If you’ve already been through a violent crime, the waiting can feel like a second ordeal. If you have applied to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), you might be waiting for some time. So, how long does a CICA claim take in 2026?
At the moment, many CICA claims are still being decided in around a year. Some are resolved sooner. Others take much longer, especially more complex cases involving abuse, serious psychological injuries, or a review or appeal.
Every case is different and timelines are never guaranteed. In this guide, we explain the typical stages of a CICA claim in 2026, why delays are common, what you can do to avoid unnecessary hold-ups, and when getting legal support may help.
Typical CICA claim timelines in 2026
CICA says it aims to decide most claims within around 12 months, but recent official reporting shows growing demand and a larger live caseload, which has contributed to delays. For example, CICA’s 2024–25 annual report (published July 2025) notes that live caseloads increased to just over 55,000 and that it did not meet its target for deciding 70% of cases within 12 months. As a rough guide, typical ranges for CICA claims in 2026 are:
| Type of claim | Example timeframe |
| Straightforward physical injury claims | Roughly 6-12 months |
| Abuse, sexual assault or serious psychological injury claims | Often 12-24 months |
| Complex cases and those involving reviews/appeals | Can extent to 2-3 years+ |
These are indicative examples only. Your timeline depends on the evidence needed, how quickly records arrive, CICA processing times, your recovery and whether any decision is challenged.
CICA claim stages and how long each one can take
Stage 1 – Reporting the crime and applying
To claim through CICA, the crime must be reported to the police and you’ll usually need a crime reference number. CICA expects you to apply as soon as reasonably practicable and normally within 2 years of the incident with limited exceptions in certain circumstances.
Most people apply online, and you don’t have to wait for a criminal trial to finish before applying. This is the starting point for everything that follows.
Stage 2 – Evidence gathering
This is often the longest stage, and the one that makes timelines vary most. CICA may request things like:
- police reports and updates on the investigation
- GP and hospital records
- proof of earnings or financial losses
- sometimes, specialist medical evidence
Delays are common because police forces, hospitals, GPs and employers can take time to respond and CICA usually can’t decide your case until it has enough information. This is a big reason CICA processing times can feel like they stall, even when your claim is still moving behind the scenes.
Stage 3 – CICA decision, offer and payment
Once CICA has what it needs, it will decide if you qualify and how much to offer under the scheme. In many cases, a decision comes within a few months after evidence is complete but backlogs can extend this.
If you accept an offer, payment is often made within several weeks, though admin and banking processes can affect timing.
Stage 4 – Reviews, appeals and reopenings
If you ask CICA to review a decision, appeal to the tribunal or reopen a case because your condition changes, that adds extra steps and extra time. We explain reviews and appeals in more detail below.
Why are CICA claims taking so long in 2026?
Some delays are system-wide. Recent reporting shows:
- rising numbers of new applications
- a growing live caseload, meaning more claims are being handled at once
- a higher proportion of complex cases, including abuse and psychological injury claims
- stretched resources, which can affect how quickly cases progress and how often updates are sent
It can also feel like nothing is happening because communication is not always frequent. Sometimes CICA is simply waiting for third-party evidence to arrive.
Case-specific factors that can add time include:
- the seriousness and complexity of your injuries
- ongoing treatment
- slow responses from police, medical professionals or employers
- whether you request a review or appeal
As frustrating as it is, it’s now very common for CICA claims to take over 12 months and that doesn’t automatically mean there’s a problem with your case.
How long does a CICA appeal or review take?
A review is where you ask CICA to look at its decision again because you disagree with the outcome or the amount awarded. CICA guidance says you need to request a review within 56 days of the original decision letter.
An appeal is where you take the case to the independent first-tier tribunal if you still disagree after the review. The tribunal guidance says you have 90 days from the review decision to appeal. In general terms:
- Reviews can add several more months, sometimes longer
- Appeals can add many more months, and sometimes over a year, especially if new medical evidence or a hearing is needed
Challenging a decision can be worthwhile when the evidence supports it but it will usually extend the overall timeline. We can help you prepare a strong review or appeal, gather the right evidence and represent you, so the process feels less stressful even if it takes longer.
What you can do to avoid unnecessary delays
You can’t control CICA’s backlog but you can reduce avoidable hold-ups. These steps often help:
- Apply as soon as you reasonably can
- Make sure the crime was reported and keep your crime reference number safe
- Complete the application carefully and consistently, with as much detail as possible
- Keep up with treatment and attend medical appointments
- Reply quickly to any CICA letters or messages
- Keep your contact details up to date
We can also help reduce avoidable delays by:
- presenting your claim clearly and thoroughly from the start
- chasing third parties for missing evidence
- spotting when a review or appeal is worth pursuing and handling the extra steps for you
You can’t speed up everything but you can put yourself in the best position for progress.
When to seek legal help with your CICA claim
You’re allowed to make a CICA claim on your own. But when you’ve been through a crime, the forms, evidence requests and long waits can feel overwhelming. Legal help is often especially useful if you have:
- serious or long-term injuries
- complex abuse or psychological trauma
- financial loss or dependency issues
- a decision you’re unhappy with
At Express Solicitors, we can explain your options, help gather evidence and manage reviews and appeals if needed.
We can also help under a no win, no fee agreement in suitable cases: no upfront payment, and you only pay a fee if your claim is successful. Terms apply.
Get in touch
In 2026, many CICA claims still take longer than people expect, especially complex cases, abuse claims and anything involving a review or appeal. But a long wait doesn’t mean you’ll never receive compensation.
When you understand the stages, what causes delays and what you can do to avoid common pitfalls, you’re in a stronger position to move things forward. We’re experienced in CICA claims and focused on clear communication, practical support, and reducing avoidable delays wherever we can.
If you’re worried about how long your CICA claim is taking, contact us today for free, no-obligation advice about your options.
CICA Claim time FAQs
Is it normal for a CICA claim to take more than 12 months?
Yes. It’s common for claims to go over a year, especially complex cases or abuse-related claims. It doesn’t always mean something’s wrong.
Can I apply to CICA if no one has been charged or convicted?
Often, yes. A conviction isn’t always required, as long as the crime was reported and you meet the Scheme rules.
Do I need to wait for the criminal trial before I apply to CICA?
Usually not. You can often apply once the crime is reported, although CICA may still take account of outcomes later.
Can a solicitor speed up a CICA claim?
A solicitor can’t control CICA’s backlog, but they can reduce avoidable delays by gathering evidence early, chasing updates, and managing reviews/appeals.