Criminal Injuries Compensation: How the CICA Scheme Works
Last updated: June 2026
If you were injured as a result of a violent crime in Great Britain, including sexual abuse, you may be entitled to a government compensation award through CICA.
TL;DR — Quick Summary
- ·CICA is a UK government scheme that pays compensation to victims of violent crime, including sexual abuse, without needing to pursue the abuser through the courts.
- ·Awards are set using a fixed tariff ranging from £1,000 to £500,000 depending on the nature and severity of the injury.
- ·You generally need to have reported the crime to the police and applied within two years, though exceptions exist for historical abuse cases.
- ·A CICA claim and a civil compensation claim can often be pursued at the same time — one does not prevent the other.
- ·Legal advice before applying helps ensure you choose the right route and do not inadvertently limit your options.
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) is a government body that pays compensation to people who have been physically or psychologically injured as a result of a violent crime in Great Britain. It operates separately from civil court claims and does not require you to pursue the person who harmed you directly.
What Is the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority?
CICA operates a fixed tariff scheme under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act 1995. Awards are set at predetermined amounts based on the nature and severity of the injury, rather than being calculated individually as they would be in a civil court case. The scheme is funded by the government, which means you do not need the person who harmed you to have money or assets to pay you.
The official CICA application is handled through GOV.UK and can be made online. Legal advice before applying is strongly recommended to ensure you choose the right route and present the strongest possible application.
Who Can Make a CICA Claim?
To be eligible for a CICA award you generally need to have been the victim of a violent crime in Great Britain (England, Wales, or Scotland), have reported the crime to the police, and have applied within two years of the incident — or within two years of turning 18 if the crime happened when you were a child.
There are exceptions and extensions available in some circumstances, particularly for historical abuse cases. The two-year limit can be waived where there is good reason for the delay. If you are unsure whether you are within the time limit, it is worth taking legal advice before assuming your claim is out of time.
For crimes in Northern Ireland, a separate scheme operates: the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme (Northern Ireland).
What Crimes Does CICA Cover?
How Much Can CICA Pay?
CICA uses a fixed tariff. Awards range from £1,000 for minor injuries to £500,000 for the most severe cases. Sexual abuse is recognised within the tariff, with amounts varying depending on the nature and duration of the abuse and the severity of the psychological harm caused.
In addition to the tariff award for the injury itself, CICA may also pay loss of earnings where you are unable to work as a result of the injury, and special expenses such as the cost of care or adaptations to your home.
CICA vs a Civil Compensation Claim
| CICA | Civil claim | |
|---|---|---|
| Police report required | Usually yes | No |
| Time limit | 2 years (extendable) | Flexible — courts can extend |
| Award calculated by | Fixed tariff | Individual assessment |
| Potential award | Up to £500,000 | No fixed cap |
| Who pays | Government | The abuser or organisation |
| Criminal conviction needed | No | No |
In some cases, both a CICA claim and a civil compensation claim may be possible. A lawyer can advise on which route is most appropriate for your situation.
Can You Make a CICA Claim for Historical Abuse?
Yes, in some circumstances. CICA does accept claims relating to historical abuse, including childhood sexual abuse that was not reported or not dealt with at the time. The two-year time limit can be extended where there is good reason for the delay.
Courts and CICA both recognise that survivors of childhood abuse often cannot come forward immediately. If you are unsure whether your circumstances allow for a CICA claim, legal advice is the best starting point.
If you experienced abuse in care in Scotland, there is also a separate scheme called Redress Scotland, which may apply to your situation. And if you experienced historical abuse more broadly, our guide to historical abuse compensation explains your wider options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)?
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) is a UK government body that pays compensation to people injured as a result of a violent crime in Great Britain. It operates independently of the criminal courts and does not require you to bring a case against the person who harmed you. Awards are set using a fixed tariff based on the nature and severity of the injury, ranging from £1,000 to £500,000.
Do I need to report the crime to the police to make a CICA claim?
You will generally need to have reported the crime to the police to be eligible for a CICA award. However, there are exceptions and CICA does have some discretion, particularly in cases involving childhood abuse where reporting may not have been possible at the time. If you are unsure whether your circumstances allow a claim without a police report, legal advice is the best starting point before assuming you are ineligible.
How long do I have to apply to CICA?
The standard time limit for applying to CICA is two years from the date of the incident, or two years from turning 18 if the crime happened when you were a child. This limit can be extended where there is good reason for the delay, which courts and CICA regularly recognise in historical abuse cases. If you are concerned that your claim may be out of time, seek legal advice before drawing conclusions.
Can I make both a CICA claim and a civil compensation claim?
Yes, in many cases it is possible to pursue both a CICA claim and a separate civil compensation claim against the person or organisation responsible for the abuse. These are distinct legal processes and one does not prevent the other. A lawyer can advise on which route — or combination of routes — is most appropriate for your specific situation and what each may realistically achieve.
How much can CICA pay for sexual abuse?
CICA uses a fixed tariff scheme for sexual abuse claims, with awards varying based on the nature, severity, frequency, and duration of the abuse and the psychological harm caused. Awards for sexual abuse range from several thousand pounds for single incidents to over £100,000 for the most serious and prolonged cases. In addition to the tariff award, CICA may also pay for loss of earnings and special expenses such as care costs.
Legal Content Team
Abuse Compensation Specialists
This article was prepared by the Abuse Claim Lawyers content team and reviewed for legal accuracy. Content is updated regularly to reflect changes in law and policy. It is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
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