Each year the government adds money to your KiwiSaver account, based on how much you put in yourself. Here's how much it is, who gets it, and when it arrives.
How much the government puts in
The government contribution is 25 cents for every $1 you contribute between 1 July and 30 June. The most you can get is $260.72 a year.
To get the full amount, you need to put in at least $1,042.86 of your own money in that year. That works out to about $20.06 a week.
| You contribute (1 July – 30 June) | Government adds |
|---|---|
| $200 | $50 |
| $500 | $125 |
| $1,042.86 | $260.72 |
| $2,000 | $260.72 (the maximum) |
What counts as your contribution
These all count:
- KiwiSaver deductions from your salary or wages
- payments you make to Inland Revenue
- payments you make straight to your KiwiSaver provider
These don't count: employer contributions, past government contributions, and money moved across from an Australian retirement scheme.
If you're an employee at the default 3.5% rate, your deductions reach $1,042.86 over the year once your pay for that year is about $29,796. That's 3.5% of $29,796. If you earn less, or you're not working, payments you make yourself to your provider or Inland Revenue in the same year count too.
Who can get it
- You're aged 16 to 65.
- Your annual taxable income is $180,000 or less.
If you join partway through the year, or turn 16 or 65 partway through, the contribution is based on how many days you were a member and eligible. If you turn 65 during the year, you won't get the full amount.
When it's paid
You don't need to apply yourself. Your KiwiSaver provider applies for it after 30 June. Inland Revenue says to check your account after the end of July. It may take until the end of August to arrive.
Other KiwiSaver changes in 2026
The default employee and employer contribution rate went up to 3.5% from 1 April 2026, and rises to 4% from 1 April 2028. You can choose 3.5%, 4%, 6%, 8% or 10%. Employees aged 16 and 17 also get employer contributions of 3.5% from 1 April 2026. The tax brackets post shows how your KiwiSaver deduction fits with the rest of your pay.
Common questions
How much is the KiwiSaver government contribution?
25 cents for every $1 you contribute between 1 July and 30 June, up to $260.72 a year.
How much do I need to put in to get the full amount?
$1,042.86 of your own money between 1 July and 30 June.
Do employer contributions count?
No. Only money you put in yourself counts.
When will I see it in my account?
Your provider applies after 30 June. Check after the end of July. It can take until the end of August.
Can I use the government contribution to buy a first home?
Yes. Inland Revenue lists it among the savings you can withdraw for a first home. See KiwiSaver hardship and first home withdrawals.
I don't have an IRD number yet. Does that matter?
You need one to join KiwiSaver. Here's how to get an IRD number.
Sources: Inland Revenue, Getting the KiwiSaver government contribution, KiwiSaver changes and Getting my KiwiSaver savings for my first home. Weekly and salary figures are our own arithmetic. Checked October 2026.