Services
Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme deals with compensation claims if you’ve been physically or mentally injured because you were the victim/survivor of a violent crime in England, Scotland or Wales.
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, (CICA for short), administers this Scheme and decides all claims. They can compensate victims/survivors of violent crime, or people whose loved ones have died as a result of violent crime, if they:
– are a British citizen or meet one of the other residency requirements;
– apply for compensation within two years of the crime occurring;
– report the crime to the Police;
– fully co-operate with the Police and the Criminal Justice System; and suffer a physical and/or psychological injury serious enough to qualify for the minimum award under the Scheme.
If you’ve suffered very serious injuries that have left you with no, or very limited capacity to work you may also get compensation for loss of earnings. Additional awards can also be made for specific practical, medical and care costs.
For more information and advice on how their service has changed due to COVID-19 click here.
Did you miss out on Criminal Injuries Compensation because of the ‘same roof’ rule?
If so, the following information could help you.
The ‘same roof’ rule blocked victims/survivors of violent crimes before 1979 from compensation if they lived with the attacker at the time of the incident.
Amendments to the ‘same roof’ rule passed by parliament came into force on the 13 June 2019. These amendments mean you can now reapply for compensation if you were previously refused an award, or if it was reduced under the ‘same roof’ rule. In instances where you didn’t apply to the CICA as the ‘same roof’ rule would have made you ineligible, you’re also welcome to reapply.
The deadline for submission of these applications is two years from the amendment date of 13 June 2019.
If a crime has been reported after the amendment date to the ’same roof’ rule, the normal two-year time limit from date of reporting surrounding historical, non-recent incidents would apply.
If you’re a victim/survivor who lived with the attacker before 1 October 1979
You can claim compensation if you were a victim/survivor of violent crime and:
- the crime happened between 1 August 1964 and 30 September 1979
- you lived with the attacker as a family member at the time of the incident (also called the ‘same roof’ rule)
You have until 12 June 2021 to make a claim.
If you’ve made a claim before
If you’ve made a claim before but it was refused or reduced because of the ‘same roof’ rule you can reapply for compensation. The ‘same roof’ rule does not apply anymore.
How to make a claim
You can request someone to contact you about your claim. You’ll need to give some information like your name and contact details.
A caseworker will contact you within 2 working days or on the next available day you’ve selected on the form.
Click here for more information about the CICA.