Criminal Injuries Compensation: How the CICA Scheme Works
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.
All enquiries are treated with sensitivity and strict confidentiality.
Last updated: 13 October 2026
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.
- Injury tariffs and eligibility rules determine payment; £500,000 is the overall scheme cap, not a typical sexual abuse award.
- A police report is required. Application deadlines differ for adults and children; late applications require an explanation and evidence.
- CICA aims to decide most applications within 12 months; you can ask for a review within 56 days and, if needed, appeal to an independent tribunal within 90 days of that review.
- CICA and civil claims can interact: other compensation can reduce an award or need to be repaid.
- You can apply directly without paying a representative; CICA cannot meet a representative's costs and no-win no-fee representatives usually keep a share of the award. An unspent conviction can reduce or prevent an award.
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. You do not need a paid representative to apply. If you choose one, ask about fees and deductions before agreeing.
Who Can Make a CICA Claim?
CICA covers eligible injuries from violent crime in England, Wales and Scotland. The crime must have been reported to police. Residency or nationality conditions and other scheme rules also apply; reporting alone does not guarantee eligibility.
Apply as soon as reasonably practicable. Adults normally have two years from the incident. For childhood abuse reported before age 18, the normal deadline is the 20th birthday; if first reported at 18 or older, it is normally two years from that report. An extension requires exceptional circumstances preventing an earlier application and enough evidence for CICA to decide without extensive further enquiries.
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 injury categories in the scheme tariff. The overall award is capped at £500,000, including qualifying additional payments; this is not the tariff for sexual abuse or an estimate of what an applicant will receive.
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.
How Long Does It Take, and Can You Appeal a Decision?
CICA aims to assess most applications within 12 months, but the official guidance is explicit that complex cases — including many historical abuse claims, or cases involving ongoing medical treatment or disputed evidence — can take longer, to ensure the award properly reflects the severity of the injury and its long-term impact.
If you disagree with the outcome, you can ask for a review in writing within 56 days of the decision (with a further 56-day extension possible in exceptional circumstances). A different claims officer carries out the review, and the result can be higher, lower, or the same as the original decision. If you still disagree, you can appeal to the independent First-tier Tribunal (Criminal Injuries Compensation) within 90 days of the review decision.
CICA vs a Civil Compensation Claim
| CICA | Civil claim | |
|---|---|---|
| Police report required | Yes | Not necessarily |
| Time limit | Usually 2 years; special childhood rules | Depends on jurisdiction, abuse type and applicable law |
| 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?
Historical abuse may qualify even if reported years later. The date of the first police report matters for childhood claims. Delayed reporting and a late application are separate issues; explain both where relevant.
Do not wait for a criminal trial to finish before applying. Check the official deadline rules and seek individual advice if your application may be late.
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)?
CICA administers the government compensation scheme for violent crime in Great Britain. An award depends on the scheme rules and evidence; it is not a civil lawsuit against the abuser.
Do I need to report the crime to the police to make a CICA claim?
Yes. CICA requires a police report. It can consider reasons for delayed reporting, including childhood abuse, but that does not remove the reporting requirement. A conviction is not required.
How long do I have to apply to CICA?
Adults normally apply within two years of the incident. For childhood abuse, the deadline depends on when it was first reported to police: normally age 20 if reported before age 18, or two years from the first report if reported at 18 or older. Extensions require exceptional circumstances and sufficient evidence.
Can I make both a CICA claim and a civil compensation claim?
Both routes may be relevant, but you cannot receive compensation twice for the same injury. Tell CICA about other payments: an award may be reduced or repayment required.
How much can CICA pay for sexual abuse?
The scheme uses prescribed injury tariffs. The overall maximum award is £500,000, including any qualifying loss of earnings and special expenses. This is not the sexual abuse tariff or a typical payout. Check the official scheme for the applicable injury category.
How long does CICA take to make a decision?
CICA aims to assess most applications within 12 months, though the official guidance is clear that complex cases can take longer so the award properly reflects the severity of the injuries and their long-term impact. Cases involving historical abuse, ongoing medical treatment, or disputed evidence often fall into this longer category.
How does the injury tariff table actually work?
To qualify for an award, your injury must be described in the official tariff of injuries (Annex E of the Scheme). CICA matches your injury to the closest description in the tariff and pays the prescribed amount for that category based on severity and impact — it does not calculate an individual figure the way a civil court would. Where more than one tariff injury applies, additional rules govern how they combine.
What if I disagree with CICA's decision? Can I appeal?
Yes. You can ask CICA to review the decision, in writing, within 56 days of the date of the original decision (a further 56-day extension is possible in exceptional circumstances). The review is carried out by a different claims officer and can result in a higher, lower, or unchanged award. If you still disagree after the review, you can appeal to the independent First-tier Tribunal (Criminal Injuries Compensation) within 90 days of the review decision.
Do I need a solicitor to make a CICA claim?
No. CICA's guide says you do not need a legal or other representative. CICA cannot meet any costs if you appoint one, and a no-win no-fee representative usually keeps a share of your award, so ask exactly how much before you agree. Free independent advice may be available from local support services and charities.
How can I contact CICA or find out how my claim is going?
CICA's Customer Support Team is on 0300 003 3601, Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 3pm. CICA's guide says it does not routinely acknowledge correspondence and will contact you when it needs medical or other information, or when it has made a decision. Decisions can take a long time in complex cases, so keep your police reference and any CICA reference to hand when you call.
Can a criminal record affect my CICA claim?
It can. An unspent conviction may reduce an award or mean no award is made, depending on the sentence and the circumstances, and you must tell CICA straight away if you are convicted while your claim is being considered. Some road traffic penalties do not count. If this applies to you, read the official guide or take advice before applying.
Abuse Claim Lawyers
Information about abuse compensation
This page provides general information, not legal advice. A lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction can advise on your circumstances. Follow the official sources linked in the guide to check the rules.
Applying Directly and Preparing Your Information
You can use the official application route yourself. Have the police reference and available information about the incident ready; check the application instructions for what else is needed. You do not have to send a detailed account through this website to read the guidance.
Read the official CICA guide. Check the scheme rules for eligibility, time limits, evidence, costs and the effect of other compensation.
For a wider overview, see our UK abuse compensation routes.
Representatives, convictions and how awards are paid
Representatives. You do not need one. CICA cannot meet any costs if you appoint a representative, and a no-win no-fee representative usually keeps a share of your award, so check the percentage before agreeing. If fees are in dispute, CICA can hold them back from the award until you and the representative confirm in writing that they are resolved.
Criminal record. An unspent conviction can reduce an award or lead to no award, depending on the sentence and the circumstances. You must tell CICA immediately if you are convicted while your claim is being considered.
Payment. Where possible CICA settles a claim with a single lump sum. If the long-term effect of an injury is not yet known it may make interim payments, which are deducted from the final award. Awards for people under 18 are normally held in an interest-earning account until they reach 18.
Contacting CICA. The Customer Support Team is on 0300 003 3601, Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 3pm. CICA does not routinely acknowledge correspondence; it will write when it needs information or has made a decision.
Explore Related Pages
- Types of Abuse ClaimsChild abuse, institutional abuse, clergy abuse, and more
- UK Abuse ClaimsEngland, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland
- Europe Abuse ClaimsRedress schemes, church compensation, and cross-border claims
- How Claims WorkStep-by-step guide from enquiry to settlement
- FAQAnswers to common questions about abuse claims
Get Advice on Your CICA or Civil Claim Options
Edward & Amaury Solicitors, regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, will review your enquiry and advise whether CICA, a civil claim, or both may be worth pursuing. Free initial assessment, no obligation.