ACC wishes to clarify that the supports and entitlements available for family members of those killed in Friday’s terrorist attack in Christchurch is the same regardless of whether they live in New Zealand or overseas.
A funeral grant, a survivor’s grant for partners, and additional support for dependants, such as children, is available, irrespective of where they live.

Accidental death payments
ACC pays a tax-free funeral grant of up to $6,219.44. This is paid irrespective of whether the funeral takes place in New Zealand or abroad. A top up provided by the Ministry of Justice for murder or manslaughter victims will take that figure to $10,000.

A one-off tax-free survivor’s grant is paid to the deceased's partner, children, and dependents. ACC will pay:

• $6,668.03 to the partner

• $3,334.04 to each child under 18, or other dependants.

• If the child or dependant is under 16, this money will go to their parent or caregiver.

If the deceased had children living in New Zealand, those caring for the children can get weekly payments to help with childcare.

If the deceased was earning an income in New Zealand when they died, families may be able to get compensation of 80 per cent of the deceased's earnings. ACC will keep making payments to a partner for five years from the date payments started or until the youngest child turns 18. Payments can continue until that child turns 21 if they are in full time study.

If someone lives overseas, they can still get these payments provided they have a New Zealand bank account and an Inland Revenue number.

An information sheet outlining the support ACC can provide to victims and their families has also been produced, and has been translated into several languages.

https://www.acc.co.nz/assets/general/acc-support-available-to-victims-of-christchurch-terror-attack.pdf

A direct phone line – 0800 080 273 (international +64 7859 8678) – and a new email address christchurchresponse@acc.co.nz will both connect people directly with a dedicated team to handle all aspects of the claim process.

ends

© Scoop Media