Criminal injuries compensation claims

If you’ve been the victim of violent crime in the UK, you may be able to claim compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, known as CICA. 

CICA is a government-funded scheme that compensates victims of crimes such as assault, sexual abuse, domestic violence and other violent offences. You don’t need a conviction to make a claim, but in most cases the incident must have been reported to the police.

At Injury Lawyers 4u, we handle CICA claims on a no win, no fee basis. That means there’s no upfront cost to start. Terms apply.

Making a CICA claim isn’t the same as suing the offender. It’s a separate application under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012, which sets strict rules on eligibility, evidence, time limits and fixed tariff awards.

That matters because CICA claims can be technical. A genuine claim can still be refused or underpaid if the injury is placed in the wrong tariff band, the evidence isn’t strong enough, or the rules aren’t properly addressed.

For many people, the key questions are simple:

• Can you claim?
• How much could you receive?
• How does the process work? 
• Do you need a solicitor?

We’ll answer each of these clearly below and help you understand your next step.

What is the CICA scheme?

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority is the government body that runs the compensation scheme for blameless victims of violent crime in England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland has a separate system.

Making a CICA claim isn’t a standard personal injury claim against the attacker. Instead, it’s an application to a government fund set up to compensate eligible victims.

Compensation is assessed using the CICA tariff of injuries. That tariff sets fixed award levels for qualifying injuries. 

In general terms:

• Awards start at £1,000 for the lowest qualifying injuries
• The maximum total award is £500,000

This is a different framework from a civil claim and shouldn’t be confused with Judicial College Guidelines.

Who can make a CICA claim?

You can make a criminal injuries compensation claim if:

• You were the victim of a violent crime in Great Britain
• You reported the crime to the police, or have a valid reason why you couldn’t
• You apply within two years, unless an exception applies
• Your injury meets the minimum tariff threshold of £1,000
• You cooperate with CICA and any relevant investigation

Both physical and psychological injuries can qualify, as long as they meet the scheme criteria and are supported by evidence.

You don’t need the offender to be convicted. CICA assesses claims based on what’s more likely than not, using the available evidence.

Children can also claim. A parent or responsible adult can apply on their behalf.

Historic abuse claims may still be possible. The two-year time limit can sometimes be relaxed where the delay was reasonable, particularly in cases involving trauma or childhood abuse.

Unspent criminal convictions can affect eligibility or reduce an award. This can be complex, so it’s important to get advice early.

What crimes does CICA cover?

The scheme covers a wide range of violent offences, including:

• Physical assault — Assaults that cause bodily injury, from fractures and facial injuries to life-changing disability.
• Sexual assault and rape — Including adult sexual offences, childhood sexual abuse and some historic abuse cases.
• Domestic violence — Claims can include physical injury and recognised psychological injury caused by a partner or family member.
• Knife and weapon attacks — Including stabbings, slashings and other deliberate assaults involving weapons.
• Hate crimes — Violent attacks motivated by race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or other protected characteristics can qualify where they amount to a crime of violence.
• Arson causing injury — Where a deliberate fire attack causes physical or psychological harm.
• Road rage incidents — Deliberate vehicle attacks can qualify. Accidents and ordinary road traffic collisions usually fall outside the scheme.
• Terror attacks — Some terror-related injuries are covered under the scheme rules.  

How much CICA compensation could I receive?

CICA compensation is based on a fixed tariff. Awards aren’t negotiated in the same way as civil claims.

Each injury is matched to a tariff band, and that band has a set payment.

CICA tariff summary

These figures are a general guide. The exact amount depends on the specific injury description and supporting evidence.

In some cases, you may also be able to claim:

• Loss of earnings if the injury leaves you unable to work for the qualifying period under the scheme rules
• Special expenses such as care costs, equipment, home adaptations or other necessary costs
• Additional payments in some fatal cases and other limited categories provided for by the scheme  

That is one reason expert advice matters. It’s not just about the tariff band, but whether every part of your claim has been properly considered.

How to make a CICA claim

Applications are made through the CICA online portal on GOV.UK. The portal asks for details about the incident, the police reference, your injuries, your treatment and any financial losses. You can submit the application yourself. However, in practice, many claims are more complex than they first appear. 

Injury Lawyers 4u can handle the process on your behalf, gather the right evidence, review the medical position and make sure your injury is correctly assessed by CICA.

A straightforward claim could be resolved in around 12 months, but complex cases often take longer. Serious injuries, disputed eligibility, missing records and review or appeal proceedings can extend the process significantly.

How long do you have to make a CICA claim?

The standard time limit is two years from the date of the incident.

However, there are important exceptions:

For childhood sexual abuse and some other historic offences, CICA can accept a late application where the delay was reasonable in the circumstances. Trauma, coercion, fear and delayed reporting can all matter.

For some psychological injury claims, time might also need careful analysis where the condition was only recognised or diagnosed later. The facts are often sensitive and case-specific, so this isn’t something to leave down to guesswork.

These situations are often complex. It’s best not to assume a late claim will be accepted without advice. If there is any risk on limitation, the case needs to be prepared properly from the start.

Do I need a solicitor to make a CICA claim?

You don’t have to use a solicitor for a CICA claim. You can apply directly through GOV.UK. However, many people choose to get support because the scheme involves detailed rules on:

• Eligibility
• Police reporting
• Residence and status
• Criminal record
• Conduct
• Tariff banding
• Psychological evidence
• Loss of earnings
• Special expenses
• Reviews and appeals  

A caseworker can assess thousands of applications. If the evidence is thin or the injury description is not put properly, the award can be too low or the claim can fail on a technical point. A solicitor who understands CICA claims knows what evidence to obtain, how to present the medical picture and when to challenge a refusal or low award.

If CICA rejects the claim or underpays it, the next stage is usually a review, followed if necessary by an appeal to the First-tier Tribunal. The Tribunal is an independent body that can reconsider the decision. This is often where legal support can make a real difference.

At Injury Lawyers 4u, we handle criminal injuries compensation claims on a no win, no fee basis. That means there’s no upfront cost and nothing to pay if your claim isn’t successful.

What is no win, no fee for CICA claims?

At Injury Lawyers 4u, claims can be handled on a no win, no fee basis.

This means:

• There is no upfront cost to start a claim
• Nothing to pay if your claim is unsuccessful
• A success fee may be deducted if your claim succeeds. Terms apply

You may also be offered after-the-event insurance in some cases. This is a type of insurance taken out after the incident to protect against certain legal costs and risks where relevant. The exact funding structure should always be explained clearly before you sign anything.

Essentially, no win, no fee funding removes the need to pay legal fees upfront and gives you access to specialist advice from the start.

CICA claims for psychological injury

Psychological injuries are recognised under the scheme, including PTSD, anxiety and depression.

However, the injury must meet specific criteria. Short-term distress on its own isn’t enough.

Strong evidence is essential. This may include:

• GP records
• Mental health or hospital notes
• Counselling records
• Specialist reports from a psychiatrist or psychologist

Psychological injury claims are often undervalued in unsupported applications because the evidence isn’t tied clearly enough to the tariff wording. A diagnosis on its own is not always enough. The claim needs to explain how the condition affects daily life, work, relationships and recovery.

CICA claims for victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse

Victims of domestic violence can make a claim even where the offender was a partner, ex-partner or family member. The fact that the abuse happened in a close relationship does not stop a claim by itself.

The old same roof rule used to block some claims where the victim and offender lived together, but that rule has been narrowed over time and shouldn’t be assumed to be a barrier without checking the dates and facts carefully.

Victims of sexual abuse, including historic childhood abuse, might also be able to claim under the scheme. These cases often involve delayed disclosure, trauma and complex evidence issues. Time limits can be approached more flexibly where the delay was reasonable.

These cases can be sensitive and complex. We handle them with care and confidentiality.

Why choose Injury Lawyers 4u for criminal injuries compensation claims?

CICA claims aren’t always straightforward. The scheme has strict rules, fixed tariff categories and a review and appeal process that can be difficult to navigate without support. 

At Injury Lawyers 4u, we’ll help you:

• Understand whether you’re eligible
• Gather the right evidence
• Check that any offer reflects your injuries
• Challenge decisions where needed

Speak to Injury Lawyers 4u about a CICA claim

If you’ve been injured as the victim of violent crime, you may be entitled to compensation through the CICA scheme.

Whether your injury is physical, psychological or linked to domestic or sexual abuse, getting advice early can make a real difference.

We’ll explain your options clearly and help you decide what to do next.

Ready to talk? Our friendly team is here to help.

CICA claims FAQs

What does CICA stand for?

CICA stands for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority. It’s the UK government body that administers the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme for victims of violent crime in England, Scotland and Wales.

Do I need a conviction to make a CICA claim?

A criminal conviction against the attacker is not required. What matters is whether the claim meets the scheme rules and whether the evidence shows, on the balance of probabilities, that you were the victim of a qualifying violent crime.

How long does a CICA claim take?

Straightforward claims can take around 12 months, but more complex claims can take much longer. Serious injury cases, disputed eligibility, historic abuse claims and appeals can run well beyond a year.

What is the minimum CICA award?

The minimum tariff award is £1,000. If the injury does not meet that threshold, there will usually be no injury award.

Can I claim CICA compensation and also sue my attacker?

You cannot usually recover twice for the same injury. Where both routes are in play, the interaction between a CICA award and a civil claim needs careful advice. That is one more reason to speak to a solicitor early.

Can I claim for a crime that happened years ago?

Possibly. The standard time limit is two years, but historic abuse and some other delayed cases can still be accepted where the delay was reasonable.

What evidence do I need for a CICA claim?

Usually, you will need:

• A police reference number or a clear explanation of why reporting was not possible
• Medical evidence confirming the injury
• Proof of any financial losses or special expenses
• Any supporting records relevant to diagnosis, treatment or impact on daily life  

What happens if CICA refuses my claim?

You can usually ask for a review first. If the decision still appears wrong after review, you might be able to appeal to the First-tier Tribunal.

Can children make CICA claims?

Yes. A responsible adult can usually make the application on a child’s behalf, and special rules can apply where the victim was under 18 at the time of the crime.