FAQs

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) is a UK authority that offers financial compensation to individuals who have been physically or mentally injured as a result of violent crime. It operates under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme, offering financial support for physical and psychological injuries, lost earnings, and other related expenses.

You may be eligible to apply to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority if:

Eligibility criteria:

• You suffered a physical or psychological injury as a result of a violent crime in England, Wales or Scotland.
• The incident was reported to the police as soon as reasonably practicable.
• You submit your application within two years of the incident, or within two years of first reporting it to the police where the incident was not reported at the time.
• You are ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom or otherwise meet the Scheme’s residence rules.
• You cooperated with the police and with the Authority.
• Your conduct did not contribute to the incident and you do not have unspent criminal convictions that would lead to a reduction or refusal under the Scheme.

Exceptions to the two-year time limit:

• Children: If the crime was reported to the police before the victim turned eighteen, an application can usually be made until the victim turns twenty.
• Historic abuse: Where abuse was first reported to the police as an adult, the two-year period normally runs from the date of that report.
• Exceptional circumstances: The Authority may accept a late application where there were exceptional reasons for the delay and it is in the interests of justice to do so.
• Reopening a case: A decided claim may be reopened if there is a material change in the medical condition linked to the injury. Requests to reopen are usually made within two years of the original decision.
• Fatal cases: In fatal cases, certain relatives and dependants may be eligible for bereavement payments, dependency awards and funeral expenses under the Scheme.

You may be eligible for an award if you suffered a qualifying physical or psychological injury as a result of a violent crime in England, Wales or Scotland, the incident was reported to the police as soon as reasonably practicable, and you cooperate with the police and the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.

Covered injury types include:

• Physical injuries listed in the Scheme tariff, such as fractures, burns, scarring, nerve damage, brain or spinal injury, and sensory loss.
• Psychological injury where there is a diagnosed disabling mental injury, usually confirmed by a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist. The level of award depends on severity and duration.
• Sexual violence and child sexual abuse including non-consensual acts. Certain associated consequences may also be covered (for example pregnancy, loss of a foetus, or specified sexually transmitted infections).
• Fatal cases where eligible relatives may receive fixed payments such as a bereavement award, funeral costs and, in some cases, loss of parental services or dependency.
• Domestic abuse and assaults in the home can be covered if they result in a qualifying injury under the tariff (physical injury or a diagnosed disabling mental injury).

Important limitations

• The Scheme does not compensate for loss or damage to property, or for purely financial loss. Behaviour such as stalking, harassment or coercive control may be eligible only where it results in a qualifying injury (for example a diagnosed disabling mental injury) or involves a compensable sexual offence.
• Awards can be reduced or refused for reasons such as unspent criminal convictions or lack of cooperation.
• If you are unsure whether your injury falls within the Scheme, we can assess your circumstances and advise on the next steps.

Yes, you can apply, but you will need medical evidence showing that the crime caused a severe psychological injury.

Under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme you can be compensated for up to three separate qualifying injuries from the same incident:

• Most serious injury: paid at 100 percent of its tariff value.
• Second most serious injury: paid at 30 percent of its tariff value.
• Third most serious injury: paid at 15 percent of its tariff value.

Important Points:

• Only distinct qualifying injuries count towards the three. Some conditions are grouped under one tariff item and cannot be 'stacked'.
• Additional elements such as loss of earnings and special expenses are assessed separately from the multiple-injury formula.
• In cases of sexual assault, specified additional payments (for example pregnancy, loss of a foetus or certain sexually transmitted infections) may be payable in addition to the tariff injuries, where the Scheme allows.
• Awards can be reduced or refused for reasons such as unspent criminal convictions or lack of cooperation with the police or the Authority.
• If you are unsure how your injuries will be treated under the tariff, we can review your circumstances and give clear guidance.

Standard awards typically range from £1,000 to £250,000 for injuries resulting from a violent crime. The amount of compensation you may receive through CICA depends on the severity of your injuries, as outlined in Annex E by CICA. Along with compensation for your injuries, you may also be eligible for additional support to help cover lost earnings, medical expenses, and other related costs.

Yes, An application can be made by a representative in the following situations:

• Children (under 18): A parent or person with parental responsibility may apply. A local authority corporate parent or another authorised adult may apply where appropriate. Evidence of parental responsibility will be required.
• Adults who lack capacity: An attorney under a valid Lasting Power of Attorney or a Court of Protection deputy may apply. CICA may ask for medical evidence of incapacity and a copy of the LPA or deputyship order.
• Adults who want help but have capacity: The person can authorise a representative, such as a solicitor, to act. CICA will require written authority and may still contact the applicant when needed.
• Fatal cases: A qualifying relative may claim the fixed fatal awards. The personal representative of the estate can claim funeral expenses and other eligible payments. Proof of relationship or a grant of probate or letters of administration may be required.

CICA may pay awards for children into a safeguarded account until they turn 18, and payments for protected parties may be made to a deputy or trustee.

The timeline for receiving compensation through CICA can vary based on the complexity of the case. On average, it takes between 12 to 18 months to settle.

You can appeal the decision. We can help by gathering and organising necessary documents and medical records to strengthen your appeal.

Yes, you can still apply for CICA compensation even if the offender has not been caught or convicted.

You do not need a solicitor to apply. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority process is designed so that individuals can apply directly. Many applicants choose legal help in more complex cases. A solicitor can assist with assessing eligibility, identifying the correct tariff injuries, gathering medical evidence, presenting loss of earnings or special expenses, and handling reviews or appeals. Legal costs are not usually paid by the Authority. If you instruct us, our fee is taken from a successful award (typically 25% inclusive VAT) as set out in your client care letter. You are free to apply yourself at no cost for representation.

If you would like assistance, we can provide step by step support.