Covid-19 and Significant Financial Hardship applications
Due to Covid-19 and its impact, we are experiencing an increase in volumes in the number of KiwiSaver significant financial hardship applications.
We understand that this is a stressful time for many people and to help you, some changes to the requirements have been put in place. These changes will help reduce hurdles you may face when completing your application.
Help completing the Statutory Declaration on the form
If the New Zealand Covid-19 alert level system is in effect and you are at Alert Level 2 or higher, we will operate as follows:
Under Alert Level 3 or 4 for Covid-19, it is not possible for most people to sign the statutory declaration in front of an authorised witness. The Financial Market Authority (FMA), New Zealand’s financial markets regulator, has provided guidance on a workaround involving a video call and we can help you through this process.
In order to be able to process your financial hardship withdrawal as soon as we can, we will require only a confirmation verbally or on the form from you, that you have explored all government assistance packages prior to this application and won’t require further written evidence of this.
If you require some help in completing a statutory declaration, please contact us on 0800 267 5494.
What you need to do to apply:
• Download and complete the Significant Financial Hardship withdrawal form
• Collect all supporting documents listed in the checklist on page 3 of the form (see the point below on evidence if you are having trouble collecting it all)
• Take a picture of you with your identity document to allow us to verify it
• Get the Statutory Declaration completed (if you are unable to complete a statutory declaration in person then contact us on 0800 267 5494)
• Email us the application form and all other supporting documents required
Once we’ve received your application, one of the AMP team will be in touch with you.
At Alert Level 2 for Covid-19, it is still possible for people to sign the Statutory Declaration in front of an authorised witness as outlined in the Significant Financial Hardship form. However, if you are in self- isolation and cannot connect with a lawyer or Justice of the Peace and cannot complete a Statutory Declaration in person there are some options using video/audio calling that we may be able to support you with. You can contact us on 0800 267 5494 to discuss. In order to be able to process your financial hardship withdrawal as soon as we can, we will require a confirmation from you that you have explored all government assistance packages prior to this application.
What you need to do to apply:
• Download and complete the Significant Financial Hardship withdrawal form
• Collect all supporting documents listed in the checklist on page 3 of the form (see the point below on evidence if you are having trouble collecting it all)
• Ensure all documents are certified by a Trusted Referee
• Get the Statutory Declaration completed (if you are unable to complete a statutory declaration in person then contact us on 0800 267 5494)
• Email us the application form and all other supporting documents required
Once we’ve received your application, one of the AMP team will be in touch with you.
Providing Evidence
If the significant financial hardship is likely due to loss of income from Covid-19-related events, then the Supervisor (who approves these withdrawal applications) is requiring less evidence than in normal times to support the withdrawal, where the amounts of essential costs to be covered are reasonable.
For example this could include:
- Your last month’s pay slip or details of your termination or reduced income
- Your latest month’s bank statements
- Your latest mortgage statement, and a note confirming whether any mortgage assistance is available
- If you are self-employed or a business owner, your latest financial statements (if applicable), or other supporting documentation confirming any arrears or overdue amounts
- Any other evidence as to how you or your business has been affected by the COVID-19 epidemic and/or the lock down measures required by the Government
- All reasonable and direct one-off costs to be paid out to facilitate you or any of your family’s repatriation to New Zealand, such as flights and hotel accommodation
- All reasonable and direct costs to be paid out to support you or any of your family’s self-isolation, such as additional accommodation
- All reasonable and necessary one-off costs associated with you or any of your family enabling themselves to work from home
If you are in self-isolation or do not have access to technology, such that you are not able to provide the necessary evidence and complete a Statutory Declaration (including by video or audio means), your application may be able to proceed with up to a six-week interim payment to help you through these tough times and you can always come back to request a further withdrawal and provide further evidence when this is available.
