🩹 Using ACC When You're Injured

A plain-English guide to how New Zealand's accident compensation scheme works — what to expect, what people miss, and how to avoid delays.

🧭 What ACC Actually Is

ACC is New Zealand's no-fault personal injury scheme. If you're injured in an accident — at work, at home, on the sports field, or on the road — ACC covers a portion of your treatment costs and can replace part of your income, regardless of who caused it. In exchange, you generally can't sue for personal injury damages.

1️⃣ Step One: Get Treated First

You don't apply to ACC directly for cover — your claim usually starts with your health provider. Go to your GP, physio, after-hours clinic, or emergency department. They lodge the injury claim (an ACC45 form) on your behalf when they treat you.

2️⃣ Weekly Compensation Isn't Automatic

• If you can't do your normal job, you have to apply separately for weekly compensation — it doesn't kick in just because your claim was accepted.
• Apply through MyACC (online) or by calling the claims team.
• You'll need a medical certificate confirming you're unfit for your usual work.
• The first week off work is typically covered by your employer as if it were sick leave; ACC support generally begins from day 8.

3️⃣ Keep Your Certificates Current

Weekly compensation depends on you providing regular medical certificates. If a certificate lapses, payments can pause. If your recovery timeline changes, get an updated certificate before the old one runs out, not after.

4️⃣ Other Support People Often Miss

• Home help & childcare — if your injury stops you managing daily tasks.
• Transport costs — mileage or help getting to appointments.
• Aids and equipment — crutches, modified gear, home modifications.
• Rongoā Māori services — available as part of rehabilitation, on request.
• Mental injury cover — including sensitive claims (sexual abuse-related) and, in some cases, mental injury linked to a physical event.
• Lump sum payments — for permanent impairment, assessed once you're medically stable.

5️⃣ If You Return to Work Part-Time

You can still receive partial weekly compensation while doing reduced hours or lighter duties. Report any income you earn while receiving payments — this affects your payment amount, and not declaring it can be treated as fraud. If you're earning from two sources at once (wages + ACC), you may need a secondary tax code — Inland Revenue can advise.

6️⃣ If You Disagree With a Decision

• You can request a review within 28 days of a decision you disagree with.
• If unresolved, you can escalate further (including, in some cases, to the District Court).
• You can also make a formal complaint about service quality, separate from a review of a cover decision.
• Support people, advocates, or a case manager can help you through this — you don't have to navigate it alone.

💡 General Tips That Help Claims Move Faster

• Keep photos of where/how the injury happened and any witness details.
• Keep receipts for anything you pay out of pocket related to the injury.
• Respond quickly to any information requests — delays in providing details (e.g. from your accountant if self-employed) are the most common reason payments stall.
• Register for MyACC early — it's the fastest way to apply, track claims, and get updates.
• If self-employed, be ready for ACC to check with Inland Revenue and possibly your accountant to confirm income for calculating payments.

Need to talk to someone directly?

Call ACC's claims team: 0800 101 996
Or manage your claim online via MyACC at acc.co.nz