"Who qualifies for KiwiSaver terminal illness withdrawal?"

"A KiwiSaver member with a terminal illness — meaning a condition certified by a medical professional to likely result in death within 12 months. There is no minimum membership period and no age restriction."

"What evidence is needed for a terminal illness KiwiSaver withdrawal?"

"A written medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner certifying the terminal condition and the expected prognosis (death within 12 months). The provider may require the certificate to be from a specialist physician."

"Can I withdraw my full KiwiSaver balance under the terminal illness category?"

"Yes — unlike hardship withdrawals (which are limited to the amount needed), a terminal illness withdrawal allows access to the entire balance, including employer contributions and government MTC contributions."

"How long does a KiwiSaver terminal illness withdrawal take?"

"Providers aim to process terminal illness applications as quickly as possible given the circumstances — typically 5–10 working days once a complete application with medical certification is submitted. Contact your provider directly; most have expedited processes for these cases."

KiwiSaver Terminal Illness Withdrawal NZ — Full Guide

KiwiSaver provides a specific early withdrawal pathway for members diagnosed with a terminal illness. This is one of the few grounds for full early access to your balance, and the process is separate from the significant financial hardship pathway.

What Is the Terminal Illness Withdrawal?

Under the KiwiSaver Act, a member who has been certified as having a terminal illness — meaning a condition likely to result in death within 12 months — can apply to withdraw their entire KiwiSaver balance before age 65.

The withdrawal is:

Available at any age (no minimum membership period)
For the full balance — there is no $1,000 minimum residual requirement
Tax-free — KiwiSaver withdrawals are not taxed on withdrawal
Includes personal contributions, employer contributions, government contributions (MTC), and investment returns

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a terminal illness withdrawal, you must:

Be a KiwiSaver member
Have a medical condition that is likely to result in your death within 12 months
Provide written certification from a registered medical practitioner confirming the diagnosis and prognosis

There is no minimum KiwiSaver membership period — even a member who enrolled recently can apply.

Medical Evidence Required

Your application must include a written certificate from a registered medical practitioner (a doctor or specialist). The certificate should state:

The diagnosis
That the illness is terminal
The prognosis (expected to result in death within 12 months)
The doctor’s registration details

The medical certificate must be recent — a certificate issued years earlier will not suffice. Your provider may contact your doctor to verify.

A second medical opinion may be requested in some cases.

How to Apply

Contact your KiwiSaver provider — request the terminal illness withdrawal application form (available online or in person)
Obtain the medical certificate from your doctor or specialist
Complete the application form — including your withdrawal instructions (full balance, or where to transfer)
Submit the application with the medical certificate
Wait for processing — typically 5–10 working days
Receive funds — transferred to your nominated bank account

Your provider assesses the application and, if satisfied, transfers your full balance.

What Happens to the Balance After Withdrawal?

Once withdrawn, the funds are yours to use as you choose. Common uses include:

Paying for medical treatment or palliative care
Supporting family members
Settling debts
Leaving as an inheritance

There is no requirement to spend the funds on medical expenses.

Terminal Illness vs Death Benefit

The terminal illness withdrawal allows the member to access their own funds while still alive. This is distinct from the KiwiSaver death benefit, which is paid to the member’s estate after death.

If a member does not apply for a terminal illness withdrawal and passes away with a KiwiSaver balance remaining, the balance becomes part of their estate. See KiwiSaver death benefit NZ.

A related — but distinct — withdrawal ground is permanent disability: where a member is permanently and totally unable to engage in employment because of a physical or mental disability. This is separate from terminal illness and has its own criteria and process.

Contact your KiwiSaver provider for the permanent disability withdrawal form if this applies.