In-service benefit to help members transitioning from work to retirement

The in-service withdrawal benefit aims to help members maintain wellbeing and a sustainable financial position from the age of eligibility for New Zealand Superannuation (currently 65).

Eligibility

To apply, you need to be aged 65 or over. It’s not an automatic benefit, and we must approve it. If we do, you can withdraw up to 10% of your standard accounts (the rules for withdrawals from CSF accounts haven’t changed). You can only make one withdrawal a year (the year starts from the date your first in-service withdrawal was approved), and you must reapply each time.

You need to have a specific and valid reason for withdrawing funds. Remember, it needs to be something that will improve your financial and general wellbeing. Here are some examples of applications we are likely to view favourably.

Change in employment arrangements
Talia is still a permanent employee but working on reduced hours. She’s happy to be able to spend more time with her grandchildren, but making ends meet on less pay is a struggle.
Talia applies for an in-service benefit to meet the shortfall between her previous income and her current pay plus New Zealand Superannuation.

Retraining for a new career
Carol’s job is quite physical. She’s not ready to give up work but she feels it’s time for a change. She’s a great organiser and thinks an admin job would be perfect. She has basic computer skills but knows some more advanced courses in Word and Excel would help her chances. Carol applies for an in-service benefit to pay her course costs.

Health and wellbeing
Ari has had cataracts for several years, and his eyesight is getting worse. He’s on a waiting list for publicly funded surgery, but it could be a long wait. He needs to be able to drive to get to work, so he’s thinking about having the surgery done privately. Ari applies for an in-service benefit to meet the costs.
 
On the other hand, we are unlikely to support applications to meet:

• The cost of funding other investments (such as starting a business)
• Lifestyle expenditure (such as paying for a holiday)
• Expenses for other family members (such as paying towards a grandchild’s education)
• Funeral expenses (although you may qualify for funding as a hardship grant).

How to apply

Complete the In-service withdrawal form.