At a glance
- You can challenge a refusal or low offer from CICA
- There are two stages: a mandatory review, then a tribunal appeal if needed
- You must request a CICA review within 56 days of the decision
- If the review is unsuccessful, you can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal within 90 days
- The tribunal is independent from CICA and makes its own decision
- Your award can be increased, unchanged or reduced at review or appeal
- Strong appeals usually rely on new or better evidence, especially medical evidence
- Missing deadlines can put your claim at risk, so acting quickly is essential
If CICA has refused your claim or made an offer that does not reflect your injuries, you have the right to challenge that decision.
There are two stages:
- A formal review by CICA
- Independent appeal to the First-tier Tribunal
Injury Lawyers 4u can support you through both stages on a no win, no fee basis. A refusal is not always the end of the process.
Grounds for challenging a CICA decision
A CICA appeal usually argues that the decision is wrong based on the evidence or has not been applied correctly under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012.
Common reasons for challenging a decision include:
- Incorrect tariff band — Your injuries might have been placed in a lower compensation band than they should have been.
- Refusal on eligibility grounds — CICA might say you do not qualify when the evidence suggests that you do.
- Failure to report to the police — CICA might have refused the claim because the incident wasn’t reported, even though there were good reasons for delay and discretion should have been applied.
- Unspent conviction — CICA can refuse or reduce an award because of criminal convictions, but that decision may still be open to challenge depending on the facts.
- Loss of earnings not included — If you meet the 28-week threshold, but CICA has not awarded loss of earnings, this might be grounds for appeal.
- Multiple injuries undervalued — CICA applies set rules where there is more than one injury. If those rules have been applied incorrectly, the award might be too low.
The two-stage appeals process
These are the two stages in the appeal process:
Stage 1: CICA review
The first step in the CICA appeals process is a formal CICA review. This stage is mandatory. You cannot go straight to the tribunal. You must usually ask for a review within 56 days of the initial decision letter.
At review stage, CICA passes the case to a different caseworker, who looks again at the decision and any extra evidence submitted. The review can result in:
- The decision being upheld
- The award being increased
- In rare cases, the award being reduced
That last point is important. You should not request a review without legal advice. In some cases, a review can lead to a lower award or even raise further issues with the claim. A solicitor should assess whether a review is likely to improve the outcome before you proceed.
We can advise whether a review is worth pursuing and prepare the review submission on your behalf.
If you have missed the 56-day deadline, contact us immediately. Late review requests might be accepted in limited circumstances, but you should act quickly.
Stage 2: First-tier Tribunal appeal
If the review doesn’t resolve the issue, the next step is an appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Criminal Injuries Compensation).
This tribunal is independent from CICA. It doesn’t simply confirm the original decision. It considers the case for itself. You must usually appeal within 90 days of the review decision.
Hearings are usually held in person or by video link. We’ll prepare the appeal paperwork, gather the evidence and represent you at the hearing.
What happens at a First-tier Tribunal hearing?
A CICA First-tier Tribunal hearing is less formal than a court hearing, but is still a structured legal process.
The case will be heard by a judge and sometimes two additional tribunal members. The tribunal will look at the papers, hear the arguments and make its own decision.
Both sides can present evidence. This might include:
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Loss of earnings evidence
- Written legal submissions
Most hearings last around half a day, although more complex cases can take longer.
Many people understandably feel anxious about attending a hearing. We’ll attend every hearing and manage the process for you. You will not be expected to argue the legal points yourself. Our solicitors prepare the witness statements, medical evidence and legal submissions needed to present the case properly.
What are the chances of success at appeal?
It’s important to be realistic. No solicitor can guarantee that appealing a CICA decision will succeed.
What matters is the strength of the evidence and the legal argument. The tribunal does overturn some CICA decisions and does increase some awards, but every case depends on its own facts. Appeals are often stronger where there is:
- New or clearer medical evidence
- Stronger evidence on eligibility
- A clear argument that the wrong tariff has been applied
- Proof that CICA has misunderstood the rules
Appeals that add new, relevant evidence are usually more effective than those that repeat the original application.
We will assess your case honestly and explain whether an appeal is likely to improve the outcome.
Time limits for CICA appeals
These deadlines are strict. Missing them is one of the biggest practical risks in the CICA appeals process:
| Stage | Time limit | Notes |
| Request CICA review | 56 days from initial decision | Mandatory first step |
| Appeal to First-tier Tribunal | 90 days from review decision | After CICA review is complete |
| Late applications | At tribunal discretion | Only in exceptional circumstances |
If you are close to either deadline, contact us immediately.
Can you appeal if you applied without a solicitor?
Yes. Many people only contact a solicitor after they have received a refusal or a low offer. If CICA refused your claim, that doesn’t mean it is too late to seek legal help.
We can take over the appeal process even if the original application was made without a solicitor. In some cases, we can identify evidence or grounds of challenge that weren’t included the first time. That might include:
- Missing medical evidence
- The wrong injury tariff
- Loss of earnings arguments
- Errors in the way multiple injuries were assessed
Remember, don’t wait until the appeal deadline is close.
Speak to our CICA appeals specialists
If you have received a refusal or a low offer, getting early advice can make a real difference to the outcome of your case.
Our solicitors specialise in CICA appeals and will assess your decision, explain your options clearly and handle the process for you from start to finish on a no win, no fee basis.
If you are approaching the 56-day or 90-day deadline, do not delay. Contact our team today to discuss your case.
CICA appeal FAQs
Can I appeal if CICA refuses my claim?
Yes. You must first request a formal review from CICA within 56 days of the initial decision. If the outcome is still wrong, you can then appeal to the independent First-tier Tribunal within 90 days of the review decision.
What is the First-tier Tribunal for CICA appeals?
It is an independent tribunal that hears appeals against CICA decisions. It is separate from CICA and makes its own decision on the case.
How long does a CICA appeal take?
A CICA review often takes several months. If the case goes on to the tribunal, the process can take much longer depending on the tribunal’s workload.
Can CICA reduce my award at the review stage?
Yes, in rare cases. That is why legal advice is important before asking for a review.
What if I missed the 56-day review deadline?
Contact us straight away. Late applications may be accepted only in exceptional circumstances, so it is important to act as quickly as possible.