About the CICA Scheme

The CICA Scheme

We hear how the lives of many innocent adults and children have been drastically affected or seriously disrupted, when they are the victims of crimes of violence and abuse. 

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme is a government program designed to provide some financial compensation to victims of violent crimes. The Scheme aims to offer some financial relief to those who have suffered physical or psychological injuries because of criminal acts, when there is no other route to compensation. 

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The CICA Scheme

Compensation awards of up to £500,000 can be achieved.

Criminal Injuries Compensation has been available through a state scheme for the victims of violent crime since 1964.  Although the Criminal Injuries Scheme has undergone a number of changes over the years, substantial sums can be awarded in respect of the injuries suffered. 

The injuries that are covered by the Scheme can be physical or psychological injuries, or a combination of both.

Compensation can also be awarded to victims of sexual assault, rape and abuse.

Additional sums can be awarded in cases of loss of earnings, or where there are other expenses such as the cost of being looked after or a need for special equipment caused by the injuries.

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Types of claim

Physical Injury Claims
Sexual Abuse Claims
Sexual Assault Claims
Rape Compensation
SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME
Brain Injury Compensation
Mental Injury
Fatal Claims
Domestic Violence Claims

Who Can Apply for Criminal Injuries Compensation?

Anyone who meets the following criteria can apply for criminal injuries compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) scheme.

Understanding these eligibility requirements can help you determine if you qualify for compensation under the CICA scheme. If you’re unsure or need assistance, consulting a solicitor can provide clarity and support through the application process.

Victims of Violent Crime:

Victims of Violent Crime:

Individuals who have suffered physical or mental injuries as a direct result of a violent crime, such as assault, sexual abuse, or domestic violence.

Close Relatives of Deceased Victims:

Close Relatives of Deceased Victims:

Immediate family members of someone who died as a result of a violent crime, including spouses, parents, children, and other dependents.

Witnesses to Violent Crimes:

Witnesses to Violent Crimes:

People who witnessed a violent crime and suffered mental trauma as a result, even if they were not physically harmed.

Good Samaritans:

Good Samaritans:

Individuals who were injured while trying to prevent a crime, assist the police, or protect a victim of a crime.

Additional Eligibility Criteria:

By meeting these criteria, eligible individuals can apply for compensation to help cover the costs and support their recovery following a violent crime.

Location

The crime must have occurred in England, Scotland, Wales, or another relevant location under the scheme’s jurisdiction.

Reporting

The crime must have been reported to the police promptly.

Cooperation

The applicant must fully cooperate with the police and other authorities during their investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings.

Time Limits
  • Standard Cases: Applications must be submitted within two years of the crime date.
  • Child Victims: If the crime occurred when the applicant was a child, they have until their 20th birthday to apply if it was reported to the police before they turned 18. For historical child abuse reported as an adult, they have two years from the date of reporting to apply.
  • Exceptional Circumstances: Extensions may be granted in exceptional cases, such as when mental or physical illness delayed the application.
Residency Status

At the time of the crime, the applicant must have been a resident of, or a national of, the UK or an EU/EEA member state, or meet specific criteria related to their status.

Blameless Conduct

The applicant must be blameless in the incident. If their behavior contributed to the incident, their claim might be reduced or rejected.

Criminal Record

The applicant’s eligibility could be affected by their criminal record, depending on the nature and recency of their convictions.

Injury Severity

The injury must be serious enough to meet the minimum threshold for compensation. Minor injuries typically do not qualify.

What do you need to do to be eligible?

To qualify for compensation under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme, you must meet several key criteria:

Victim of a Violent Crime

You must have suffered a physical or mental injury as a direct result of a violent crime, such as assault, sexual abuse, or domestic violence

Location of the Crime

The crime must have occurred in England, Scotland, Wales, or another relevant location under the scheme’s jurisdiction.

Reported to the Police

The incident must have been reported to the police as soon as reasonably possible. Delays in reporting can affect your eligibility unless you can provide a valid reason.

Cooperated with Law Enforcement

You must cooperate fully with the police and other authorities in their investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings

Time Limits
  • Standard Cases: You typically need to submit your application within two years of the crime date.
  • Child Victims: If the crime occurred when you were a child, you have until your 20th birthday to apply if it was reported to the police before you turned 18. For historical child abuse reported as an adult, you have two years from the date of reporting to apply.
  • Exceptional Circumstances: Extensions may be granted in exceptional cases, such as when mental or physical illness delayed your application or the police requested a delay until after a criminal trial.
Residency Status

At the time of the crime, you must have been a resident of, or a national of, the UK or an EU/EEA member state, or meet specific criteria related to your status.

Blameless Conduct

You must be blameless in the incident. If your behavior contributed to the incident, your claim might be reduced or rejected.

Criminal Record

If you have a criminal record, your eligibility could be affected. The CICA considers the nature of your convictions and how recent they are.

Injury Severity

The injury must be serious enough to meet the minimum threshold for compensation. Minor injuries like bruises or a broken nose without significant long-term effects typically do not qualify.

Additional Considerations

Your claim may be affected if you delay medical treatment or fail to provide necessary medical evidence.

What Injuries can you claim for from the CICA?

You can typically claim compensation for various types of injuries resulting from violent crimes, including physical and psychological harm.

Here are some examples of injuries for which you may be eligible to claim compensation through the CICA (Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority):

Physical Injuries:

Physical Injuries:

  • Broken bones
  • Cuts and bruises
  • Burns
  • Internal injuries
  • Scarring and disfigurement
A man who is suffering psychological injuries as a consequence of a violent crime.

Psychological Injuries:

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Emotional trauma
Sexual Assault Injuries:

Sexual Assault Injuries:

Injuries sustained during a sexual assault, including physical trauma and psychological harm

Rape:

Rape:

The penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim.

Consulting with a CICA solicitor

It’s important to note that each case is unique, and the specific injuries for which you can claim compensation may vary depending on the circumstances of the incident.

Additionally, eligibility criteria and compensation amounts are determined by the CICA based on their guidelines and assessment of your claim. Consulting with a solicitor specialising in CICA claims can help you understand your rights and options for compensation based on your specific situation.

How to Make a CICA Claim: A Friendly Guide

Making a CICA claim involves three main stages: initial submission, review, and appeal. Here’s a friendly rundown of the process:

Initial Stage:

Submit a claim to the CICA.

The CICA will request police and medical evidence (and possibly other evidence) to assess your claim.

Based on this evidence, and the information you provide the CICA decides if you qualify for compensation (if you are eligible) and determines the amount (how much).

Review Stage:

If you’re unhappy with the initial decision, you can request a review within 56 days.

The CICA will reassess your claim, possibly requesting additional evidence.

A different person will make a new decision on your claim, although there is o guarantee the outcome will change..

Appeal Stage:

If you’re still not satisfied, you can appeal to the Criminal Injuries Tribunal, which operates independently from the CICA.

The Tribunal’s decision is usually final.

Keep in mind, there are strict time limits throughout this process.

You typically need to submit your application within two years of the incident. The duration of the claim process can vary based on the complexity of your case and the types of evidence required.

We hope this guide helps you understand the CICA claim process better. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out!

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A guy who is worried about time limits in claiming compensation through the CICA

Understanding Time Limits for Making a CICA Claim

When it comes to making a CICA (Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority) claim, there are specific time limits to be aware of. Generally, you need to submit your claim within two years from the date of the crime. However, there are exceptions for certain situations, such as cases involving children, historical child abuse, exceptional circumstances, and medically reopening claims.

Here’s a breakdown of the typical time limits:

Standard Time Limit:

Claims must be submitted within two years of the incident date.

For Child Victims:

If the crime occurred when the victim was a child and was reported to the police before their 18th birthday, they have until their 20th birthday to submit the claim.

Historical Child Abuse:

If the offences happened during childhood but were only reported to the police once the victim became an adult, the claim must be submitted within two years from the date the abuse was first reported

Exceptional Circumstances:

The CICA may grant extensions in exceptional cases, such as when the police request a delay until after a criminal trial, or if the claimant was unable to apply sooner due to mental or physical illness.

What Services Do We Offer?

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Most of our clients instruct us from day 1 of their claim, however, some come to us later on.   Our experienced CICA solicitors are here to assist you with whatever your service needs may be, including:

  • Making a CICA Claim: Guiding you through the entire process of submitting a claim.
  • Reviewing Applications: Helping you review your application if you’re handling the claim yourself.
  • Evaluating Existing Claims: Assessing the status of an ongoing claim, whether you’re managing it independently or with another law firm.
  • Appeals to the CICA Tribunal: Assisting you in appealing to the CICA Tribunal if needed.
  • Medically Reopening Cases: Applying to the CICA to medically reopen your case if new evidence arises.

Additionally, our dedicated team can offer advice on Court of Protection issues. If your compensation claim is successful, we can provide guidance on how to invest your compensation wisely.

We also help ensure that your compensation does not affect your entitlement to certain state benefits by setting up a personal injury trust.

Funding the work 

We handle CICA claims on a no-win, no-fee basis, which means you don’t have to pay anything upfront, and if your claim is unsuccessful, you won’t usually owe us a penny.

If your claim is successful, our fee will be deducted from your compensation award. Since the CICA doesn’t cover legal costs, this deduction is necessary.

However, working with a Solicitor to submit your CICA claim often results in a higher compensation amount than if you were to file the claim on your own.

We offer a free initial consultation where your lawyer will explain all the details and guide you through the process, helping to maximise your chances of a successful outcome.

A girl with a cup of tea who has suffered a violent crime.

Why use a Solicitor?

Our business prides itself upon helping victims through the legal process. GLP Solicitors are passionate about achieving the right result for victims of violent crime and aim to make a real difference in every case we handle.

We will work hard on your behalf to ensure that your claim is processed promptly and efficiently and if the CICA has reached the wrong decision in your case we will fight this on your behalf. 

Here are the Top 10 Reasons why you should use a Solicitor for a Criminal Injuries compensation claim:

Expert Knowledge:

Solicitors have extensive knowledge of the CICA scheme and its complexities, ensuring that your claim is handled correctly from the start. We will start by giving you free initial advice, to make sure youa re on the right track.

Maximize Compensation:

Solicitors can help maximise the amount of compensation you receive by thoroughly understanding the scheme’s criteria and how to present your case effectively. Experience tells us we get our clients more than they can get on their own.

Reduce Stress:

Handling a claim on your own can be stressful, especially when dealing with the aftermath of a crime. A solicitor can manage the entire process, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Avoid Mistakes:

The CICA claim process involves specific rules and deadlines. Solicitors can help you avoid common mistakes that might result in delays or claim rejection.

Effective Communication:

Solicitors can communicate effectively with the CICA, the police, and medical professionals to gather the necessary evidence and support for your claim.

Representation at Appeals:

If your initial claim is denied, a solicitor can represent you during the review and appeal stages, increasing your chances of a favourable outcome.

No-Win No-Fee:

We offer a no-win no-fee arrangement, meaning you won’t pay anything upfront, and you only pay if your claim is successful.

Specialist Advice:

We can provide specialist advice on related issues, such as the Court of Protection and how to invest your compensation wisely.

Protect Benefits:

Solicitors can help set up a personal injury trust to ensure your compensation doesn’t affect your entitlement to certain state benefits.

Personal Support:

Beyond legal expertise, solicitors offer personal support and understanding, guiding you through a challenging time with compassion and professionalism.

Can my claim be rejected?

Yes, many claims are rejected each year. Did you know that approximately 35% of claims submitted to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority are rejected each year?

 There are some common pitfalls you need to avoid:

Check your conviction status before applying for compensation.

If you have any unspent convictions, the CICA will refuse your application, regardless of the amount of time that has passed. Seek professional advice if you are uncertain about your conviction status.

Always cooperate with the police when reporting a crime.

The CICA may reject your claim if they determine that you did not fully cooperate with law enforcement. IF possible, ensure that the police report is supportive of your claim before submitting it to the CICA.

Don’t assume that your injury automatically qualifies for compensation.

Many claims are rejected because the injury does not fall under the 2012 Scheme’s Tariff of injuries. Verify that your injury is eligible for compensation by consulting an experienced CICA lawyer.

Make sure to submit your claim within the allotted time frame.

Many claims are rejected because they were not submitted in time. Seek professional advice to ensure that you have a valid reason to claim, even if you do not have all the necessary information

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Our team has been helping victims of crime obtain compensation from the CICA for over 50 years

Freephone 0800 138 6061