The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) runs a government scheme that compensates blameless victims of violent crime in England, Scotland and Wales (Northern Ireland has its own scheme). Awards come from a fixed tariff of injuries, you apply free and don't need a solicitor, and you must usually apply within two years of the incident and have reported it to the police.
If you have been injured in a violent crime and the offender can't or won't pay, you may still be able to get compensation — not from them, but from the state, through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority. This is a different route from an ordinary personal injury claim, with its own rules, tariff and deadline. Here is how the CICA Scheme works.
One thing to be clear about from the outset: we are an independent information service, not a law firm and not a firm of solicitors. Nothing here is legal advice about your own situation. For that, speak to an SRA-regulated solicitor or use the official sources we signpost below.
What the CICA Scheme is
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority is a government body that administers the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme. It exists to compensate people who are injured as a blameless victim of a violent crime — for example an assault, robbery, sexual offence or an act of terrorism — in England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland has a separate scheme administered there. Because it is a state scheme of last resort, you don't claim against the offender; you apply to CICA directly.
Who is eligible to claim
To be eligible you generally must have been a blameless victim of a crime of violence, have reported the incident to the police as soon as reasonably practicable, and have co-operated with the investigation. Awards can be reduced or refused if you have unspent criminal convictions, contributed to the incident through your own conduct, or failed to report or co-operate. Close relatives of someone who has died as a result of a crime may also be able to claim. CICA is a route of last resort, separate from suing the offender.
How CICA awards are calculated
CICA uses a fixed tariff of injuries set out in the Scheme. Each recognised injury has a set amount, and there are rules for combining multiple injuries (the highest-rated injury is paid in full, with reduced percentages for further injuries). On top of the tariff, in more serious cases you may be able to claim for loss of earnings and special expenses, subject to the Scheme's conditions and limits. There is an overall maximum award. The Scheme is designed to recognise harm rather than to mirror a full court valuation, so figures can be lower than a civil claim against a solvent defendant.
The two-year time limit
⏳ Apply within two years
You must normally apply to CICA within two years of the incident — a tighter deadline than the three-year limit for most personal injury claims. CICA can extend time only in limited circumstances (for example where the injury or its link to the crime took time to emerge, as can happen with historic abuse), and where the evidence still allows the claim to be considered. Apply as early as you can.
How to apply (you don't need a solicitor)
You apply directly to CICA, normally online, and it is free. You do not need a solicitor, and CICA does not pay legal costs, so beware of firms that take a slice of a CICA award for work you could do yourself. You'll need your police reference, details of your injuries and any medical evidence, and information about losses. If you disagree with a decision you can ask for a review, and ultimately appeal to the First-tier Tribunal. For wider context on crime-victim claims see our criminal injury claim guide.
Frequently asked questions
Who can claim criminal injuries compensation from CICA?
Blameless victims of a crime of violence in England, Scotland or Wales who reported the incident to the police and co-operated with the investigation. Close relatives of someone who died as a result of a crime may also claim. Awards can be reduced or refused for unspent convictions, contributing to the incident, or failing to report or co-operate.
What is the time limit for a CICA claim?
You must normally apply within two years of the incident. CICA can extend this only in limited circumstances, such as where the injury or its link to the crime took time to emerge, and where the evidence still allows the claim to be properly considered. Apply as early as possible.
Do I need a solicitor to claim from CICA?
No. You can apply directly to CICA yourself, free of charge, and CICA does not pay legal costs. Many applications are straightforward to complete without a lawyer. Be cautious of firms that take a percentage of a CICA award for work you could do yourself.
How much can I get from CICA?
Awards come from a fixed tariff of injuries set out in the Scheme, with rules for combining multiple injuries. In serious cases you may also claim loss of earnings and special expenses, subject to limits, up to an overall maximum. Figures are often lower than a civil claim against a solvent defendant.
Can I claim from CICA if the offender was never caught?
Yes. CICA compensation does not depend on the offender being identified or convicted — it is a state scheme for blameless victims of violent crime. You do, however, need to have reported the incident to the police and co-operated with the investigation.
Get help from official, free sources
- GOV.UK — official guidance on injury claims, the courts and your rights
- Citizens Advice — free, impartial advice on making a claim
- Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) & The Law Society — check and find a regulated solicitor
- Official Injury Claim (OIC) — the free portal for lower-value road-traffic injury claims
- Civil Procedure Rules (justice.gov.uk) — the rules and pre-action protocols that govern claims