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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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.
Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.
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 CPS werent interested in this case because it is highly complex and they didnt understand it.
Many years ago in the 70’s I was shot and almost killed whilst visiting a Farm in Ontario Canada. The case was poorly handled by the police and the boy was not charged with a crime. He is currently still living on the farm with his wife. Is it possible to seek compensation after such a long time?
Thank you
This was an unprovoked attack that happened when i was standing having a cigarette and talking to my mate in my local. I've been going there since i was around 11 or 12 years old and im now 26. I've never seen anything more than a heated argument over a game of pool before this. The guy who done it has been charged with serious assault to permanent disfigurement, and according to the police, as long as i can identify him, will be looking at jail time as it was caught on cctv.
My questions though...
im wondering what the best way to go about claiming CICA is? Should i do it myself or go through a 3rd party? obviously i'm aware they will take a fee but i'm wondering if they would be able to claim more on my behalf than i would myself?
The CID officers told me it would be worth claiming but they weren't able to tell me how much id be looking at receiving. Does anybody have any rough idea?
Any help or information anyone could give would be greatly received.
Thanks
LM
In September I witnessed a guy die of suicide, by jumping off a bridge & the car in front of us hit him. I started a new job that week, after it I've been suffering severe panic attacks & even ended up in hospital. I lost my job 2weeks later. I haven't been sleeping & now my life's a mess. Im currently getting counselling. I'm struggling because I lost my job & cant go out alone or to crowded places as my attacks are frequent. Im a pastry chef & was wondering if I can claim for loss of earnings?
Can I claim compensation for the treatment i will need for my tooth?
With one punch I've received 4 plates 3 screws! I've reported can you tell me if I'm entitled to compensation if he's charged or not an how long before I can apply thanking you
I was awarded compensation as a victim of fraud. I won't the case and I was awarded. I sent the paperwork off to Leeds where I was advised to and I still have not reviewed it. What are the next steps.
I was stubbed in many places of my body by some thiefs and I claimed for compensation through a private company. It has been more than 2 years that my claim is still in process and I didn't not get anything. Could you please let me know about the approximate time for a criminal injury and if there something wrong with firm who is running my case.
A respond Will be really appreciated.
Regards
Thanks
She took them over 130 miles away and they threatened to run away if I tried to fetch them. I was at university, single parent, trying hard to get a better future for my children.
They hardly contacted me and my calls were rebuked. I was cut off completely
6 years of crying, I tried to kill myself. The nhs thought I had give my children away for a man who was moving in, far from the truth but iwas never told what was written in my notes until years later and they say I have to prove them wrong first. All these years I have grieved non stop and my loss has never been recognised. Ive been fobbed off with pills and counselling when I needed legal advice.
Im 60 now and my daughters are 30 and 31. They have no mother or father or grandparents. One is a single parent.
They both need financial help and I cant stand not being able to help. If our relationship cant be repaired then I would like financial help with reinventing my life.
My question is, if I can easily prove this event has both occurred and has seriously affected, and continues to affect mine and my childrens lives, can I prosecute my siblings for abetting???
also can I prosecute the nhs for all these years ive been asking for help and getting none.
A child abduction has gone unreported but I may be able to get my children to give a statement, and my siblings to admit they knew, IF I can tempt them with money. I need to know if I can prosecute and what amount can I tempt my money minded children with?
Both my son and I am scared, what can we do, will we get legal aid, will he have a say? He's only just finished counselling, but he's not the same boy he was, help us
I've recently been told by my grand mother that i was awarded £25000. I have never seen or known about this money till now. I have done some research into this and found that the money was awarded to my mum as I was only 8 yrs old. I've confronted my mum who has only said that it was put in trust fund for me. Clearly this is not the case! I can only assume that she had the Money herself as I have no memory of us as a family having that much money at any point in my life. I can't get any answers from anywhere and want to know how I go about maybe trying to get this money back or how I find out wat happened to it etc. If you could point me in the right direction please.
I was sexually assaulted at the start of the year and it really affected me. I was put on medication and unable to work and very rarely left my house as the it was done by a delivery driver who for that reason had my address. I did not feel comfortable in my own home. I have returned to work and starting to get my life back together but the effects of not being able to work and the debt it has created is slightly unbearable. I was rewarded a small amount of compensation in court but it was no where near the amount that was needed to fix these problems. Can I claim from CICA after he was already ordered to pay a small amount?
My sons dad was murdered the person responsible has been caught and we currently going through court proceedings.. I have been told I can claim compensation how much will I get to help bring my son up as a lone parent is it worth doing? We was still together at the time.
Thanks in advance
My family ties have suffered, I've had ongoing mental health problems since.perpetuated by the murder of my younger brother 4 years ago.
The affect of both traumatic events have had a huge impact in my every day life.
I was never told that I could make an application for compensation for the abuse I suffered and was made aware of this only last week. Should I have been aware I don't know that I would have been able to cope witht the process at the time after spending lengthy periods being interviewed by police etc and then extra pressure of the relationships jn my family breaking down due to my admission.
So I guess my question now is. Would I still be eligible to apply considering the time constraints? X
My first was too long so had to add a bit on ( second message)
I have just also realised that I hadn't mentioned something else which might be relevant
My mums house was petrol bombed about 18 years ago, I was living with her at the time and had just gone to use the downstairs toilet when I heard a noise at our front door
As soon as I opened the toilet door flames came at me , the door curtain caught fire and started to spread
I put the fire out while screaming upstairs for everyone to get up
A neighbour had seen suspicious activity and the fire starting and had called the police and passers by had seen someone running away
We were very much affected by this and slept downstairs for a few months following the incident and were paranoid and nervous for a long while afterwards but they were never caught and as I've said in earlier posts there were already so many issues we continued to be affected by that it didn't even occur to us to claim, my mums hall was burned and smoke damaged too
Feel like I'm beginning to tell my life story here but there's always been so little justice and compensation
I was severely systematically sexually emotionally and sometimes physically abused by my father from an early age until the day before my 16th birthday in 1994 when he was arrested and subsequently sentenced to ten years
My mum was advised to make a criminal injuries claim on my behalf and five years later I was awarded a 'substantial' sum of compensation
I sat through much of the evidence detailing the long term implications to my health before they determined the amount and although they were correct in what they said, I have experienced more trauma and loss than they anticipated namely with employment ,I've only been able to work a total of six years part time in low paid work ( despite having so much potential academically and in sport which thanks that piece of filth and others was destroyed )which was hell and was finally dismissed on grounds of ill health three years ago
I can't have a normal relationship with a man, have detachment issues with my Daughter although I do love her, our immediate and extended family fell apart, I have continually suffered with severe depression, ptsd, personality issues, social dysfunction, ocd and am housebound at least 90% of the time.i don't have a life just a miserable existence and strongly feel that the award didn't reflect the actual long term effects I have to live with
During the time my 'father' was abusing me I was also abused by an elderly man who befriended my mum, I was never raped by him but he frequently molested me under my clothes and made me touch him.this occurred over a period of three or four years
He was never prosecuted because I couldn't tell anyone due to what I experienced at home and I've spent my entire adult life struggling with mental health problems which have prevented me from reporting this
I was also stalked by someone for six months when I was 14 and this was reported because my friend was sometimes with me coming home from school and she reported it to the police , he was arrested and went to court but I'm not sure what happened I was too busy just surviving
Within months of my father going to prison I was drawn in to a group of men about ten years older than me who groomed me with drugs, alcohol and cigarettes to sexually exploit me
They were very dangerous people who even other adult men would have been frightened of and I've never been able to report them as doing so would mean leaving the country and taking on a new identity which I couldn't do to my daughter and I'm not sure I'd even be given that protection anyway
I am so angry that so many people have changed the course of my life and reduced me to what I've become, it seems there's no justice out there
Can you please advise if I can have my case re: abuse by my father reopened and if I can make a claim re: the elderly abuser who I'd assume would now be dead, the stalker who was found guilty of it and the
kind regards
Higgins
John higgins
My neighbour punched me on my head and chest .
The police came and she's been arrested and they charged her to pay compensation .but since then I didn't receive any amount .
It's nearly 3month .
And also I don't know what do I need to do and I would like to know how much she has to pay ?
Compensation order made £25.00
Criminal justice act 1988.
How much is for 2015 ???
Thank you
Kindest regards
Angela Carroll
Mother
Thanks
I had my head stomped on 4 times, when I reported the matter to the police I was told they were not interested, this happened on the 16th December 1999, I have suffered since by being afraid to go out to pubs and clubs and have serious facial disfigurement, had I known I could of claimed compensation I would of done to fix my face, instead I have suffered a lifetime of ridicule. but no record of the crime was made I was told by police that theyt were not interested.
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