Am I eligible for Criminal Injuries Compensation? Understanding the requirements

If you have been injured as a result of violent crime in England, Wales or Scotland, you may be able to make an application to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). Eligibility depends on the rules of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme, which sets out who can apply and in what circumstances.

Who may be eligible to apply

• were injured directly as a result of a violent crime, such as an assault, sexual offence or domestic abuse
• were affected by a violent crime that took place in the United Kingdom
• reported the incident to the police as soon as reasonably possible
• have an injury that meets the minimum award level under the Scheme
• apply within the relevant time limit
• cooperated with the police during their investigation

Other people who may be eligible

• The Scheme also allows certain other individuals to apply, including:
• close relatives of someone who has died as a result of a violent crime
• people who have experienced psychological injury after witnessing a violent incident involving a close family member
• individuals injured while taking reasonable steps to prevent a crime or assist someone in danger

Situations where you may not be eligible

• You may not be eligible if:
• the incident was not a violent crime
• the incident took place before 1 August 1964 or outside the UK
• the matter was not reported to the police within a reasonable time
• you lived with the person responsible for the injury as part of the same family after 1 October 1979 (with limited exceptions)
• the injury occurred during the normal course of certain occupations
• you have already received compensation for the same injury
• the application is late and there is no exceptional reason for the delay
• the injury is below the minimum level set under the Scheme

Every case is assessed individually, and the Authority reviews each application in line with the Scheme rules.

Time limits for applying to CICA

Applications should usually be made within two years of the incident.

There are exceptions:

• If you were under 18 at the time of the incident and it was reported to the police before your 18th birthday, you generally have until your 20th birthday to apply.
• If the incident was reported after you turned 18, you usually have two years from the date of the police report to submit your application.
• Late applications may be accepted in exceptional circumstances, such as when medical or psychological reasons prevented an earlier submission. Evidence will be required to explain any delay.

You do not need to wait for a criminal trial to conclude before applying.

Information you may need to provide

To assess your application, CICA may require:

• your name, date of birth and contact details
• information about the incident, including date, location and a brief description
• confirmation that the matter was reported to the police
• medical records or reports describing your injuries
• supporting documents such as receipts, wage information or witness details
• details of any criminal proceedings, if applicable
• an explanation for any delay if applying after the time limit

Providing complete and accurate information can help the Authority assess the application more efficiently.

If you would like guidance

If you are unsure about your eligibility or the steps involved in applying, we offer a free, confidential initial consultation. We can discuss your circumstances, explain how the Scheme works and outline what information you may need to provide.

You can also complete our online eligibility form if you would prefer to share your details that way.