If you’ve been injured as a result of a violent crime, it’s natural to wonder how much compensation you might receive from the CICA scheme and whether making a claim feels manageable right now. You may still be coming to terms with what happened while also dealing with the impact on your health, work and day to day life.
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) runs a government scheme that can pay compensation to victims of certain violent crimes in England, Scotland and Wales. Unlike civil claims, CICA awards are usually based on a fixed tariff of injuries rather than a negotiated settlement.
Awards range from lower amounts for less serious eligible injuries to higher awards for severe, life changing harm. How much you receive depends on the type of injury, its long term effects and the Scheme’s rules. This guide explains how CICA compensation is calculated and how we can talk through your options in confidence.
What is the CICA scheme and who does it help?
CICA is a government scheme that pays compensation to blameless victims of violent crime in England, Scotland and Wales. It can apply to incidents such as:
- assaults
- domestic violence
- sexual offences
- historic abuse
- violent robberies
You may still be able to receive a criminal injuries compensation payout even if no one is charged or convicted. What usually matters is that the crime was reported to the police and that the eligibility criteria are met.
If reporting feels difficult, you’re not alone, particularly after domestic abuse or sexual violence. However, reporting is often a key requirement and early legal advice can help you understand your position.
How CICA compensation amounts are calculated
The CICA tariff of injuries
CICA uses an official tariff of injuries. Each eligible injury or condition is assigned a fixed payment amount. The tariff is published on GOV.UK and updated periodically. When advising clients, we always refer to the most up to date version.
The tariff covers physical injuries, psychological injuries and certain specific awards linked to sexual offences and abuse.
CICA multiple injury calculation
If you suffered more than one injury in the same incident, CICA usually awards:
- 100% for the most serious injury
- a reduced percentage for the second injury (30%)
- a further reduced percentage for the third injury (15%)
- usually no payment under the basic tariff for any more than three injuries
In some cases, additional awards may apply where the scheme allows. This can include awards linked to sexual offences, pregnancy, infection or fatal and bereavement claims. A solicitor can help ensure the correct injuries and categories are considered.
What affects how much CICA compensation you receive?
Injury type, severity and long-term impact
CICA looks at the nature of your injury, how serious it is and how long the effects last. Psychological injuries such as PTSD, depression or anxiety usually require a formal diagnosis and supporting medical evidence. We can explain what’s needed and guide you through the medical evidence process.
Loss of earnings and special expenses
In some circumstances, CICA may pay loss of earnings if you’re unable to work for a qualifying period and strict criteria are met. It may also cover certain special expenses for essential costs that aren’t available for free elsewhere. These elements often require detailed evidence, so specialist advice can make a difference.
Criminal record, reporting and cooperation
CICA may reduce or refuse compensation if you have certain unspent convictions, if the crime wasn’t reported promptly without good reason, or if you haven’t cooperated with the police or CICA. This doesn’t automatically mean you can’t claim. We can review your circumstances and give clear, honest advice.
Is a CICA claim worth it compared to other options?
CICA is often the main option when the offender can’t be identified, traced or afford to pay compensation.
In some situations, a civil claim may also be possible, for example against an organisation or insurer. Civil compensation isn’t limited by the tariff and can sometimes be higher, but it isn’t suitable in every case.
We can advise whether a CICA claim, a civil claim, or both may apply and explain how CICA may take other compensation into account. Timescales vary, and many CICA claims take several months or longer depending on evidence and medical reports.
What if I think my CICA offer is too low?
If you’re unhappy with a CICA decision, you may be able to request an internal review and, in some cases, appeal to an independent tribunal. We can help by:
- checking the tariff category used
- reviewing the evidence CICA relied on
- advising whether the award could improve
- handling the review/appeal process
Before accepting an offer, it can be worth getting a second opinion if you feel it doesn’t reflect what you’ve been through.
How Express Solicitors can help with your CICA claim
We understand how difficult it can be to talk about a violent crime, particularly when it involves domestic abuse, sexual violence or historic trauma. We’ll listen carefully and guide you clearly at every stage.
We can help by checking eligibility, estimating a realistic award using the current tariff, gathering medical evidence, completing the application, communicating with CICA and handling any review or appeal.
We offer no win, no fee. That means no upfront payment and you only pay a success fee if the claim succeeds. Terms apply.
Get in touch
You didn’t choose what happened to you. But you may have options to seek financial recognition through the CICA scheme. Because awards are based on fixed tariffs and strict rules, it’s understandable to feel unsure about what you might receive or what to do next.
We’re here to make things clearer and to support you through the process on a no win, no fee basis. Terms apply.
If you’d like to discuss your options in confidence, contact our team today for free, no-obligation advice.
CICA compensation FAQs
How much compensation can I get from the CICA scheme?
It depends on the tariff category for your injury and any eligible additional awards, plus the evidence. CICA awards aren’t negotiated, and nobody can guarantee an amount, but we can estimate a realistic range using the current tariff.
How does CICA calculate multiple injuries from one incident?
Usually, CICA pays 100% for the most serious injury, then reduced percentages for the second and third injuries (30% and 15%). Under the basic tariff, it normally doesn’t pay for more than three injuries, though extra awards can apply in certain situations under the Scheme.
Can I claim for psychological injuries like PTSD?
Sometimes. CICA can cover some psychological injuries, but you’ll usually need a formal diagnosis and supporting medical evidence. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, we can check and explain what evidence may help.
Can I claim if the attacker was never convicted?
Often, yes. A conviction isn’t always needed. The crime must be reported to the police and you must meet the Scheme’s eligibility rules, including cooperation and evidence requirements.
How long does a CICA claim take?
It varies. Many claims take months or longer, depending on police information, medical evidence and whether further reports are needed. We can give you realistic expectations based on your circumstances.