Facing hardship?
The KiwiSaver withdrawal process made simple.

Is it the right fit?

• "Significant financial hardship" has a specific meaning. It means you're unable to pay for essential living costs: rent or mortgage on the home you live in, medical or dental treatment, or funeral costs for someone close.
• A couple of things it can't be used for: paying off loans or debts in full (the supervisor only counts your minimum repayments), a first home deposit (that's a separate kind of withdrawal), or anything that isn't an essential cost.
• You can usually withdraw your own contributions, your employer's, and any returns. The Government contributions stay put.
• A withdrawal is a last resort, so the supervisor will want to see you've explored other options first, like Work and Income. Being behind on bills doesn't guarantee approval, but this is exactly what the rule is there for.

Download your form

1. Fill it out in detail

Take your time here. Gaps and guesses are the most common reason applications get sent back. Common mistakes to avoid:

• Not explaining your situation fully. Write enough that someone who has never met you can understand what has happened and why you need the money.
• Inaccurate or incomplete income details. Include every type of income, and check the figures match your bank statements.
• Skimming over expenses, assets and liabilities. Complete these as fully as you can, so the provider can assess your whole situation and the shortfall you are facing.
• Signing the statutory declaration early. It must be signed in front of a JP, covered in step 4.

2. The documents you'll need

will want to see:

• A certified copy of your photo ID
• Proof of your address, dated in the last 3 months
• Proof of the bank account the money will be paid into, in your name
• The last 3 months of statements for every bank account you use
• Proof of your income, like payslips or your MyMSD summary

3. Show what you've already tried

Under the KiwiSaver rules a withdrawal is a last resort, so the supervisor can only approve it once you've shown you checked the other options first. Two things cover it:

• A letter from Work and Income showing what support you've been granted, or declining you. A decline counts just as much, it shows you checked. Your letters are in MyMSD, or call 0800 559 009 and they'll send you a copy.
• Ask your bank's hardship team, or message them in the app: "I'm in financial difficulty and would like to know my options." Save their reply either way, yes or no.

4. The JP visit

The form includes a statutory declaration, a legal promise that everything in your application is true. It only counts if you sign it in front of an authorised witness, and that's what a Justice of the Peace is for. It's free and takes a few minutes.

• Fill out the form before you go, but leave the declaration unsigned. You sign that part in front of the JP.
• Bring your photo ID and a copy of it. The JP checks the original against the copy and certifies it while you're there.
• You'll find JPs at most public libraries and Citizens Advice. Search for one near you at justiceofthepeace.org.nz.

5. Send it off

Send the finished form and documents to via the email on the form, and keep a copy of everything for yourself.

Once has a complete application, a decision usually takes up to 20 working days. Missing or incorrect paperwork is the most common thing that slows it down, so it's worth taking your time to get everything filled out properly.

Where else to get help

• Work and IncomeUrgent costs and hardship support
• MoneyTalksFree budgeting helpline, 0800 345 123
• Citizens Advice BureauFree, confidential advice on anything
• SortedIndependent KiwiSaver hardship guide