What is the CICA? It is the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) – an executive agency of the government, sponsored by the Ministry of Justice, with the purpose of compensating victims of violent crimes in England, Wales, and Scotland. The CICA administers the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012 (the Scheme). This is a government-funded scheme designed to compensate victims of violent crimes under a fixed tariff. Tariff amounts for sexual abuse may vary from £1,000 for minor, non-penetrative acts, up to £44,000 for non-consensual, penetrative acts causing serious injuries and a severe mental illness.
Victims of violent crimes, such as sexual abuse or sexual assault, could claim compensation through the CICA, provided the incident happened in Great Britain (or another relevant location), it was reported to the police, and the claim is filed within the time limit.
You can find out the answer to questions such as “what is the CICA?” and find out how a specialist solicitor could help you by contacting our team.
- Use our contact form to make an enquiry.
- Talk to an advisor online.
- Phone 0333 091 8597.
Jump To A Section
- What Is The CICA Claims Eligibility?
- How Long Is The CICA Claim Time Limit?
- What Compensation Could Be Awarded By The CICA?
- Do Injuries Need To Be Reported To The Police To Claim With The CICA?
- Can CICA Claims Be Made With No Win No Fee Solicitors?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Learn More
What Is The CICA Claims Eligibility?
Eligibility to make a claim through the CICA rests on core requirements, such as being the victim of a violent crime, nationality and residency criteria, and that the incident was reported to the police.
Criminal injury claims, such as those for sexual assault, may be brought through the CICA where there is no other party to make a claim against. For instance, the perpetrator may not have been caught or may lack sufficient funds to pay compensation.
The CICA eligibility criteria are:
- You were the victim of a violent crime, such as sexual abuse, physical abuse, or other crime. Annexe B of the Scheme sets out what counts as a violent crime for the purposes of compensation claims.
- You meet the nationality and residency criteria, such as being ordinarily resident in the UK.
- The crime, such as sexual or physical abuse, occurred in Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) or another relevant location, such as a boat registered in one of these countries.
- The crime was reported to the police. You can not make a claim if it has not been reported.
- You begin your case within the applicable claims time limit. We discuss how long you have to file a claim in the subsequent section.
The CICA may also take your criminal record and any unspent criminal convictions into account when assessing your eligibility to claim compensation. One of our solicitors could assess whether your case meets the CICA eligibility criteria.
How Long Is The CICA Claim Time Limit?
The standard time limit to make a CICA claim is 2 years from the date on which the crime took place. Notably, applicants do not need to wait for the outcome of any police investigation or court proceedings before initiating the claims process.
The CICA also considers exceptional circumstances in which a claim may be brought at a later date. Examples of exceptional circumstances could include where a physical or mental health issue prevented the claim being made at an earlier time.
In cases where the victim was under the age of 18 at the time of the incident the time limit may work differently.
- 2 years from your 18th birthday: if the incident was reported to the police prior to your turning 18. Unless there are exceptional circumstances.
- 2 years from the date the incident was reported to the police: where the incident was reported after you turned 18. Claimants must provide evidence showing why the incident(s) was not reported earlier.
Whether you are claiming for a recent incident or for abuse after reporting it years later, you may find the support of a specialist solicitor helpful. One of our solicitors might be able to help on a No Win No Fee basis.
What Compensation Could Be Awarded By The CICA?
CICA compensation awards could be made in respect of sexual offences, physical injuries, and mental harm under a fixed tariff. Under this fixed tariff, compensation could be awarded for up to 3 injuries using the multiple injuries formula. Compensation awards made under this formula are paid out at 100%, 30%, and 15% of the tariff value for the first, second, and third most severe injuries.
In addition, compensation could be awarded by the CICA in respect of special expenses payments, and lost earnings. Special expenses could be awarded in respect of:
- Damage to or loss of personal property you rely on, such as glasses.
- Mobility equipment needed following your assault.
- Domestic care costs, covering bodily functions and food preparation.
- Adapting a home and/or vehicle.
Loss of earnings payments are calculated separately to special expenses, with any payments awarded being calculated at the rate of Statutory Sick Pay. To claim for loss of earnings you must show you were unable to work or had a limited capacity to do so.
The CICA can also award bereavement payments for the loss of financial dependency and funeral payments in fatal criminal injury cases.
You can view examples of CICA payouts here or discuss how to use a CICA claim calculator with an advisor.
Do Injuries Need To Be Reported To The Police To Claim With The CICA?
Yes, the violent crime in which you were harmed (as well as any injuries) must be reported to the police in order to claim with the CICA. This is because the CICA requires a crime reference number issued by the police. This enables the CICA to liaise with the police, securing any relevant evidence and case details they hold.
In addition, you must provide proof that you meet the residency requirements set out earlier in this guide and medical evidence showing any physical or mental injuries you suffered.
A solicitor can help you secure evidence relevant to your case. Call an advisor now to discuss what is the CICA and how a solicitor can assist with their claims process.
Can CICA Claims Be Made With No Win No Fee Solicitors?
Yes, CICA claims can be made with No Win No Fee solicitors through a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), enabling victims of sexual or physical abuse to seek compensation without upfront solicitors’ fees. The CFA means that the solicitor can begin work on your case without the need for you to pay for their services in advance, or during any part of the criminal injury claims process. It also means that in the event your claim is unsuccessful, there are no solicitors’ fees to pay.
A percentage of the compensation (capped by law) awarded by the CICA will be deducted by the solicitor as their success fee if you win.
Our solicitors understand the impact violent crimes can have on victims. They can answer questions such as “what is the CICA?, will take the time to listen to your individual needs, explain the claims process, and strive to provide you with a supportive environment.
- Further explain what the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority is and its role in your claim.
- Help collect any evidence required by the CICA.
- Help you complete any forms or paperwork and file your claim.
- Connect you to rehabilitation and therapy services relevant to your mental or physical injury.
Contact Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice
Victims of violent crimes can contact Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice for help seeking compensation.
- Call 0333 091 8597.
- Contact us online.
- Chat to an advisor live.
Frequently Asked Question
Here we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the CICA and criminal injury claims.
What Does The CICA Do?
The CICA is an agency of the UK government which administers the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme. This Scheme provides compensation to victims of violent crimes in Great Britain.
What Is The Maximum CICA Payout Amount?
The maximum CICA payout amount is £500,000, covering physical and/or mental injuries, special expenses (such as damage to personal property), and loss of earnings payments. Amounts paid out for injuries are awarded in line with the fixed tariff.
Can I Claim For Multiple Injuries Through The CICA?
You can claim for multiple injuries through the CICA, with compensation being awarded for up to 3 different physical and/or mental injuries. In these cases, the multiple injuries formula applies, with 100% of the tariff being awarded for the most severe injury, followed by 30% and 15% for the subsequent 2 injuries.
Can Rejected CICA Claims Be Appealed?
You can appeal a decision made by the CICA in respect either to your claim being rejected or your compensation.
One of our sexual assault solicitors could answer any further questions about making a claim.
Learn More
Learn more about criminal injury claims in these resources.
- View our research into sexual assault statistics here.
- Find our research on rape and sexual assault offence rates in the UK.
- Learn how to claim for PTSD due to sexual abuse in this resource.
References.
- Guidance from the police on how to report sexual offences, such as rape or assault.
- Find out how to get help after sexual assault or rape in this NHS resource.
- The Enough Campaign from the government provides women and girls with support and information on reporting abuse.
We hope we have answered the question “what is the CICA?” Please contact us to get help with sexual abuse claims.
