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

Double Jeopardy Law

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

Anti-Social Behaviour

Anti-Social Behaviour.
Anti-social behaviour is defined as activities that are unacceptable and reduce the quality of life for others, this could be by harassm..

Discrimination at work | Age

Discrimination at work.
A person must not be treated differently to any other employee because of their .....

What is a Section 60 notice?

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

link

Cautions, warnings and penalty notices.

Police cautions and warnings are the same and can be issued to anyone over the age of ten for minor offences, whilst this does not count as a conviction it can..

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..

Dangerous Driving.

You may have witnessed people driving, 'dangerously' or you may have been stopped for dangerous driving, but are you aware that there are other charges that fal..

Stop and Search Laws to be changed?

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

link

Neighbour Disputes | Nuisance Neighbours

Unfortunately, not everyone is respectful in life, most of the time we just move on and keep our opinion to ourselves, but when that comes to where we live you..

Finders Keepers | Finders Law

Finders Keepers | Finders Law
Ever since the phrase came into being in the early nineteenth century, documented as no halfers-findee, lossee seekee, which sou..

Fraud Solicitors | Solicitors.com

Fraud Solicitors. Fraud could be described as a deception in order to secure unfair or unlawful gain, usually monetary...

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