ACC Abbreviations
ACC Abbreviations and Acronyms Explained
ACC letters, reports, and decisions can be difficult to understand. This page explains common ACC terms and abbreviations in plain English.
Understanding ACC language
ACC often uses shortened terms, codes, and acronyms. For many people, this can make an already stressful process feel even more confusing.
This glossary is designed to help people understand common ACC wording so they can feel more informed when reading letters, reports, and decisions.
Common ACC terms
ACC
Accident Compensation CorporationNew Zealand’s no-fault injury cover scheme.
ACC45
Injury claim formThe form used by a treatment provider to lodge an injury claim with ACC.
PIC
Permanent Injury CompensationCompensation for permanent impairment caused by a covered injury. Often called a lump sum payment.
IRP
Individual Rehabilitation PlanA plan setting out rehabilitation goals, support, and agreed steps after an injury.
WC
Weekly CompensationIncome support that may be paid when a covered injury prevents someone from working.
VI
Vocational IndependenceAn ACC process used to decide whether someone is considered able to return to suitable work.
Review and decision terms
Review
Challenging an ACC decisionA formal process where a person can dispute an ACC decision they disagree with.
Decision Letter
ACC’s written decisionA letter explaining what ACC has decided and what rights of review may be available.
Decline
ACC does not accept cover or supportACC may decline cover, treatment, compensation, or another request. This may be reviewable.
Appeal
Taking a dispute furtherA further legal step that may follow a review decision in some ACC matters.
Medical and claim terms
TI
Treatment InjuryAn injury caused by medical treatment, rather than the original condition being treated.
DA
Disentitlement AssessmentAn assessment that may be used when ACC is considering stopping or changing support.
EPI
Evaluation of Permanent ImpairmentAn assessment used to measure permanent impairment for lump sum compensation.
IMA
Independent Medical AssessmentA medical assessment arranged to provide an opinion about injury, treatment, capacity, or impairment.
Do not ignore confusing ACC letters
If you receive a letter from ACC that you do not understand, it is important to seek help early. Some ACC decisions have strict timeframes if you want to challenge them.
When to seek help
You may want support if an ACC letter mentions a review, decline, assessment, vocational independence, weekly compensation, permanent impairment, treatment injury, or stopping support.
An advocate, navigator, or legal adviser may be able to help explain the wording and what options may be available.
Need help understanding ACC wording?
Browse the ACC Advocates NZ directory to find independent support, or contact WayFinders Navigation Services for guidance.
WayFinders Navigation Services: 0800 273 030
