Find accurate, official guidance on CICA compensation claims from GOV.UK and Victim Support.
Need free advice? Citizens Advice — citizensadvice.org.uk or call 0800 144 8848 (free).
Need a solicitor? Law Society — Find a Solicitor.
📖 Want the full picture? Read our guide: Your Rights with Police & Justice
How much can I be awarded by CICA?
The minimum award is £1,000. The maximum tariff for a single injury is £250,000, and the overall maximum per person is £500,000 including loss of earnings and special expenses.
How are multiple injuries calculated?
You receive 100% of the highest tariff, plus 30% of the second and 15% of the third — a maximum of three injuries.
What is the deadline to apply?
Two years from the incident, extendable only in exceptional circumstances. Child victims can apply up to their 20th birthday if the crime was reported before they turned 18, or within 2 years of it first being reported.
Do I have to report the crime to the police?
Yes. The crime must be a violent crime in England, Scotland or Wales, it must be reported to the police, and you must cooperate with both the police and CICA.
Can a criminal record stop my claim?
An unspent conviction carrying a custodial or community order means automatic refusal. Other unspent convictions are assessed under a penalty points system.
Is there a payment if a relative was killed?
A bereavement payment of £11,000 where one person qualifies, or £5,500 each where more than one relative qualifies.
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The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme provides compensation for victims of violent crime in Great Britain, regardless of whether the offender is caught or convicted — the key requirement is that a crime of violence occurred and was reported to the police.
Claims generally need to be made within 2 years of the incident, though this can be extended in certain circumstances such as the victim being a child at the time, or where there's good reason for the delay — don't assume it's too late without checking your specific circumstances.
Compensation can cover physical and mental injury, loss of earnings in some cases, and in the most serious cases, bereavement payments for family members — awards follow a tariff-based system rather than being individually negotiated in every case.
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Our guidance covers many common situations, but complex or high-stakes cases need professional advice. Official information: GOV.UK (England, Wales and Scotland) and nidirect (Northern Ireland). For free help, contact Citizens Advice (England 0800 144 8848, Wales 0800 702 2020), Citizens Advice Scotland (0800 028 1456) or Advice NI (0800 915 4604), or speak to a solicitor.
Directed and published by Matt Thompson, founder of UK Work Rights. Guidance checked against GOV.UK, ACAS and legislation.gov.uk. This is general rights guidance, not legal advice.
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