Whether or not you receive your full KiwiSaver Member Tax Credits (MTC) is an important question, but you’d be surprised how many people don't know the answer. Jaimie helps bring some certainty and explains why you need to act on this before the end of the month.

If you're 18 or over, for every $1 you put into your KiwiSaver account, between 1 July and 30 June the following year, the government will put in 50 cents, up to a maximum of $521.43 per year.

The government puts aside enough money to cover the Member Tax Credits for everyone who is eligible. However, can you believe that over $300 million went unclaimed in 2015 alone? Who said, "I'm not going to worry about it, the government can keep my money?" NO ONE EVER!

It doesn't matter whether you are an employee or self-employed. If you are employed and are in a KiwiSaver scheme you will be contributing either 3, 4 or 8 per cent of your before-tax pay and your employer is required to match this with a minimum contribution of 3 per cent.

This essentially means that as long as your before-tax pay is more than $8690.50 annually OR you are self-employed and contribute at least $1042.86 before 30th June you will receive your maximum Member Tax Credits (or what I like to call FREE MONEY).

For self-employed folks this works out to making a minimum contribution of around $20 per week. And if you haven't done this yet, and have some funds set aside, you can also make a lump sum deposit before 30 June.

Where else can you receive a guaranteed extra 50 cents on the dollar?

If you would like to dig a little further regarding your KiwiSaver benefits or you just want sound mortgage advice on what options are available to you please give us a bell.

Jaimie McDonald is a Registered Financial Adviser with Velocity Financial. No investment decision should be taken based on the information in this blog alone. A disclosure statement is available free of charge upon request.