KiwiSaver

KIWISAVER - WITHDRAWALS


You can withdraw your KiwiSaver savings when you qualify for New Zealand Superannuation (currently at the age of 65).

For more information about withdrawals once you've reached retirement age, please download the KiwiSaver Retirement Withdrawals Guide.

Early withdrawals

Your KiwiSaver account is designed to help you save for your future and your savings are locked in until you qualify for New Zealand Super. There are a few instances where you may be eligible to make an early withdrawal from your KiwiSaver account. Find out more about Early Withdrawals below.

First Home Withdrawal

You may be eligible to withdraw your savings (leaving a minimum of $1,000 in your account) to put towards buying your first home once three years have passed since Inland Revenue received your first KiwiSaver contribution, or the date you first joined KiwiSaver.

Find out more about First Home Withdrawals.

 

LIFE-SHORTENING CONGENITAL CONDITIONS

If you have a life-shortening congenital (existing from your date of birth) condition, you may be eligible to withdraw all or part of your savings.

Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

Call us on 0800 333 787

Download an application form here.

 

Serious illness

You may be able to withdraw your KiwiSaver savings early if you are experiencing a terminal illness or permanent disability affecting your ability to work.

You can download the Serious Illness Withdrawal application form from the Documents and Forms section.

Significant Financial Hardship

If you are suffering significant financial hardship and can provide appropriate evidence of this, you may be able to withdraw some of your savings.

Significant Financial Hardship claims are given careful consideration by the Supervisor who has sole discretion as to whether or not to approve your claim.

Significant Financial Hardship may include financial difficulties that arise from a number of circumstances:

  • Your inability to meet minimum living expenses; or
  • Your inability to meet mortgage repayments on your principal family residence resulting in the mortgagee seeking to enforce the mortgage on the residence; or
  • The cost of modifying a residence to meet special needs arising from your disability or your dependant's disability; or
  • The cost of medical treatment for illness or injury to you or your dependant;
  • The cost of palliative care for you or your dependant; or
  • The cost of a funeral for your dependant; or
  • You’re suffering from a serious illness (as defined by the KiwiSaver Act).

Find out more in the Significant Financial Hardship Form.

Permanent Emigration

If you have moved overseas permanently, and have been living overseas for at least one year, you may be able to withdraw your KiwiSaver savings (including any Government contributions you have received since joining KiwiSaver).

To apply for a Permanent Emigration Withdrawal, please download the Permanent Emigration Withdrawal Form. You can also contact us to find out more about your situation and whether you qualify for a Permanent Emigration Withdrawal.

If you’re permanently moving to Australia, the Trans-Tasman Portability scheme is in place. This means you are unable to withdraw your KiwiSaver savings as your KiwiSaver account is portable across the Tasman. Find out more in the Trans-Tasman Portability Guide.

The information contained on this page is intended for general guidance only and is not personalised to you. 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 for the relevant scheme or consult a financial adviser.