Resources for self-employed

Visual 

A navy blue background displays the white ACC logo. Text appears alongside it: He Kaupare. He Manaaki. He Whakaora. Prevention. Care. Recovery. The background wipes to a peach/pink colour. A small tag in the top right reads: self-employed. Large text appears on screen: Weekly compensation explained for self-employed. 

Transcript 

Upbeat, gentle instrumental music plays in the background 

Visual 

A male presenter with a beard and curly hair tied in a bun, wearing a cream sweater, sits in an armchair in a modern office room with wood-panelled walls, a potted palm and couch in the background — there is an open laptop and mug on a wooden side table beside him. He speaks directly to the camera. 

Transcript 

Kia ora. There are several ways we can manaaki, or support you, in your recovery. If you've been injured and can't work, ACC can help by replacing some of your lost income through weekly compensation. This episode is for self-employed people, like independent contractors, business owners, and anyone who files their own tax returns. If you’ve purchased a CoverPlus Extra policy, this information doesn't apply to you. 

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The screen splits vertically. The presenter remains on the right. The left side turns white and displays the text: Weekly compensation is up to 80% of your average weekly earnings. Below the text, a navy blue and orange pie chart graphic appears, showing this percentage. 

Transcript 

Weekly compensation is usually up to 80% of your earnings you've declared, or intend to declare, with Inland Revenue before your injury. 

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The video cuts back to the full shot of the presenter in the office. 

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Tax and deductions still apply, like student loans, KiwiSaver, or child support. Filing your tax return helps us calculate your payments correctly and reduces the risk of overpayment, which you'd need to pay back. Your first weekly compensation payment covers the period when you become eligible, usually day 8 after your injury, not the day you applied. It's paid once we've processed and approved your application. 

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An orange graphic overlay appears on the left side of the screen with the text: Visit MyACC my.acc.co.nz 

Transcript 

We'll let you know when this happens, and you can check MyACC for payment details. If you haven't filed your tax return yet, we may approve temporary payments for up to three months. They could be based on your previous or estimated earnings. Call us if you haven't filed your tax return yet and need financial support while you're unable to work. 

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The orange graphic overlay on the left side of the screen disappears.  

Transcript 

Here's the key thing to remember: Your first payment covers the time from when you became eligible, not necessarily the day you applied. Contact us if you're unsure; we're here to help. Here's a summary of what we've covered so far. 

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The screen switches to a graphic on a white background. On the left, the heading: key takeaways appears above an orange pencil icon. On the right, a numbered list appears, line by line: 

1. You usually become eligible for weekly compensation from day 8 after your injury 
2. If you've filed a tax return we can calculate your payments accurately 
3. If you haven't filed yet, a temporary payment type may be available 

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The video cuts back to the presenter in the office for the closing statement. 

Transcript 

In the next episode, we'll explain what can impact weekly compensation payments. To learn more, visit our website. Hoki mai anō. 

Visual 

The screen returns to the navy blue background with the ACC logo in the top left. Large text in the centre reads: Use MyACC to apply for weekly compensation and manage your claim. Contact details appear at the bottom of the screen, in the following order: website www.acc.co.nz, email address claims@acc.co.nz, and the free call phone number 0800 101 996. 

Transcript 

The upbeat, gentle instrumental music fades out. 

Visual 

A navy blue background displays the white ACC logo. Text appears alongside it: He Kaupare. He Manaaki. He Whakaora. Prevention. Care. Recovery. The background wipes to a peach/pink colour. A small tag in the top right reads: self-employed. Large text appears on screen: What can impact weekly compensation for self-employed. 

Transcript 

Upbeat, gentle instrumental music plays in the background 

Visual 

A male presenter with a beard and curly hair tied in a bun, wearing a cream sweater, sits in an armchair in a modern office room with wood-panelled walls, a potted palm and couch in the background — there is an open laptop and mug on a wooden side table beside him. He speaks directly to the camera. 

Transcript 

Kia ora. If you're self-employed and getting weekly compensation, here's what could impact the amount you receive. 

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The screen switches to a graphic on a white background on the left side the heading: ‘what can affect your payments’ sits above an orange clipboard icon. On the right side, text appears, line by line: Filing reduced earnings. 

Transcript 

If you file lower earnings with Inland Revenue, your weekly compensation payments may be less than you expect. 

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The list updates with a new item: Changing your work status. 

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If you've received interim or estimated payments based on full-time work, but later file your tax return as part-time, you may have been overpaid and will need to pay this back. 

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The list updates with a new item: Recalculation after filing earnings. 

Transcript 

Once you do file your tax return, we'll reassess your payments. If you've earned more, we'll pay you the difference. If you've earned less, you'll need to pay back the extra. 

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The list updates with a new item: Earning while receiving weekly compensation. 

Transcript 

If you're recovering and still earning income, either by working or through your business, we'll adjust your weekly compensation. This is called abatement. We also recommend talking to Inland Revenue about a secondary tax code to make sure you pay the correct tax. 

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The list updates with a new item: Minimum and maximum amounts. 

Transcript 

There are legal limits on weekly compensation amounts. If your compensation is below the minimum, we can increase it to the full-time minimum rate if you qualify. There's also a maximum rate we can pay. These limits update each year, so please check our website for the latest amounts. 

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The list updates with a final item: CoverPlus Extra. 

Transcript 

If you have CoverPlus Extra, your compensation is based on your agreed level of cover, before tax and deductions. This optional paid cover lets you choose your income level and is ideal if your income varies or you want certainty. 

Your policy must be active at the time you're injured and can't work, and if you need any further time off. For example, if your initial injury doesn't fully heal and you need surgery later. 

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The video cuts back to the full shot of the presenter in the office. 

Transcript 

Here's the key thing to remember. Payments can vary depending on your business type, how you report income, and whether you've filed your tax return. If you're unsure, contact us. We're here to help. Here's a summary of what we've covered so far. 

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The screen switches to a graphic on a white background. On the left, the heading ‘key takeaways’ appears above an orange pencil icon. On the right, a numbered list appears, line by line: 

1. Payments could be based on an estimate or your filed earnings 
2. Once you've filed actual earnings, we'll reassess as you may have been over- or underpaid 
3. If you pay for CoverPlus Extra you choose the amount you want to be covered for 

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The video cuts back to the presenter in the office for the closing statement. 

Transcript 

In the next episode, we'll show you how weekly compensation gets calculated in different situations. To learn more, visit our website. Hoki mai anō. 

Visual 

The screen returns to the navy blue background with the ACC logo in the top left. Large text in the centre reads: Use MyACC to apply for weekly compensation and manage your claim. Contact details appear at the bottom of the screen, in the following order: website www.acc.co.nz, email address claims@acc.co.nz, and the free call phone number 0800 101 996. 

Transcript 

The upbeat, gentle instrumental music fades out.
 

Visual 

A navy blue background displays the white ACC logo. Text appears alongside it: He Kaupare. He Manaaki. He Whakaora. Prevention. Care. Recovery. The background wipes to a peach/pink colour. A small tag in the top right reads: self-employed. Large text appears on-screen: Returning to work while receiving weekly compensation for self-employed. 

Transcript 

Upbeat, gentle instrumental music plays in the background 

Visual 

A male presenter with a beard and curly hair tied in a bun, wearing a cream sweater, sits in an armchair in a modern office room with wood-panelled walls, a potted palm and couch in the background — there is an open laptop and mug on a wooden side table beside him. He speaks directly to the camera. 

Transcript 

Kia ora. One way we manaaki, or support you, in your recovery is by helping you return to work safely. Recovering at work can help you get better sooner and support your mental wellbeing. With some temporary changes most people with non-complex injuries like sprains or strains can safely recover while working. If you can return to work in your business at reduced hours or suitable duties — you can still receive some weekly compensation. This helps you stay connected and maintain routine as you ease back into work.  

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The screen splits vertically. The presenter remains on the right. The left side turns white and displays the text: ‘Earn up to 100% of your usual pay when you recover at work’, below the text, a navy blue and orange pie chart graphic appears and animated this percentage. 

Transcript 

And, it also means you could earn up to 100% of your usual income, instead of 80% from weekly compensation alone. When you start earning again your weekly compensation will change. 

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The video cuts back to the full shot of the presenter in the office. 

Transcript 

We'll adjust your payment so your total income isn’t more than what you’d normally earn. This adjustment is called abatement. It keeps things fair and reduces the risk of overpayment. 

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An orange graphic overlay appears on the left side of the screen with the text: Visit MyACC my.acc.co.nz 

Transcript 

Log any hours worked in MyACC or give us a call. You’ll need a secondary tax code if you’re earning and receiving weekly compensation — so have a chat with Inland Revenue. 

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The orange graphic overlay disappears from the left side of the screen. 

Transcript 

Let’s look at an example of how we estimate and adjust your weekly compensation, when you start working while recovering from injury. 

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The screen switches to a graphic on a white background titled ‘Example: Returning to work’ with an orange dollar sign icon below. The calculation steps appear line by line on the right: 

1. $65,000 ÷ 52 weeks = $1,250 
2. $1,250 ÷ 40 (estimated hourly rate) = $31.25 
3. 28 x $31.25 (earning for hours worked) = $875 
4. $1,250 – $875 (ACC adjustment) = $375 
5. Minus tax and deduction – $75 
6. Payment received = $300 

Transcript 

First, we estimate your average weekly earnings and hourly rate. If you earn $65,000 this is divided by 52, to get your average weekly earnings of $1,250. Your estimated hourly rate, based on a 40-hour work week, would be $31.25. Then, we calculate your payments based on the hours you work each week. In this example let’s 

say you worked 28 hours a week. This gives you earnings of $875, based on your estimated hourly rate. We adjust the ACC payment, through abatement, to $375. After tax and deductions, your payment might be around $300. Payments continue while your medical certificate shows you’re unfit for work or fit for selected work. 

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The video cuts back to the full shot of the presenter. 

Transcript 

You’ll need to send these to us regularly and can do this easily in MyACC. Payments will stop when you’re able to return to the job you were doing before your injury, or your health provider says you’re able to. We’ll let you know if payments stop for any other reasons. 

Here's the key thing to remember: Once you file your tax return, we’ll reassess 

your payments. We’ll compare the payments based on your estimated earnings against the reassessed amount. 

If the weekly compensation paid to you was higher than the reassessed amount, you’ve been overpaid and we will ask you pay the difference. If you’ve been underpaid, we’ll pay you the difference. Contact us if you’re unsure, we’re here to help. 

Here’s a summary of what we’ve covered. 

Visual 

The screen switches to a graphic on a white background. On the left, the heading ‘key takeaways’ appears above an orange pencil icon. On the right, a numbered list appears, line by line: 

1. You can work and still get some weekly compensation 
2. Tell us if your work or income changes so we can adjust your payments 
3. Use MyACC to log work hours and check payment details 
4. Recovering at work can benefit physical and mental wellbeing 

Visual 

The video cuts back to the presenter in the office for the closing statement. 

Transcript 

Thanks for watching! For more details on weekly compensation for self-employed visit our website. Haere rā. 

Visual 

The screen returns to the navy blue background with the ACC logo in the top left. Large text in the centre reads: Use MyACC to apply for weekly compensation and manage your claim. Contact details appear at the bottom of the screen, in the following order: website www.acc.co.nz, email address claims@acc.co.nz, and the free call phone number 0800 101 996. 

Transcript 

The upbeat, gentle instrumental music fades out. 

Visual 

A navy blue background features the white ACC logo. Text appears alongside the logo: He Kaupare. He Manaaki. He Whakaora. Prevention. Care. Recovery. The background wipes to a peach/pink colour. A small tag in the top right corner reads: all employment types. Large text appears on-screen: Applying for weekly compensation. 

Transcript 

Upbeat, gentle instrumental music plays in the background 

Visual 

A male presenter with a beard and curly hair tied in a bun, wearing a cream sweater, sits in an armchair in a modern office room with wood-panelled walls, a potted palm and couch in the background — there is an open laptop and mug on a wooden side table beside him. He speaks directly to the camera. 

Transcript 

Kia ora. There are several ways we can manaaki, or support you, in your recovery from injury. If you've been injured and can't work, ACC's weekly compensation can help replace some of your lost income — up to 80% in most cases. But what exactly is it, and how do you apply? Weekly compensation is financial support to help while you recover. But it's not automatic; you need to apply. Here's what you need to do. 

Visual 

The screen splits vertically. The presenter remains on the right. The left side becomes white, displaying a numbered list: 

1. Check you're eligible 
2. Register for MyACC and apply 

These are highlighted in bold and change to orange text when spoken about. 

Transcript 

If your claim is approved, check if you're eligible on our website, or call us on 0800 101 996. Then register for MyACC and complete the online application form. Or call us if you'd prefer." 

Visual 

The view switches to a full graphic on a white background. On the left, the heading ‘What you will need’ appears above an orange clipboard icon. On the right, a list appears line by line: 

• Work hours and unpaid leave taken 
• IRD number 
• Tax code 
• Bank account details 
• Employer's contact details 

Transcript 

You'll need to share some details like your work hours and any unpaid leave taken in the past year, IRD number, tax code, bank account details, and your employer's contact details. If you're self-employed or a shareholder, we may also need extra information like your financial statements and accountant's details. 

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The video cuts back to a close shot of the presenter sitting in the chair in the office. 

Transcript 

Processing times can vary. The sooner we get all the information from you, your employer, health provider, and Inland Revenue, the sooner we can complete your application. If your situation is different, don't worry, just call us. We also have tailored information on our website for all employment types. Here's a key thing to remember: weekly compensation can help replace part of your income while you recover, and we're here to help. Here’s a summary of what we’ve covered. 

Visual 

The screen switches to another graphic on a white background. On the left, the heading ‘Key takeaways’ appears above an orange pencil icon. On the right, a numbered list appears: 

1. Weekly compensation payments aren't automatic 
2. Apply using MyACC or call us 
3. We'll get in touch if we need more information 
4. You'll get a message when your first payment is made 

Transcript 

Now you know how to apply. 

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The video cuts back to the presenter in the office for the closing statement. 

Transcript 

Explore our tailored weekly compensation videos designed for PAYE employees, self-employed, and shareholder employees. To learn more, visit our website. Hoki mai anō. 

Visual 

The screen returns to the navy blue background with the ACC logo in the top left. Large text in the centre reads: Use MyACC to apply for weekly compensation and manage your claim. Contact details appear at the bottom of the screen, in the following order: website www.acc.co.nz, email address claims@acc.co.nz, and the free call phone number 0800 101 996. 

Transcript 

The upbeat, gentle instrumental music fades out.