ACC Support & Advocacy Services

What is an ACC Review?

ACC Review Process

You can apply for a review if ACC has made a decision on your claim or levy invoice that you disagree with. If you’re unhappy with a decision ACC has made, make sure to get in touch with us for a confidential free consultation. Once you instruct us to act on your behalf, we will contact ACC to resolve the issue via dialogue or reconsideration.

If the issue cannot be resolved we can lodge a review application on your behalf.

When to apply for a review

You need to apply for a review within three months of an ACC decision you are unhappy with. This date is on your decision letter or invoice issued by ACC. ACC may accept a late review application in some circumstances, for example, if your injury meant you couldn’t apply in time. If you submit a late application, you will need to show that you were unable the submit the review application due to extenuating circumstances.

The Review Process

Once we have lodged your review application with ACC, ACC will get in touch with us to discuss and potentially resolve the issue. We’ll do our best to resolve the issue or reach a resolution with ACC on your behalf.

If we can’t resolve things, we can ask ACC to instruct an independent conciliator or reviewer before we reach the stage of a review hearing. Early in the process, an independent conciliator or reviewer can help us discuss the issues we've raised in your review and help us find a solution together with ACC. The reviewer can also clarify anything they aren’t sure about, and ensure that everyone is prepared for a review hearing if necessary.

Review hearings

If ACC is unable to agree on a resolution early in the process, the reviewer will arrange a review hearing at a time that suits everyone At a review hearing, an independent reviewer will consider all the information available to them, including information about your case, any newly submitted evidence, ACC Legislation, and written submissions from us and ACC. After the review hearing, the reviewer will make a decision either in your favour, or in ACC’s favour. The reviewer’s decision is final, and you’ll be sent a copy of their decision within 28 days of the hearing. If you don’t agree with the reviewer’s decision, you have the option to appeal it through the District Court, however costs may apply.

Who pays for a review?

ACC pays for the costs of an independent review. ACC may also pay other costs related to the review, for example reimbursing the cost for you to get to your review hearing. ACC can further pay some regulated costs associated with any additional fees you have incurred for getting representation for example, lodging and preparing a review application via ASAS.