Criminal Injury Compensation Claims (CICA)

Last reviewed: September 2026 · EA Personal Injury Solicitors

If you were injured, physically or psychologically, as the blameless victim of a violent crime in England, Wales or Scotland, you may be entitled to compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), whether or not the offender was caught or convicted. EA Personal Injury Solicitors can help you prepare and pursue a CICA application.

TL;DR — Quick Summary

Key Points

CICA compensation is available even where the offender is never identified or convicted
The crime must normally have been reported to the police as soon as reasonably practicable
Applications must normally be made within two years of the incident
Awards follow a fixed statutory tariff, separate from civil damages assessments
Your own conduct or criminal record can affect the amount awarded

What Is the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme?

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme allows blameless victims of violent crime to claim compensation from public funds, administered by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). It exists because victims of crime often cannot recover meaningful compensation from the person who harmed them — the offender may never be caught, may be convicted but have no money, or may be a child with no means to pay. CICA compensation is entirely separate from, and does not depend on, any criminal prosecution.

Who Can Apply?

You may be eligible if you were injured as a direct result of a crime of violence — including physical assault, sexual assault, domestic abuse, and being injured while trying to prevent a crime or assist a police officer. The Scheme covers physical injury and, where it meets the required severity threshold, psychological injury (such as PTSD) arising from a qualifying crime, even without an accompanying physical injury.

Eligibility Requirements

The crime must be reported to the police as soon as reasonably practicable after the incident, with reasonable cooperation given to any investigation
The application must generally be made within two years of the date of the incident (or, for a child at the time, generally within two years of their 18th birthday)
Your own conduct can affect the outcome — an award can be reduced or refused if you were involved in the incident, provoked it, or have a relevant unspent criminal conviction
You do not need the offender to be caught, charged or convicted to apply, though a conviction (where one exists) can support your application

How CICA Compensation Is Assessed

Unlike a civil personal injury claim, which is valued individually by reference to the Judicial College Guidelines, CICA awards follow a fixed tariff scheme setting standard compensation amounts for defined categories of injury, from a statutory minimum up to a statutory maximum for the most serious injuries. In addition to the tariff award for the injury itself, the Scheme can in appropriate cases include compensation for loss of earnings and special expenses arising from the injury, subject to its own specific rules and evidence requirements.

The Application Process

Report the crime to the police (if not already done) and obtain the crime reference number
Gather supporting evidence — medical records, police evidence, and where relevant, witness information
Submit the CICA application within the time limit, setting out the incident, injuries and losses
CICA investigates, which can include requesting police and medical records directly
Decision and, where necessary, review or appeal — an unsuccessful or undervalued initial decision can be reviewed internally by CICA and, if still disputed, appealed to the First-tier Tribunal

How We Can Help

CICA applications involve their own specific rules, evidence requirements, time limits and tariff structure, distinct from a standard personal injury claim. We can advise on your eligibility, help you prepare a well-evidenced application, and represent you if a decision needs to be reviewed or appealed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)?

CICA is a government body that provides compensation to blameless victims of violent crime in England, Wales and Scotland, under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme. It is separate from any civil claim against the offender, and from any criminal prosecution. You can apply to CICA even if the offender was never caught, prosecuted or convicted.

Do I need to report the crime to the police to claim?

Yes, as a general rule. CICA requires that the crime was reported to the police as soon as reasonably practicable, and that you cooperated with the police investigation as far as reasonably possible. There are limited exceptions, for example for victims of domestic abuse or sexual offences who may have had good reason not to report at the time.

How long do I have to make a CICA claim?

Applications must normally be made within two years of the date of the incident. For applicants who were children at the time, the two years generally runs from their 18th birthday. Late applications are only accepted in limited, exceptional circumstances, so it is important to apply promptly.

Is CICA compensation the same as suing the person who attacked me?

No. CICA compensation is paid from public funds under a fixed statutory tariff scheme, regardless of whether the offender is identified, prosecuted or has any money. A separate civil claim against the offender personally is also possible in principle, but is often not practical if they cannot be traced or have no means to pay.

What if I was partly to blame for what happened, for example if I was involved in a fight?

CICA can reduce or refuse an award because of the applicant's own conduct at the time, including provocation or involvement in the incident, and can also take into account an applicant's own criminal record. We will assess honestly with you how these rules are likely to apply to your circumstances.

Can family members claim if a loved one was killed by violent crime?

Yes. Qualifying family members of someone who died as a result of a crime of violence may be able to claim bereavement payments, loss of dependency and funeral expenses through the Scheme, in addition to any claim brought by dependants under the Fatal Accidents Act.

Published by EA Personal Injury Solicitors

Edward and Amaury Limited · SRA No. 800525

Verify the firm and its regulated people on the SRA Register. General information only; this is not legal advice.