Published: Mar 03 2025
Navigating the ACC process isn’t just about understanding your entitlements; it’s equally important to understand your responsibilities. Section 72 of the Accident Compensation Act 2001 clearly outlines the obligations of claimants receiving entitlements from ACC, helping you safeguard your access to ongoing support.
What Does Section 72 Require From You?
As a claimant, Section 72 specifies that you must:
Attend required assessments: ACC can request medical, vocational, or other assessments necessary for determining or reviewing your entitlements.
Participate actively in rehabilitation plans: You are required to engage proactively and cooperatively with your Individual Rehabilitation Plan (IRP).
Provide accurate information: It’s essential you give truthful and accurate information when ACC asks for updates about your condition, employment status, or income.
Notify ACC promptly: You must inform ACC without delay of changes that might affect your entitlements, such as improvements in your condition, return to work, or changes in your personal circumstances.
What Happens If You Don’t Meet These Obligations?
Failing to comply with your obligations can result in ACC suspending or even canceling your entitlements. Common scenarios include:
Missing scheduled assessments or refusing to cooperate without a reasonable explanation.
Failing to follow agreed rehabilitation steps outlined in your IRP.
Providing incomplete, inaccurate, or misleading information.
How Can You Protect Your Entitlements?
To avoid disruption to your entitlements :
Stay informed: Regularly review your obligations and clearly understand what’s expected.
Keep open communication: Inform ACC immediately if you foresee issues attending assessments or meeting your rehabilitation objectives.
Document your compliance: Maintain a clear record of your interactions with ACC, including assessment attendance, compliance with rehabilitation plans, and notifications provided.
Challenging Unfair Decisions
If ACC suspends or cancels your entitlements unfairly or without a valid reason:
Make a Code of Claimant Rights Complaint: Clearly outline why you believe ACC’s decision is unjustified, referencing your compliance with Section 72.
Seek a Review: Use a formal review application (ACC33) to contest unfair decisions, clearly documenting how you’ve met your obligations.
How ACC Advisor Subscribers Benefit
Subscribers have exclusive tools to simplify managing these obligations:
Medico-Legal Chatbot: Get instant guidance to ensure your responses to ACC are compliant and clear.
Customized Support: Receive step-by-step assistance in documenting your compliance and contesting unfair ACC decisions effectively.
Understanding and fulfilling your obligations under Section 72 ensures your ACC support continues uninterrupted. ACC Advisor helps you stay informed, compliant