5365 (2026). Oriini Kaipara to the Minister for Social Development and Employment

5365 (2026). Oriini Kaipara to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: What modelling, if any, has been undertaken to estimate the number and total value of overpayments expected to arise annually from retrospective reassessments linked to backdated ACC weekly compensation payments under the Social Security (Accident Compensation and Calculation of Weekly Income) Amendment Bill?

Hon Louise Upston: The Ministry of Social Development (the Ministry) has advised that operational modelling/forecasting has been completed to estimate retrospective reviews linked to backdated ACC weekly compensation, and the subsequent number of staff the Ministry would require to complete these reviews. Noting the forecasted volumes are roughly equivalent regardless of whether the Bill was introduced or not, i.e. the Ministry would still be required to conduct reviews of assistance against Main Benefits that were paid during the period of ACC backdated grants. The number of people required to complete the reviews would be materially different. These estimates are based purely on the Ministry’s current state of practice. Any policy and/or legislative changes for ACC will cause variations in demand profiles that currently cannot be predicted operationally. I am further advised that to the Ministry’s knowledge, no modelling has been completed to estimate the number or value of overpayments expected to arise annually from retrospective ACC reassessments. This is also my response to WPQ 5368