Claim Compensation for Criminal Injury

What is criminal injury compensation?

If you have been the victim of a violent crime in the UK, you may be entitled to compensation through a government scheme. You can make a claim even if nobody has been convicted of the crime, though you must have reported it to the police and cooperated with any investigation.

The scheme provides financial recognition to people who have suffered physical or psychological harm through no fault of their own. It covers a wide range of violent offences, from assault and robbery to more serious crimes.

Claims are handled by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). This government body assesses applications and decides how much compensation should be awarded based on a tariff system that sets specific amounts for different types and severities of injury.

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Who can make a claim?

You may be eligible to claim compensation in several circumstances:

• You have suffered a physical injury as the direct result of a violent crime committed against you.
• You have developed a psychological condition, such as post traumatic stress disorder or depression, following a violent crime.
• You witnessed a violent crime and have since experienced psychological harm as a result of what you saw.
• You are the close relative of someone who died as a result of a violent crime. This typically includes spouses, civil partners, parents and children of the deceased.

You must usually have been resident in the UK at the time of the crime, or the crime must have occurred in the UK.

There are time limits for making a claim. In most cases, you must apply within two years of the incident. Claims relating to childhood abuse or crimes that were not reported at the time may still be considered outside this window, depending on the circumstances.

CICA will look at whether you reported the crime to the police and cooperated with any investigation. A failure to report without good reason can affect your eligibility or reduce any award.

Your conduct and history may also be taken into account. If you were involved in criminal activity at the time of the incident, or if you have unspent criminal convictions, this could result in a reduced payment or your claim being rejected entirely.

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How the claims process works

To make a claim in England, Wales or Scotland, you apply directly to CICA. You can do this online through the GOV.UK website, or request a paper form by calling 0300 003 3601.

The application asks for details about the crime, your injuries, and any medical treatment you have received. You should provide a crime reference number if you have one, as this helps CICA verify your claim with the police.

Once submitted, CICA will assess your application based on the evidence provided. They may request additional information such as medical records or a statement from your GP. In some cases, they arrange for you to attend a medical examination.

Compensation is calculated using a tariff that assigns fixed amounts to specific injuries. You may also be able to claim for loss of earnings and certain medical expenses, though there are limits and specific criteria for these additional payments.

Processing times vary considerably. While CICA aims to resolve straightforward claims within 12 months, more complex cases often take longer depending on the evidence needed and the nature of your injuries. If your claim is successful and you accept the offer, payment is usually issued within 28 days.

If you disagree with the decision, you have the right to ask for a review. Should you still disagree after the review, you can appeal to the First tier Tribunal, an independent body that will reconsider your case.

Getting support with your claim

You do not need a solicitor to make a claim to CICA. The process is designed so that individuals can apply themselves. However, some people seek help when their case involves serious injuries or complicated circumstances.

If you use a solicitor or claims management company, be aware that they will usually charge a fee, often taken as a percentage of any compensation you receive. Make sure you understand the costs before agreeing to anything.

Free support is available from organisations such as Victim Support, though the level of assistance with applications can vary by location. Citizens Advice can also provide general guidance on making a claim.

For current information on compensation amounts, eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit the CICA section on GOV.UK. There you will find the official application form and full details of the compensation tariff.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Sentence Guide lets you wondering what sentence to expect? Tell us the offence and circumstances and get a plain English guide to the likely sentencing range and what factors affect it. Try it now →