ACC Lump Sum Payments FAQs

An ACC lump sum payment is a one-off payment made by Accident Compensation Corporation to recognise permanent impairment caused by a covered injury.

It is not compensation for pain and suffering, and it is separate from weekly income payments.

You may qualify if:

• You have an accepted ACC claim

• Your injury has resulted in permanent impairment

• That impairment meets ACC’s minimum threshold

Not all injuries qualify, even if they are serious.

Permanent impairment means a lasting loss of physical or mental function that is not expected to improve with further treatment or rehabilitation.

Examples may include:

• Reduced mobility

• Loss of function in a limb or joint

• Permanent sensory loss

• Ongoing cognitive or neurological impairment

No.
ACC does not automatically assess everyone for a lump sum. An assessment must be requested or triggered as part of the claim process.

Many people miss out simply because the assessment never happens.

ACC uses:

• A formal impairment assessment

• Medical guidelines and rating scales

• A percentage score based on loss of function

The higher the impairment percentage, the higher the potential lump sum.

Yes.
You must meet a minimum impairment threshold before ACC will pay a lump sum. If your impairment is assessed below that level, ACC may decline the payment.

Assessments are usually done by:

• A medical professional approved by ACC

• Someone using ACC-approved assessment tools

You are entitled to understand how the assessment is done and what evidence is used.

Sometimes — but only in specific circumstances.
Mental injuries are generally only eligible if they meet ACC’s strict legal definitions (for example, those arising from sexual abuse).

Yes.
A lump sum is separate from:

• Weekly income-related payments

• Treatment costs

• Rehabilitation support

Receiving one does not automatically cancel the other.

ACC lump sum payments are generally not treated the same way as income, but individual tax circumstances can vary. If unsure, it’s wise to check with a tax professional.

You have options.

If ACC declines a lump sum:

• You can request a review

• You can challenge how the assessment was done

• You can provide additional medical evidence

A decline does not always mean the decision is correct.

Yes — in some cases.
If your condition worsens or new evidence becomes available, you may be able to request another assessment.

Timeframes vary.
Some assessments happen quickly; others take months, especially if:

• Medical reports are delayed

• ACC requests additional information

You are not required to have one — but many people find advocates helpful because:

• The assessment process is technical

• Decisions rely heavily on medical language

• Errors or omissions can significantly affect outcomes

An ACC advocate can:

• Explain whether you may qualify

• Help request or prepare for an assessment

• Review ACC decisions

• Support you through reviews or disputes

Advocates do not work for ACC — they work for you.

• Lump sums are about permanent impairment, not pain

• They are not automatic

• Decisions can be reviewed and challenged

• Early advice can prevent missed entitlements