ACC entitlements: Treatment, compensation and other support
Overview
Accident Compensation Act 2001, s 69
If your injury is covered by ACC, then you can apply for “entitlements,” including:
- entitlements to medical treatment
- compensation for loss of wages or salary
- rehabilitation to help you regain your independence at work and outside work
- lump-sum compensation for permanent disabilities (“impairment”)
- support for family members after a fatal injury
- and other assistance.
You can apply for as many entitlements as you are eligible for.
When ACC can refuse you an entitlement
Accident Compensation Act 2001, ss 117–122
ACC can refuse you entitlements in certain cases, including for as long as you unreasonably refuse or fail to:
- meet a requirement under the ACC laws to do with your claim (like having an assessment), or
- have medical or surgical treatment for your injury, or
- agree to or follow an individual rehabilitation plan (see: “How your rehabilitation plan is decided”).
You can also be refused an entitlement if you:
- deliberately injured yourself, or
- were injured committing a crime that carries a maximum prison term of two years or more (even if you’re sentenced to less than two years’ imprisonment or to home detention), or
- are in prison, or
- have claimed compensation (“damages”) for your injury through the courts in certain situations.
After you start receiving ACC entitlements, ACC can suspend or cancel an entitlement if they decide that you’re not entitled to go on receiving it. If they intend to do this, ACC have to give you advance notice in writing within a reasonable amount of time before they suspend or cancel the entitlement.
