We recently attended the Coffee Brief put on by EzyPay and they had a speaker from ACC telling us what ACC can do for people.
The biggest surprise to everyone there was your entitlements from accidental death. I had no idea this was available from ACC at all, which I think was the case of most of the people there. Payments may include:
- A funeral grant to help with the cost of the funeral
- Survivor’s grant – one off payments to the partner and children
- Childcare payments – to help with looking after any children
- Ongoing weekly compensation for wages that would have been brought into the family
ACC support applies regardless of life, funeral or other insurance policies that may also provide protection.
Possibly the best way to explain how it works is by way of an example.
John and Sarah are married with two children, one aged 3 and the other 5. John was earning a salary of $100,000 per year. John was accidentally killed in an accident, that met one of the following conditions:
- Does not matter what the person was doing when the injury happened – driving, playing sport, at work or at home.
- Whether it was someone else’s action or something they did that contributed to the injury.
- No matter how old the person was, or whether they were working or not eg. if they were retired or a student.
- Wherever in New Zealand the injury happened. Cover also extends to residents taking short trips overseas.
ACC entitlements would be as follows:
- A funeral grant up to a maximum of $5,429.89
- A one off payment to Sarah of $5,821.55
- A payment of $2,910.79 to the children, each
- Sarah would also receive $48,000 per until the youngest child turns 18. (or 21 if they go to University). This is calculated as follows: ACC normally pay 80% of ones salary, the surviving partner is entitled to 60% of the 80%. This payment is not means tested and if there are no children she would only receive the payment for five years.
- The two children receive in total $16,000 per year until they turn 18 (or 21 if they go to University). This is calculated as 20% of the 80%. This payment is not means tested.
- A childcare payment of $123.79 for one child, $74.27 each for two, and 173.31 for three or more.
The process of making a claim involves contacting ACC as soon as possible after the accident. This can be handled by a relative, friend, priest or funeral director. For more information call the ACC on 0800 222 075.
