New Zealand ACC Sensitive Issue Claimant Support
This website is run in conjunction with ACC Sensitive Claimant Support private Facebook group
Changes Coming to ACC Sensitive Claimant Process
Towards the end of 2024, ACC will be phasing in a new sensitive issue claimants process.
It's all new to us as well, we can only inform you of what we have heard. We still have quite a few questions unanswered regarding these changes. We will add updates of information as it comes to hand.
26/2/24 - So we've received new information and updated. Please see below.
26/2/24 - Input from group member - It's 100 hours basically a new claimant will go through one of two assessment pathways. One is a briefer cover assessment that leads to a generalised trauma condition and a smaller amount of hours that can be used across different providers. The other is for more complex cases who require a full assessment to diagnose and recommend a treatment plan, and this pathway gives more hours over 2 years and adds the ability to see a psychiatrist.After 2 years, if treatment is still needed then a treatment review will need to be completed before the next set of hours can be approved.I don't believe the WPI assessments will be combined, but they are planning to try and do more weekly comp/LOPE functional assessments at the same time as the initial assessment to reduce the amount of assessments needed
Here's what we know:
ACC are calling this "The New Front Door". As of 15th Dec 2024 - When you first engage in counselling with an ACC registered therapist, that therapy plus alternative therapy ( emdr, yoga, equine, art, mirimiri etc ), hours that make up to 100 hours of therapy to be used within two years without undergoing a supported assessment.
After those 2 years, then you will need a supported assessment, ( diagnosis and claim acceptance ), to enable continued therapeutic support. This assessment will carried out by an ACC registered assessor.
The Supported Assessment will be combined with a Whole Person Impairment Assessment, and the assessor is going to have to be qualified to carry out both assessments at once.
For claimants, that then means an accepted claim, a diagnosis and maybe treatment plan going forward, plus a lump sum or independence allowance, whichever applies to us.
At this time also, all contractors under the old ISSC have been asked to resubmit their contracts and ACC will reconsider their applications. The selections and the outcomes of this process will be known in August 2024.
It seems that this resubmission has put pressure upon existing ISSC providers ( therapists ) to be results driven, so claimants are making more progress thereby making room for new claimants to access therapy.
Here is the information so far provided by the ACC website ACC website https://www.acc.co.nz/for-providers/provider-contracts-and-services/evolving-integrated-services-for-sensitive-claims/
Below is the PDF that gives a full outline of the "proposed" upcoming changes to sensitive issue claimants pathway
Services
Advocacy and support for navigating the ACC claims process
Advocacy and support can greatly assist individuals in successfully navigating the ACC claims process and obtaining the necessary compensation and care for their injuries.
Information and resources on legislation and policies related to sensitive issue claims
There is a wealth of information and resources available to provide guidance and education on legislation and policies pertaining to sensitive issue claims.
Guidance on entitlements and benefits available to sensitive issue claimants
Guidance on entitlements and benefits available to sensitive issue claimants provides crucial information and support for individuals navigating difficult and sensitive situations.
Referrals to specialized medical and mental health professionals
Referrals to specialized medical and mental health professionals can greatly improve the quality of care and treatment for individuals with complex and specific health needs.
Peer support and networking opportunities with other sensitive issue claimants
Peer support and networking opportunities with other sensitive issue claimants can provide a valuable sense of community and understanding, as well as access to resources and information.
Assistance with accessing rehabilitation services and support for reintegration into work or daily life.
Rehabilitation services and support can provide valuable assistance to individuals in accessing resources and developing skills necessary for successful reintegration into work or daily life.
Where to get immediate help
Where to get help
1737, Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor.
Anxiety New Zealand 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389)
Depression.org.nz 0800 111 757 or text 4202
Lifeline 0800 543 354
Rural Support Trust 0800 787 254
Samaritans 0800 726 666
Suicide Crisis Helpline 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Yellow Brick Road 0800 732 825
thelowdown.co.nz Web chat, email chat or free text 5626
What's Up 0800 942 8787 (for 5 to 18-year-olds). Phone counselling available Monday-Friday, noon-11pm and weekends, 3pm-11pm. Online chat is available 3pm-10pm daily.
Youthline 0800 376 633, free text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz, or find online chat and other support options here.
If it is an emergency, https://info.health.nz/services-support/mental-health-services/crisis-assessment-teams/ to find the number for your local crisis assessment team.
Sexual violence: where to get help
Rape Crisis 0800 88 33 00, click link for local helplines. https://www.mindfitnz.co.nz/support-vendor/rape-crisis-nz/ also https://rpe.co.nz/find-your-local-support-service/
Victim Support 0800 842 846.
Safetalk text 4334, phone 0800 044 334 webchat safetotalk.nz or email support@safetotalk.nz.
Help Auckland - 08006231700 24/7 https://helpauckland.org.nz/
Women's Refuge 0800 733 843
Male Survivors Aotearoa Helplines across NZ, click to find out more https://tautokotane.nz/ (males only).
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 111.
If you are worried about the safety of a child, call Oranga Tamariki 0508 326 459
Shine Free call 0508 744 633 between 9am and 11pm (for men and women)
1737, Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor.
What's Up 0800 942 8787 (for 5 to 18-year-olds). Phone counselling available Monday-Friday, noon-11pm and weekends, 3pm-11pm. Online chat is available 3pm-10pm daily.
Youthline 0800 376 633, free text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz, or find online chat and other support options here. https://www.youthline.co.nz/
Child Abuse Prevention parent helpline 0800 568 856
Eating disorders: where to get help
1737, Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor.
Healthline 0800 611 116, available 24/7
EDANZ 0800 2 EDANZ – Support for family of those with an eating disorder.
If you think you are suffering from an eating disorder, see your GP immediately for a referral to specialist services
Addiction: where to get help
Alcoholics Anonymous 0800 229 6757
Alcohol & Drug Helpline 0800 787 797 or email help@aa.org.nz
Gambling Helpline Aotearoa 0800 654 655 or text 8006 (available 24/7)
Higher Ground (09) 834 0017
Narcotics Anonymous 0800 NA TODAY (0800 628 632)
Odyssey Trust 09 638 4957
The Salvation Army Bridge Programme 0800 53 00 00
If it is an emergency or you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 111.
LGBTQI+ community: where to get help
OUTline NZ 0800 688 5463 (0800 OUTLINE)
RainbowYOUTH 09 376 4155
1737, Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor
Depression.org.nz 0800 111 757 or text 4202
Lifeline 0800 543 354
Suicide Crisis Helpline 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Kidsline 0800 54 37 54 for people up to 18 years old. Open 24/7.
Youthline 0800 376 633, free text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz, or find online chat and other support options here. https://www.youthline.co.nz/
Elder abuse: where to get help
Age Concern 0800 652 105
Where to get help for problem gambling
Gambling Helpline Aotearoa 0800 654 655 or text 8006 (available 24/7)
Problem Gambling Foundation 0800 664 262
Māori Gambling Helpline 0800 654 656
Vai Lelei Pasifika Gambling Helpline 0800 654 657
Gambling Debt Helpline 0800 654 658
Youth Gambling Helpline 0800 654 659
Asian Family Services Gambling Hotline 0800 862 342
Further problem gambling services can be found at the Ministry of Health website
Contact
New Zealand ACC Sensitive Issue Claimants Support
Phone:
Email:claimantcontact@gmail.com