How to challenge a Criminal Injuries Compensation decision
Getting a CICA decision that feels wrong can be deeply upsetting, whether your claim has been refused or the award is far lower than you expected. A CICA review gives you a formal way to ask the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority to look at the decision again.
How to challenge a Criminal Injuries Compensation decision
Getting a CICA decision that feels wrong can be deeply upsetting, whether your claim has been refused or the award is far lower than you expected. A CICA review gives you a formal way to ask the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority to look at the decision again.
What is a CICA review?
A CICA review is an internal reconsideration of your case by a different CICA decision maker, not the person who made the first decision. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) is a government body that pays compensation to eligible victims of violent crime under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.
You can usually ask for a review if your CICA refused claim left you with no compensation, or if your award seems too low, and you want CICA to look again in light of your reasons and any new evidence.
CICA review time limit and how to request one
You normally have 56 days from the date on your CICA decision letter to request a review. It’s important to double-check this date and act quickly so you don’t miss the deadline. Your request usually needs to be made in writing and it’s sensible to keep copies of everything you send. In some situations, you might be able to ask for extra time if there is a strong reason, like waiting for a key medical report, but extensions are not guaranteed and depend on your circumstances.
How to request a CICA review:
A clear, effective review request should usually include:
- Your CICA reference number and contact details.
- A direct statement that you are asking CICA to review the decision.
- A short explanation of why you believe the decision is wrong or unfair.
- Any additional evidence you want CICA to consider, like updated medical reports, therapy or counselling notes, police updates, or wage and benefits evidence.
Try to focus on facts and evidence rather than emotion, while recognising that writing this can feel difficult. A solicitor can help structure the arguments and organise the documents so they’re easier for CICA to follow, increasing your chances of success.
Our criminal injuries team
At Express Solicitors we have a team of criminal injury solicitors who are experts in their field, working closely with CICA to secure you the compensation and justice you deserve.
Over the years, we’ve supported clients across the country in securing compensation through the CICA. We take the time to work closely with each client and their family, ensuring they receive the guidance and support needed to rebuild their lives.
Craig
Newton
Partner - Head of Criminal Injuries Compensation
Claire
Reddicen
Associate Chartered Legal Executive
Rebecca
Adjei
Trainee Solicitor
Michael
Wharton
Solicitor
What evidence can help your CICA review?
Clear CICA review evidence helps the organisation understand why the original decision should change. Useful documents can include:
- GP or hospital reports
- Psychological assessments
- Police or prosecution updates
- Wage slips or benefits records showing loss of earnings
- Short statements from support workers or witnesses
Your Criminal Injuries Compensation review process should focus on information that directly supports your points. Honest, well-organised evidence is more effective than large volumes of paperwork, and a solicitor can guide you on what is most relevant.
What our clients say
What happens after a CICA review decision?
Once CICA has reconsidered your case, you’ll receive a new review decision letter. The outcome might change, like a previously refused claim being accepted, or an award increasing. It can also stay the same, or occasionally be reduced if information is found which affects eligibility.
Every case is different, so no outcome is guaranteed. If you still disagree, you might be able to appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Criminal Injuries Compensation) within a typical 90-day limit. Remember, Express Solicitors can help with your CICA decision challenge at the review stage.
Get the best legal team on your side
- Over 1,000 years of combined legal expertise
- Leading experts in Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Claims
- We’ll get you more compensation than anyone else
- We win the cases other firms can’t
- Fully independent, and fully regulated.
How a solicitor can help with your CICA review
Express Solicitors can help you challenge a CICA decision by reviewing your letter, explaining what it means, advising if a successful review is realistic, identifying key grounds, gathering evidence and drafting a clear request in time.
In many cases we can work on a no win, no fee basis. That means no upfront payment, legal fees only if your case succeeds and a pre-agreed success fee taken from your compensation. Terms apply.
Get in touch
A refused or low CICA decision is not always the end of the road. A CICA review can be a powerful way to correct mistakes or bring in new evidence, but the 56-day time limit means you need to act quickly.
We know revisiting what happened can be emotionally draining. You do not have to face it alone. You can contact us for a free, no-obligation chat by phone or online to understand your options and next steps with clear, expert support.
CICA claim FAQs
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