If you have a loved one that was a Kernel customer at their time of passing, we will aim to make this process as smooth as possible for you.
To help us process any requests or share information about the account, we'll need:
The official death certificate.
A document showing who the appointed executor of the estate is. This is usually:
The Will: If there's a Will, we'll need to see the relevant section that appoints the executor.
Probate: This is a legal document issued by the court that confirms the Will is valid and officially appoints the executor(s). Please note that obtaining probate can sometimes take a few months, especially if the death was recent.
Letters of Administration: If there isn't a Will, the court issues Letters of Administration, which appoint an administrator to manage the estate.
We need these documents to verify who has the legal authority to manage the deceased person's financial affairs.
What about KiwiSaver investments?
It's important to know that when a KiwiSaver member passes away, their account balance becomes part of their overall estate. It's not paid directly to any nominated beneficiary through the KiwiSaver scheme itself.
If the KiwiSaver balance is over $15,000:
We'll require Probate (if there's a Will) or Letters of Administration (if there's no Will).
Only the legally appointed executor or court-appointed administrator can access these funds.
The funds will be paid to the estate and then distributed according to the deceased's Will or New Zealand's intestacy laws.
If the KiwiSaver balance is under $15,000:
A simplified process might apply, meaning we may not require probate or letters of administration.
An eligible person (like a spouse, partner, child, or other entitled person) can apply directly. We'll ask for proof of your relationship to the deceased in this situation.
A note on smaller investment amounts (under $15,000):
For both general investments and KiwiSaver, if the total amount invested with us is under $15,000, we may be able to process requests without a Will or probate in certain situations (for example, if the deceased person was young and might not have had a Will). We'll still need the death certificate, and we'll guide you through this specific process if it applies.
Important things to remember:
A valid and up-to-date Will significantly streamlines the process for your family and ensures your wishes are followed.
If probate or letters of administration are required, the process can take several months. We appreciate your patience during this period.
We're here to help guide you through each step. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.