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 — under-claiming is the biggest problem. Lodge promptly: most claims should be made within 12 months of the injury, though late claims can be accepted.

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 2026. Personal amounts depend on your situation.

How to apply

  1. Review common ACC-claimable situations: sports injuries, workplace injuries, DIY accidents, hearing loss, mental health from traumatic events
  2. Visit your GP or healthcare provider — they can lodge an ACC claim on your behalf
  3. ACC covers treatment costs, loss of earnings (80% of income), and rehabilitation
  4. Lodge promptly — most claims should be lodged within 12 months of the injury, with exceptions for late claims

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
ACC application →

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

Want a personalised estimate across all 15 benefits?

Check my entitlements

Free · 90 seconds · no signup