The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) has revealed its latest claims figures relating to the Christchurch terror attack.
As of March 26, ACC had received fatal claims for all 50 deceased victims and a total of 94 injury claims, 53 of which involve gunshot wounds. It had also received 28 weekly compensation claims. Of those, 20 were completed, two were ineligible because they were receiving a benefit, and more information is being sought from six.
Additionally, the state insurer saw 23 mental injury claims, including 10 people who were found ineligible for cover because they did not suffer a physical injury, nor did the mental injury occur through the nature of their work. ACC noted it is working closely with other agencies including DHB, the police, Victims Support and MSD to ensure these people are receiving the counselling support they need.
“We’re still receiving a small number of new claims, and are working closely with other agencies, including the police family liaison officers, to connect with the families of everyone who may have been injured in the attack,” ACC chief operating officer Mike Tully said. “Our priority now is working with families and funeral homes to arrange payment of funeral grants and the full range of entitlements - such as survivors’ grants and compensation for lost earnings for those who were working in New Zealand - as we receive details about each of the affected families.”
Tully explained that all acute medical care costs will be taken care of for everyone with injuries, along with support for longer-term medical treatment. Anyone who was working in New Zealand will be entitled to weekly compensation while they recover. A range of support such as home help, transportation assistance, and childcare will also be provided where required.
ACC added that its team continues to operate in Christchurch and is supported by an 0800 number and a direct email address, to ensure all claims relating to the tragedy are fast-tracked. A factsheet explaining the entitlements and support – translated into Malay, Indonesian, Farsi, Bengali, Urdu, Hindi, and Arabic – is available in the Christchurch community hub and on the ACC website. It is urging people who have yet to make claims for their injuries to contact the commission.
