Veteran's Pension and Accident Compensation
ACC weekly compensation
A veteran may get ACC weekly compensation for an injury that is not related to their service with New Zealand Defence Forces.
There are some limitations on clients receiving both weekly compensation and Veteran's Pension.
The limitations are contained in the Accident Compensation Amendment Act 2019 and administered by ACC.
The limitations which apply are:
Earnings-related weekly compensation for 24 months before reaching the qualifying age
A client who was entitled to weekly compensation for 24 months, before reaching the qualifying age for Veteran's Pension, is only entitled to get Veteran's Pension once they turn 65.
Earnings-related weekly compensation for less than 24 months before reaching the qualifying age for Veteran's Pension
A client who is entitled to weekly compensation, before reaching the qualifying age for Veteran's Pension, is entitled to weekly compensation until they reach the qualifying age for Veteran's Pension,
After reaching the qualifying age for Veteran's Pension, the client may continue to receive weekly compensation for up to 24 months from the date they qualified for weekly compensation. The client can receive both Veteran's Pension, and weekly compensation over this period. Once the 24-month period has ended their weekly compensation ceases.
Earnings-related weekly compensation 12 months before or after reaching the qualifying age
A client is entitled to receive both weekly compensation and Veterans Pension for 24 months where ACC weekly compensation entitlement commences:
- within 12 months before their qualifying age for Veterans Pension or
- on or after reaching the qualifying age for Veterans Pension
Client's paid before the ACC changes on 1 July 2019
Clients who made an election to receive ACC rather than New Zealand Veterans Pension before 1 July 2019, will still only receive ACC. There could be clients in this situation up to 30 June 2021.
The weekly compensation payments are treated as income for income tested Veterans Pension and extra help.
For more information see:
Legislation
- Entitlement to veteran's pension section 161(1)(a) Veterans' Support Act 2014
- Age qualification for New Zealand superannuation section 7 New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income Act 2001
- Relationship between weekly compensation and New Zealand Superannuation clause 52, schedule 1 Accident Compensation Act 2001
- Election for purposes of clause 52 clause 53, schedule 1 Accident Compensation Act 2001
