Look for the decision
Most ACC letters are telling you a decision: your claim is accepted or declined, cover for a treatment is approved, or a weekly payment is changing or stopping. Find that sentence first, then read the reasons given.
Common ACC letters
- Claim accepted: ACC will cover treatment for your injury. Usually good news, with details of what's covered.
- Claim or cover declined: ACC won't cover something, and the letter must explain why. You can ask for a review.
- Weekly compensation change: your payments are starting, changing or ending, with the date it takes effect.
- Request for information or assessment: ACC needs more detail or wants you to attend an assessment, with a date.
If you disagree
- You generally have three months from the date of a decision to ask for a review. The deadline is the most important thing to note.
- You can get free help from a service like a community law centre or an ACC advocate.
- Keep all letters and write down dates of calls and appointments.