Skip to Content

Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme: Key Changes and Current Eligibility Rules

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme (CICS) provides financial support to victims of violent crime in England, Scotland, and Wales. Since its last major revision in 2012 and subsequent updates, the scheme has undergone changes affecting eligibility, award levels, and time limits. This article outlines the key developments and provides essential information for applicants in 2025.



1. Eligibility Criteria

Must have sustained a physical or mental injury due to a violent crime.
Must report the incident to the police promptly.

Applications must be submitted within 2 years of the incident (exceptions apply for minors or vulnerable adults).

2. Recent Changes

Removal of automatic exclusions for unspent convictions (subject to case-by-case review).
Expanded recognition of psychological harm and coercive control.
Increased awards for sexual assault and domestic abuse cases.

3. Compensation Bands

Awards range from £1,000 to £500,000 depending on severity.
Loss of earnings and extraordinary expenses may be claimed if the criteria are met.

4. Appeals and Reviews

Applicants can request a review or appeal to the First-tier Tribunal.

Legal representation is not required but may improve outcomes.

Conclusion: Victims of crime should seek advice early to ensure eligibility and maximise their claim. For more information, visit the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).

Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme: Key Changes and Current Eligibility Rules
Image Description
related news
recent articles
Double Jeopardy Law

What is Double Jeopardy? and is it still Law in the UK?..

link

New Guidelines for online hate crimes.

New guidelines have been issued to crack down on online hate...

Social media in the work place

Social media in the work place - Staff using social media in the work place can become a problem, productivity and performance can be affected by the time spent..

Children and the law - Committing a crime

Children and the law - Committing a crime.
A child under 10 will not be charged with a criminal offence but they can face consequences for their actions.
The..

What is a Section 60 notice?

Over 2000 section 60 notices have been issued in London last year..

link

What can and can`t Bailiffs do

What can and can't Bailiffs do? Guide to stricter rules..

Points on your Driving License

Points on your Driving License - What happens when you receive points on your Driving Licence, How long do they stay, how many points until you are banned from..

Children and the Law Consensual Sex

Children and the Law Consensual Sex
To consent is to agree to something, so when you are talking about the age of consent it is the age at which that law state..

Stop and Search Laws to be changed?

Police Chiefs are calling for a change in the 'stop and search' l..

link

Speeding motoring offences

Speeding motoring offences
Over 100,000 motorists are caught speeding each year, many have attended speed awareness courses, many were fined and received point..

Reporting a Crime.

If the crime is ongoing call 999, you should not put yours or anyone else’s safety at risk by taking action yourself...

law on legal highs to be reviewed

The law banning legal highs in the UK is to undergo an urgent review...

Image Description
Is there anything wrong with this page? - any amendments will receive accreditation - email us

Solicitors.com are not a firm of solicitors, and any content on the site should not be used in substitute for obtaining Legal advice from a solicitor regulated in the UK, Solicitors.com recommends that you contact a firm of solicitors to discuss your individual legal requirement. Whilst we strive to bring you accurate up to date content, all content on this site is not legal advice and is not guaranteed to be correct. Use of this site does not create a client relationship.

Information by area of law
Back to top