Getting support

Funding services and agencies

New Zealand has a wide range of support and services to help navigate life after a brain injury. The funding agency is generally determined by the cause of injury.

On this page

ACC

ACC is New Zealand’s national insurance scheme that provides financial and support services for people injured in accidents.

What ACC may cover

  • Medical and rehabilitation costs
  • Income compensation
  • Travel costs
  • Support to get back to normal routines

ACC Funding Process

A doctor or health provider must diagnose a concussion or brain injury. They will fill in the ACC45 form and lodge a claim with ACC.
Ensure the details of the accident are accurately recorded:

  1. What the person was doing e.g. walking back from the shops carrying groceries in both hands
  2. How the accident happened e.g. tripped on the road curb as crossing the road
  3. How the injury was caused e.g. Fell forward, unable to put hand down, landed on right shoulder, hit right hand side of head on road. Immediate pain and blood on head.
  4. Ensure the word “concussion” or “suspected concussion” is on the form.

For more information support with your ACC Claim visit wayfinders.org.nz

ACC Funded Rehabilitation Services

ACC helps fund brain injury rehabilitation through approved service providers. The rehabilitation team may include professionals such as an occupational therapist, physiotherapist, speech language therapist, social worker, and psychologist.

There is usually a Key Worker who has overall responsibility for the rehabilitation process. This includes reporting back to ACC and making recommendations. The Key worker is main point of contact.

  • If symptoms are not resolving after ten days, it’s important to go back to the GP. They may make a referral to a FREE Concussion Service.

    The aim of a concussion service is to support recovery and return to everyday life, including work or school after a concussion.

  • For more complex needs, there are other rehabilitation services available. The care team will make a referral if appropriate.

  • For those with a moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI)

    The aim of a FREE TI programme is to support people to be as independent as possible in their everyday activities and within their wider community.

  • For those with a long-term disability because of an injury, such as a severe TBI.

    The aim of a FREE Living My Life programme is to provide individualised disability support to increase independence and meaningful engagement in the community.

  • If your injury causes a permanent loss of function, you may be eligible for a lump-sum payment.

Getting Help with ACC

If you’re unsure about entitlements, or want to dispute a decision, reach out to one of these independent ACC navigation services for guidance:

Wayfinders

National ACC Navigation Service

Provides free, independent advice and support via phone and email.

Learn more

Te Ara Tūhono

Kaupapa Māori Navigation Service

Provides free, independent advice and support using a whānau-based model to anyone in their region. They may be able to visit you in person.

Learn more

Work and Income

(WINZ)

(WINZ) is a government agency providing employment support and financial assistance to people in need. They may assist if the brain injury is not from an accident, or not covered by ACC.

WINZ may be able to support:

  • Those on a low income or not working
  • People with a health condition, injury not funded by ACC, or disability
  • People caring for someone with a health condition, injury, or disability

They may provide help with:

  • Financial support
  • Finding work
  • Housing

Steps to getting WINZ support

Contact your local WINZ office or visit their website to find out what you may be eligible for.

Disability Support
Services (DSS)

Government funded support for people with disabilities

If you have a non-traumatic brain injury, such as a stroke, or don’t have ACC funding, you may need to access DSS funding
To do this, you must have a Needs Assessment.
A needs assessment referral can be made by:

  • A GP
  • Hospital staff
  • Self-referral or family

A Needs Assessment referral can only be completed if you agree.

A Needs Assessment Service Coordination (NASC) organisation completes this assessment.

Each region has different organisations that complete these assessments. Find your local NASC.

Individualised Funding

Individualised Funding is person-directed funding from Disability Support Services allowing people to purchase their own disability supports such as household management (e.g. cleaning, meal preparation), personal care (e.g. getting dressed) and respite. Individualised Funding can only be accessed via a referral from a NASC.

Getting help with DSS and Individualised Funding

If you’re unsure about entitlements or would like advice on managing individualised funding, reach out to these services for guidance:

About Flying Kites

Getting help with WINZ

If you’re unsure about entitlements, or want to dispute a decision, reach out to one of these services for guidance:

Vaka Pasifika

Social serivces

Provides social services direct to Auckland’s Pacific populations, focusing on the wider social challenges facing Pacific Island peoples.

Learn more

Bans services

Advocacy, navigation and support service

Community advocacy, navigation, and support service that helps clients bridge the gap between themselves and organisations.

Learn more

How we can help

Navigating the funding services and supports that are available to you can be challenging. If you’re having trouble understanding what is available to you, you can contact us for information and advice.