What the government contribution is
The government contribution is money the government adds to your KiwiSaver account each year, on top of what you and your employer put in.
For every $1 you contribute, the government adds 25 cents, up to a maximum of $260.72 a year.
To receive the full amount you need to contribute $1,042.86 of your own money during the KiwiSaver year, which runs from 1 July to 30 June. That works out to about $20 a week.
If you contribute less than that, you still receive 25 cents for every dollar you did put in — you just get a smaller amount.
How to qualify
To receive the government contribution, you need to meet all of the following:
- You are aged between 16 and 64.
- You mainly live in New Zealand.
- Your annual taxable income is $180,000 or less.
- You contributed your own money to KiwiSaver during the year.
Only your own money counts. Contributions from your pay and voluntary top-ups both count, but your employer's contributions and last year's government contribution do not.
How and when it is paid
1. The year closes on 30 June
The KiwiSaver year runs from 1 July to 30 June. Anything you contribute after 30 June counts towards the following year.
2. Your provider claims it for you
You do not need to apply. Your provider works out what you are entitled to and claims it from Inland Revenue on your behalf.
3. The money arrives over July and August
Most payments land in late July, though they can take until the end of August. If it has not appeared by then, contact your provider.
A few things worth knowing
If you were only eligible for part of the year — because you joined KiwiSaver, turned 16, or turned 65 partway through — both the maximum you can receive and the amount you need to contribute are reduced to match.
If you are close to the threshold but not quite there, you can make a one-off voluntary payment before 30 June to top yourself up. It is worth checking your balance in June rather than assuming your pay deductions have covered it.
The government contribution changed on 1 July 2025. The maximum dropped from $521.43 to $260.72, the $180,000 income limit was introduced, and 16 and 17 year olds became eligible for the first time.