If you were injured — physically or mentally — as a blameless victim of a violent crime, you may be able to claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), the government scheme for England, Wales and Scotland. Key points: you must usually report the crime to the police, the time limit is generally two years (shorter than ordinary claims), awards are set by a fixed tariff of injuries, and the scheme exists because the offender often cannot pay. Applying is free, and free help is available, so be wary of anyone wanting a cut of your award.
When you are hurt in an accident, you usually claim against the person at fault and their insurer. But what happens when your injury was caused not by carelessness but by a deliberate, violent crime — and the attacker is unknown, has fled, or has no money to pay? For these situations the government runs a separate safety net: the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme, administered by CICA. This guide explains, in plain English, how a CICA claim works, who can apply, and the rules that catch many applicants out. We are an independent information service, not a law firm — nothing here is legal advice about your own situation.
Who can apply to CICA
The scheme is for blameless victims of crimes of violence in England, Wales and Scotland (Northern Ireland has its own, separate scheme). You may be able to apply if you were:
- Physically injured as a result of a crime of violence, such as an assault.
- Mentally injured — a recognised psychiatric condition such as PTSD caused by being a victim or witness of a violent crime (see our PTSD and trauma guide).
- A victim of a sexual offence or of physical or sexual abuse, including historic childhood abuse.
- A close relative or dependant of someone who died as a result of a violent crime (see our fatal accident guide).
Crucially, CICA is funded by the taxpayer and is a scheme of last resort. It is separate from any civil claim, and from any compensation order a criminal court might make against a convicted offender.
The rules that catch people out
Several scheme requirements are stricter than for an ordinary injury claim, and missing them can reduce or defeat an award:
- Report to the police. You must report the crime to the police as soon as reasonably practicable. CICA can refuse an award if you did not.
- Cooperate with the justice process. Failing to help the police or the prosecution can lead to a reduced or refused award.
- Your own conduct and character. CICA can reduce or refuse an award where you contributed to the incident, or because of unspent criminal convictions.
⏳ A two-year time limit — shorter than usual
A CICA application must generally be made within two years of the incident — not the three years that apply to most personal injury claims. CICA can extend time in limited cases, such as childhood abuse where the victim could not reasonably apply earlier, but you should never rely on an extension. If you are a victim of violent crime, get advice and apply promptly.
How CICA awards are calculated
Unlike a court claim, which values each injury individually by reference to the Judicial College Guidelines, CICA uses a fixed tariff of injuries set out in the scheme. Each type and severity of injury carries a set payment. There are special rules for multiple injuries, under which the most serious injury is paid in full with reduced amounts for additional injuries. In more serious cases, additional payments may be available for loss of earnings and special expenses. Because the scheme is funded by the public purse and uses a tariff, awards can differ from what a court might order against an individual wrongdoer.
Applying is free — beware of fee-takers
One of the most important things to know is that a CICA application is free to make. You can apply yourself through the official CICA service, and free, expert help is available from organisations such as Victim Support and Citizens Advice. CICA does not pay solicitors' costs out of your award. Some firms offer to handle CICA claims for a percentage of the compensation — but since free help exists and the award is meant for you, think carefully before agreeing to give away part of it. If you do choose to instruct a solicitor, make sure you understand exactly what, if anything, it will cost you.
Evidence that supports a CICA claim
Useful evidence and information includes:
- The police crime reference number and details of your report.
- Medical records showing your injuries, and a report on any lasting physical or psychological effects.
- Details of the incident — dates, location and what happened.
- Financial losses — relevant where loss of earnings or special expenses are claimed in more serious cases.
Our guide to evidence for a personal injury claim covers the medical side in more detail.
CICA exists for the victim the ordinary system can't help — where the attacker is unknown, gone, or penniless. But it asks for two things in return: that you reported the crime, and that you apply within two years. Both are easy to miss when you are recovering, so act early.
Frequently asked questions
What is the CICA and who can claim?
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) is the government body that runs the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme for blameless victims of violent crime in England, Wales and Scotland. You can apply if you were physically or mentally injured as a result of a crime of violence, including assaults and sexual offences, and in some cases if you are a close relative of someone who died as a result of a crime. The scheme exists because the offender often cannot be made to pay.
How long do I have to make a CICA claim?
Generally two years from the date of the incident, which is shorter than the usual three-year limit for ordinary personal injury claims. CICA can extend the time in limited circumstances, for example for victims of childhood abuse who could not reasonably apply earlier, but you should not rely on this. Reporting the crime to the police as soon as reasonably practicable is also a requirement, so act quickly.
How is a CICA award calculated?
CICA uses a fixed tariff of injuries set out in the scheme, which assigns a set payment to each type and severity of injury, rather than valuing each case individually like a court claim. There are rules for multiple injuries, and additional payments may be available for loss of earnings and special expenses in more serious cases. Because it is a government scheme funded by the taxpayer, awards can differ from what a court might give against an individual.
Do I have to pay a solicitor out of my CICA award?
You should not have to. CICA applications are free to make, and you can apply yourself or with free help from organisations such as Victim Support or Citizens Advice. CICA does not pay solicitors' costs out of awards, so be cautious of any firm that wants to take a percentage of your CICA compensation. Free, official help is available, and the full award is intended for you.
Will a previous conviction affect my CICA claim?
It can. CICA can reduce or refuse an award based on the applicant's character, including unspent criminal convictions, or where the applicant failed to cooperate with the police or the prosecution, or contributed to the incident through their own conduct. The scheme is for blameless victims, so cooperation with the police and the justice process is important to a successful claim.
Get help from official, free sources
- Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) — the official scheme and free online application
- Victim Support — free, confidential help for victims of crime, including with CICA claims
- Citizens Advice — free, impartial guidance on your rights
- GOV.UK — official guidance on the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme
- Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) — check any solicitor you do use is regulated
Related guides: PTSD and trauma claims, facial injury claims, fatal accident claims and psychological injury claims.