Topic: KiwiSaver

KiwiSaver providers can sell your securities to cover their fees if they clearly disclose that in their scheme documents.

A KiwiSaver member asked us to review whether her provider should have warned her about the implications of making significant financial hardship withdrawals from an account later found to be invalid

Extra information needed for a KiwiSaver hardship withdrawal should not have delayed the application

Jonas had not provided the necessary documentation to enable him to access his KiwiSaver for the division of relationship property. Jonas had incurred legal costs which he thought the KiwiSaver provider should pay.

Ronald’s KiwiSaver application for a financial hardship withdrawal was declined, despite the possibility of him being made redundant.

KiwiSaver rules are strict. Some withdrawal applications can make good sense to alleviate long-term hardship, but they may not be permitted under the legislation.

Amir applied for his late father’s KiwiSaver funds to be released. The KiwiSaver provider told him he had to apply to the High Court for a grant of probate before releasing funds because the amount was over the ‘small estate’ threshold.

Keola complained that his KiwiSaver supervisor wouldn’t let him make a hardship withdrawal.

KiwiSaver member complained that supervisor followed an unfair process in assessing her application for withdrawal under significant financial hardship.

Leah believed she should be entitled to access her KiwiSaver early, on the grounds of serious illness. She had incurable cancer and would not live to retirement age.