your KiwiSaver account (usually by the end of August). Every contribution makes a difference since the Government will contribute 50 cents (up to a maximum of $521.43) for every dollar you contribute to your KiwiSaver account each year. For example, if you contribute $100 to your KiwiSaver account, the Government will contribute $50.

To be eligible to receive this maximum amount, you need to have contributed $1,042.86 to your KiwiSaver account during the year between 1 July and 30 June. If you have not contributed enough to receive the maximum Government contribution this year, ensure you top up your account before 30 June 2021. You cannot claim it later, so it’s important to act before 30 June!  

Mercer KiwiSaver scheme members can check if they are on track to receive the maximum amount by signing into their online account. Please call us on 0508 637 237 if you have any questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Am I eligible to receive the maximum Government Contribution?  

• You will need to have contributed at least $1,042.86 to your KiwiSaver account during the year between 1 July and 30 June. Only employee or voluntary contributions count towards receiving your Government contribution payment.  
  
• Must be mainly residing in New Zealand during the year; however there is an exception for Government employees who are serving outside New Zealand and any person working overseas as a volunteer or for a charitable organisation.
• The Government contribution is available until you are aged 65 years, but if you first joined a KiwiSaver scheme before 1 July 2019 and were over 60 years when you joined you may be eligible for these benefits for up to five years from when you joined (conditions apply).

2. How do I know if I have contributed enough for the maximum Government contribution?

Generally, you should receive $521.43 from the Government if you’ve been a KiwiSaver member for the full year, earn over $35,000 (before tax) per annum and contributed at least 3% to your KiwiSaver account or if you’ve contributed more than $20 per week on average.

3. How do I make voluntary contributions to my KiwiSaver account?

If you have not contributed enough to receive the maximum Government contribution this year, it’s important to top up your KiwiSaver account before 30 June 2021 to be eligible. You can pay directly into your KiwiSaver account from your online banking by searching for ‘Mercer KiwiSaver scheme’ as a payee (new person or company) and following your banks’ instructions. Please include the below details so your payment can be allocated to your account: Your surname (particulars), your member number (code) and your IRD number (reference).