Injured or too sick to work?
Most employers provide only 5 paid sick days per year. If you are ever off work for something more serious than the flu, you could end up in serious financial difficulty. This is where you can get help:
In the event of an accident - go to ACC.
If you are employed at the time of your accident (regardless of whether your accident happens at work, home, play, on the road, or through sheer human foolishness) then the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC), will pay you:
- For the first 4 weeks off work, 80% of what you were earning at the time of your accident. Please note that a 7 day stand-down applies; the maximum weekly benefit is $1847.23.
- After 4 weeks on claim, your benefit will be adjusted to 80% of your average taxable earnings for the previous 52 weeks with a maximum benefit of $1,847.23 per week.
In the event of sickness or unemployment - go to WINZ.
If you are an NZ Citizen or Permanent Resident and you are too sick to work (or unemployed) then the Government (WINZ) may pay you:
| Your situation | Max weekly benefit (After Tax) |
| Single, age 20-24 | $175.10 |
| Single age 25+ | $210.13 |
| Couple | $350.20 |
| Couple with Children | $375.20 |
| Please note that this benefit will be reduced by 70c for each dollar that you (or your partner) earns in excess of $80 per week! | |
But if you want to really make sure that you don't end up sick, unemployed and broke – talk to us first.
There is a chance that the Government benefits will be inadequate to meet your needs. If you are a work permit holder, permanent resident or citizen we can arrange private insurance that will:
- Pay your housing and utility costs if you are off work because of sickness, accident OR redundancy. Paid in addition to ACC benefits!
- Provide you with up to 100% of your income if you are too sick to work
- Give you generous financial support for rehabilitation and retraining so that you can get back on your feet again!