Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), is an executive agency of the UK government responsible for administering the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme (CICS). The CICS is a government-funded program that provides compensation to victims of violent crimes who have been physically or psychologically injured as a result of the crime.

The CICA considers applications from individuals who have been injured in England, Scotland, or Wales and who meet the eligibility criteria for the scheme. These criteria include being a resident of the UK, a national of the European Economic Area (EEA), or having leave to remain in the UK. Additionally, the crime must have been reported to the police within a reasonable time frame, and the victim must have cooperated with the police in any investigation and prosecution of the crime.

The amount of compensation awarded by the CICA depends on the nature and severity of the injury, and may also take into account the loss of earnings and other expenses incurred as a result of the injury. The CICA may also consider the behavior of the victim in determining the amount of compensation to be awarded.

The rules of the Scheme and the value of the payments awarded are set by Parliament and are calculated by reference to a tariff of injuries. Although the size of the award varies to reflect the seriousness of the injury, we know that it will never fully compensate you for what you have suffered or lost – it is just society’s way of recognizing that you have been a victim.

The Scheme applies to all applications received on or after 27 November 2012. This guide should be read in conjunction with the Scheme, which remains the authoritative document.

Basic eligibility criteria for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme (CICS):

Residency: To be eligible for compensation from the CICA, you must be a resident of the UK, a national of the European Economic Area (EEA), or have leave to remain in the UK. If you are a victim of a crime that took place outside of the UK, you may still be eligible for compensation if you are a UK national or have close connections to the UK.

Report to the Police: The crime must have been reported to the police within a reasonable time frame. The CICA may also require evidence that you have cooperated with the police in any investigation and prosecution of the crime.

Injury: You must have suffered an injury as a result of a crime of violence that took place in England, Scotland, or Wales. The injury must be physically or psychologically traumatic, and you must provide medical evidence of the injury.

Time Limit: There is a time limit for making an application to the CICA, which is generally two years from the date of the crime. However, in certain circumstances, the time limit may be extended.

Conduct of the Victim: The CICA may also consider the behavior of the victim in determining eligibility for compensation. If the victim was engaged in criminal activity at the time of the crime, or if their behavior contributed to the crime, their application for compensation may be refused.