Insurance Entitlement
ACC Entitlements
ACC is New Zealand's no-fault injury compensation scheme. Most NZ residents know it covers road accidents and workplace injuries, but it also covers sports injuries, household accidents, noise-induced hearing loss, and mental injury from specific traumatic events. There's no income test and no time limit on new claims — under-claiming is the biggest problem.
What is this?
ACC Entitlements is administered by ACC. Accident Compensation Act 2001
Am I eligible?
- You're in New Zealand at the time of injury (residency not required)
- The injury falls under ACC's definition (accident, work-related gradual process, specific mental-injury events)
- You may be entitled to treatment, lost-earnings cover (80%), and rehabilitation
How much could I get?
Treatment costs: GP visits, physio, surgery, and related treatment are subsidised or fully covered.
Loss of earnings (weekly compensation): 80% of pre-injury income while you can't work.
Rehabilitation: equipment, transport, home modifications, and return-to-work support where needed.
Rates current as of Budget 2025. Personal amounts depend on your situation.
How to apply
- Review common ACC-claimable situations: sports injuries, workplace injuries, DIY accidents, hearing loss, mental health from traumatic events
- Visit your GP or healthcare provider — they can lodge an ACC claim on your behalf
- ACC covers treatment costs, loss of earnings (80% of income), and rehabilitation
- There is no time limit for making a claim for a new injury
Documents you'll need
- · No documents needed to start — your healthcare provider lodges the claim
- · Medical evidence of injury or condition
- · Employment details if claiming loss of earnings
Frequently asked questions
What does ACC cover in New Zealand?
Treatment and support for personal injury from accidents, work-related gradual processes (e.g. long-term noise exposure), and specific mental-injury events (e.g. sexual assault, work-related trauma). Illnesses and age-related conditions aren't covered.
Can I claim ACC if I was injured outside NZ?
If you're a NZ resident, yes — ACC can cover injuries that happen overseas, though some limits apply to treatment paid outside New Zealand.
Does ACC cover mental health claims?
Yes, for specific triggering events — such as a sexual assault, or mental injury arising from a traumatic work event. It does not cover general mental-health conditions unrelated to an injury event.
Related benefits you might also qualify for
Community Services Card
The Community Services Card cuts GP fees, prescription costs and unlocks higher subsidies. See 2026 income thresholds and how to apply via MyMSD.
Accommodation Supplement
Non-taxable weekly payment toward rent, board or mortgage. See 2026 Accommodation Supplement maximums, entry thresholds and how to apply via MyMSD.
Working for Families Tax Credit
Working for Families pays weekly tax credits to families with children. See 2026 rates, income thresholds, abatement rules and how to register with IRD.
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