If you have been a KiwiSaver member for at least 12 months and have been making regular contributions, you can apply for a temporary break from paying contributions. This is called a ‘savings suspension’. During a savings suspension, your employer will typically also stop paying contributions into your KiwiSaver account account.

Contributions can be suspended for 3 to 12 months.

You can visit the IRD website and log into myIR to download a savings suspension (contribution suspension) request form.

If you suffer, or are likely to suffer, significant financial hardship, you may be able to apply for a savings suspension, even if you have been a KiwiSaver member for less than 12 months. You may also be able to withdraw some of your KiwiSaver savings.