How to make a withdrawal from KiwiSaver?

Here we explain all the scenarios in which you can apply to make a withdrawal, and how much of your investment you can withdraw for each type.

KiwiSaver is primarily designed to help all New Zealanders save for retirement. There are, however, certain circumstances that allow you to access your KiwiSaver earlier. Learn more about these below.

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Retirement

When you turn 65 you become eligible to access your KiwiSaver investment. You can however choose to leave your savings in KiwiSaver, and you can also keep contributing if you want to. You can choose to withdraw some or all of your savings as a lump sum or as a regular payment.

If you decide to keep contributing to your KiwiSaver account after 65, you’ll no longer be eligible for Member Tax Credits and if you’re still working, your employer doesn’t have to continue contributing 3%. However your own contributions will continue unless you ask your employer to stop making deductions.

If you’re invested in the GoalsGetter KiwiSaver Scheme and are eligible to make a withdrawal for retirement, you can apply by downloading our application form.

Download Retirement Withdrawal Form
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First Home Withdrawal

To be eligible for a KiwiSaver first home withdrawal you’ll need to meet the following criteria:

  • You've been a KiwiSaver member for at least three years
  • You’ve never owned property or land before
  • The property or land is in New Zealand
  • You intend to live in the home you're buying or build a home to live in on the land you're buying
  • It's the first time you've made a KiwiSaver withdrawal to buy a home. If you’ve already owned a home previously, you may be eligible for a withdrawal as a qualifying previous home owner.
  • You can withdraw your contributions (and your employers, where applicable) and any member tax credits you’ve received
  • You must leave a minimum $1000 in your account 
  • You must leave any money transferred from an Australian complying superannuation scheme in your account
  • You can choose to apply the funds towards your deposit or at settlement.

If you’re invested in the GoalsGetter KiwiSaver Scheme and are eligible to make a withdrawal for your first home, you can apply by downloading our application form.

Download First Home Withdrawal Form
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Special circumstances

In certain situations you can apply to withdraw some or all of your funds early. You can apply to make a withdrawal from your KiwiSaver account in the follow circumstances:

  • Significant Financial Hardship
  • Serious Illness
  • Permanent Emigration
  • Death

Read more about these special conditions

How much can you apply to withdraw?

Depending on what type of withdrawal you’re applying for, there are certain amounts you can withdraw. Use our table below as a guide to the circumstances of your withdrawal and the aspects of your investment that can be drawn down on.

 

  Your
contributions		 Employer contributions Government Contributions Kickstart
contribution (if any)		 Superannuation
savings transfered from aus
Retirement (qualifying age)
Purchase of first home or second chance home buyer
Significant financial hardship
Serious illness
Permanent emigration overseas
Permanent emigration to Australia
Death
Retirement withdrawal of transferred Australian savings from 60 years old
For further information please refer to the Product Disclosure Statements related to your KiwiSaver funds.

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