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How to apply for a review

DRSL provides ACC reviews for people who are unhappy about a decision that has been made about their ACC claim. As soon as you have a decision from ACC you can apply for a review.

However, if you're unhappy with ACC for any reason it's a good idea to talk first with the person at ACC you've been dealing with. If you're still unhappy, it may help if you talk with their manager.

If you're still not satisfied you make a complaint to ACC, or if you have received a decision from ACC you can apply for a review, but you must do so within three months of the decision being made - unless there are special circumstances that mean you are unable to do it within that time.

Who can apply for a review?

You can apply for a review if you are:

  • a client (or representative) with an ACC decision on a claim
  • an employer challenging a work injury decision
  • a client, or representing a client, who believes there has been an unreasonable delay by ACC in making a decision
  • any levy payer disagreeing with the levy paid or payable
  • a registered health professional or organisation disputing an involvement in an injury caused by medical error (for decisions relating to claims lodged with ACC prior to 1 July 2005).

 
To apply for a review:

Fill out an ACC33 application form. You can download a copy of form from this site, or you can get a copy at any ACC office;

OR

  • Write a letter to ACC that says:
    - you are applying for a review
    - the date of the ACC decision
    - your reasons for wanting a review
    - the results you want from the review.

Then send the form or letter to ACC to:
- ACC Review Unit, PO Box 242, Wellington, for reviews relating to claims and entitlement.
- ACC Business Service Centre, PO Box 795, Wellington, for reviews relating to levies.

What happens next?

  1. The ACC Review Unit will send you a letter to confirm that your application has been received and sends your application to the ACC branch you are dealing with, asking them to reconsider their decision (please contact ACC if you have not heard from them within a month of putting in your application for a review).
  2. The ACC branch will take another look at the decision about your case. If it decides to stay with its original decision, the branch then sends a copy of your application to DRSL and the review process begins.
  3. If ACC decides to change its decision, it will let both you and DRSL know, and you can withdraw the review. You can decide to withdraw from the review at any time, and do not have to give either ACC or DRSL a reason. You will have to let DRSL know in writing however. You can either send a letter or fill in this form. You may also want to call or email DRSL to let them know before putting it in writing, so that any arrangements for a hearing can be cancelled.
  4. DRSL will contact you to discuss your application. You may want to look at mediation, or go straight to a review. DRSL must make the arrangements for a hearing date within three months, or later if you ask for or agree to a delay. The review hearing itself will happen on whatever date that everybody agrees with.
  5. A review hearing will take place with you, any representatives or support people you may have, representatives from ACC, and a DRSL reviewer. The reviewer will look at all of the information, evidence and submissions.If both sides agree there may not need to be a hearing. The reviewer will make a decision based on the all of the written material and evidence that is provided. This is called ‘making a decision on the papers’.
  6. The reviewer will make a decision within 28 days of the hearing being completed, and let all of the parties know what that decision is in writing
  7. If you disagree with the decision you can appeal it through the district court, within 28 days of completing the hearing

You can still make a complaint at any stage about anything to do with the management of your claim, even if you apply or are in the review process. If all parties agree, you can put the review on hold while a complaint is sorted out.

The ACC process is also outlined on the ACC Website.