If you have been physically or mentally injured as a result of a violent crime, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) operates a statutory scheme to recognise the harm you have suffered through compensation. Knowing how to contact CICA, the deadlines that apply, and the procedures for reviews and appeals can make a significant difference to the success of your claim. This guide explains the contact pathways, jurisdictional differences, time limits, and what happens if you disagree with a decision.

What the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Does

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority pays compensation to people physically or mentally injured because of a violent crime in England, Scotland, or Wales, or in an act of terrorism abroad. The scheme is established under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act 1995 and operates according to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012, as amended.

Its core purpose is to recognise, through compensation, the harm experienced by victims injured as a result of violent crime, including physical and sexual assault as well as domestic terrorist attacks.

Northern Ireland operates under a separate statutory framework—the Criminal Injuries Compensation (Northern Ireland) Order 2002 and the Criminal Injuries (Compensation) (Northern Ireland) Order 1988—and is administered by Compensation Services, not CICA.

Contact Details for CICA (England, Wales, and Scotland)

If you live in England, Wales, or Scotland and need to contact CICA, the official contact information is as follows:

Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority
10 Clyde Place
Buchanan Wharf
Glasgow G5 8AQ
United Kingdom

Telephone: 0300 003 3601
From outside the UK: +44 (0)203 684 2517
Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 0300 003 3601
Email: info@cica.gov.uk

Opening times are Monday to Friday, 8.30 am to 3 pm, according to the CICA contact page.

You can also apply online through the claim criminal injuries compensation service.

Contact Details for Northern Ireland

If you live in Northern Ireland, contact Compensation Services:

Compensation Services
5th Floor, Queen's Court
56–66 Upper Queen Street
Belfast BT1 6FD
United Kingdom

The procedures and legislation differ from those in Great Britain, so ensure you follow the guidance specific to Northern Ireland.

Application Time Limits

England, Wales, and Scotland

You must apply as soon as it is reasonably practicable to do so. If you were an adult at the time of the incident, this should normally not be later than two years after it occurred.

The time limit can only be extended where, due to exceptional circumstances, an application could not have been made earlier and the evidence provided in support of the application means that it can be determined without further extensive enquiries by a claims officer.

You may be able to claim for a crime that happened more than two years ago if you are claiming because of childhood sexual or physical abuse, or if you could not claim earlier—for example, because your mental or physical health stopped you.

Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, the general rule is also that applications should be made within two years of the incident. However, applications may still be accepted after two years if, in the particular case, it was not reasonable to expect an application to be made within this time.

What This Means for You

If you were injured as an adult: Act within two years. CICA can extend this deadline only in exceptional circumstances where you could not reasonably have applied earlier and your claim can be assessed without extensive enquiries.

If you were a child when the abuse occurred: The two-year rule does not apply in the same way. You can apply later in life, particularly if childhood sexual or physical abuse prevented you from coming forward sooner.

If mental or physical health stopped you from applying: This may count as an exceptional circumstance. Provide medical evidence to support your late application.

How CICA Assesses Claims

CICA aims to assess claims as quickly as possible, with the majority assessed within 12 months. It may be necessary for CICA to obtain information from third parties, usually including the police and relevant medical authorities, to inform the assessment of eligibility and entitlement to compensation.

You may be asked to provide additional information, and you will have 30 days to provide information that CICA has requested.

Evidence Requirements

CICA needs to verify that:

  • A crime of violence occurred
  • You suffered injury as a result
  • You meet the eligibility criteria under the Scheme

This typically involves requesting police reports, medical records, and, where applicable, witness statements. Cooperation with these requests will speed up your claim.

What to Do If You Disagree with a Decision

England, Wales, and Scotland

If you disagree with CICA's decision and want them to review it, you must send a written request for a review within 56 days of the date on the original decision letter.

If you remain dissatisfied with the review decision, you can appeal to the independent First-tier Tribunal.

Northern Ireland

If you are unhappy with the decision made by Compensation Services, you can request a review of the decision, which should be made within three months from the date of the first decision. A different caseworker within Compensation Services will reassess the claim, and at this stage further information may be requested.

Making a Complaint About CICA

Complaints should be raised as soon as possible, as this gives the best chance to resolve concerns. Complaints should be made within one year of the problem being identified, in line with the guidelines of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) and the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO).

Complaints can cover issues such as delays, communication failures, or concerns about how your claim was handled. CICA operates a two-stage complaints process before you can escalate the matter to the relevant ombudsman.

Jurisdictional Summary

JurisdictionContact BodyLegislationApplication Deadline
England, Wales, ScotlandCriminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)Criminal Injuries Compensation Act 1995; Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012Within 2 years (adults); exceptions for childhood abuse and exceptional circumstances
Northern IrelandCompensation ServicesCriminal Injuries Compensation (Northern Ireland) Order 2002Within 2 years; may be extended if unreasonable to expect earlier application

Key Points to Remember

  • Contact CICA as early as possible. The two-year deadline is strict for most adult claimants, and extensions are granted only in exceptional circumstances.
  • Different rules apply in Northern Ireland. If your injury occurred in Northern Ireland, contact Compensation Services, not CICA.
  • Keep evidence. Police reports, medical records, and any correspondence with authorities strengthen your application.
  • Use the 56-day review window in England, Wales, and Scotland. If you disagree with a decision, request a review in writing within 56 days.
  • In Northern Ireland, you have three months to request a review.
  • Childhood abuse claims are treated differently. Survivors of childhood sexual or physical abuse are not bound by the standard two-year rule.

How Long Does CICA Take to Respond?

CICA aims to assess the majority of claims within 12 months, though complex cases or those requiring extensive third-party information may take longer. Northern Ireland's Compensation Services operates on a similar timescale, though individual case complexity will affect processing time.

If you have not heard back within a reasonable period, or if you have concerns about delays, contact CICA directly using the contact details above or follow the complaints procedure.

Getting Help with Your Application

While you do not need a solicitor to apply to CICA, many claimants find it helpful to seek advice, particularly if their claim is complex, involves historic abuse, or if they have been refused compensation and wish to challenge the decision.

Personal injury solicitors experienced in criminal injury claims can review your eligibility, help you gather evidence, and represent you at review or tribunal stages. Make sure any solicitor you instruct is transparent about costs and specialises in this area of law.

Last verified: 2026-07-14

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Disclaimer: This article provides general information about contacting the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority and does not constitute legal advice. Eligibility, time limits, and procedures are subject to statutory rules and may change. Always check the latest guidance on GOV.UK or seek independent legal advice tailored to your circumstances.