Understanding ACC Sensitive Claims

ACC can provide support to people who have experienced sexual abuse or assault in New Zealand or if you're a New Zealand resident and have experienced sexual assault while travelling overseas. ACC terms these types of claims sensitive claims.  

There are two ways to lodge a sensitive claim with ACC.

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1. A therapist can help lodge a claim. 

To get started, visit ACC’s Find Support website: www.findsupport.co.nz  

This site has a stack of information including a list of people in your area that can provide services under the ACC sensitive claims contract. You can contact these providers directly to discuss your situation and they can lodge a claim for you at the initial appointment. You can also receive counselling while ACC considers your claim request.

Sometimes it is hard to find a therapist or counsellor even using the ACC website. If this is the case for you, contact Safe to Talk at www.safetotalk.nz

Safe to Talk is a nationwide sexual-harm helpline that provides free, confidential support. Safe to Talk can connect you with ACC therapy providers, check their availability, and help get that first session going. Safe to Talk isn’t just for ACC clients; anyone who has experienced sexual assault can use this service.

2. A GP can help lodge a claim

You can also speak to your GP, and they can lodge the claim for you. This can be an option for people who have a good relationship with their GP and want to get things started.  However, while the GP can lodge the claim, they do not provide counselling or therapy support which is often vital at the time you decide to go ahead with lodging a claim. 

What happens next?

Once ACC has received your claim via your GP, they will contact you to talk about having an assessment with the right specialist to confirm your injury and any treatment recommendations. This is known as the cover assessment.

It’s good to know that a claim can be lodged at any point in time, even if it’s been years since the abuse event/s. It is important to tell the person lodging your claim of the dates (or approximate dates if unsure) of the abuse event/s.  You also do not have to have made a complaint via the police or courts to get help from ACC for a sensitive claim.

What to expect with the ACC sensitive claims service:

If you ask for help via a team who holds the ACC sensitive claims contract, you will continue to work with your therapist and support can be provided during the initial stages prior to ACC fully accepting your claim. Your therapist will discuss which pathway would best suit your needs and if you may require a specialist cover assessment with a psychologist or psychiatrist, or, if therapy can be provided without the need for assessment. 

If you find it hard to connect with your therapist and you feel they are not the right match for you, you can find someone else, and it will not adversely affect your request for help from ACC.

Please note, if you are considering applying for financial entitlements for your sensitive claim, then it will be important to discuss this with your therapist as they will need to ensure you’re referred for a specialist cover assessment as part of the process. 

What support could be available if you need it?

Your therapy provider will work with you to determine a treatment plan. This plan could potentially include.

Ongoing counselling, social work, dietician support, occupational therapy, group therapies, and Rongoa Māori services. 

You can consider applying for financial entitlements for your sensitive claim. Please see our section ‘Financial entitlements for sensitive claims’ for more information. Any of our friendly team are also happy to discuss any further questions you may have about the process. 

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