Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Number: How to…

Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Number: How to Contact CICA

If you have been injured as a victim of violent crime, you may be entitled to compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). Whether you are starting a new claim, checking the status of an existing application, or seeking guidance on the claims process, knowing how to contact CICA is essential. This guide explains the different ways to reach the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, what information you will need, and how the CICA claims process works across England, Scotland, and Wales.

What Is the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority?

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority is a government body that administers the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme on behalf of the Ministry of Justice. CICA handles claims from individuals who have suffered physical or psychological injuries as a direct result of violent crime.

The scheme covers incidents that occur in England, Scotland, and Wales. Northern Ireland operates a separate compensation scheme administered by the Department of Justice Northern Ireland.

CICA assesses claims based on a tariff system that categorises injuries according to their severity. Compensation amounts are determined by reference to this tariff, which is updated periodically to reflect changes in the value of awards.

Who Can Claim Through CICA?

You may be eligible to make a claim through CICA if you:

Were a victim of violent crime, including physical or sexual assault
Witnessed a violent crime and suffered psychological trauma as a result
Were injured while trying to prevent a crime or apprehend an offender
Are the relative of someone who died as a result of violent crime

Claims must generally be submitted within two years of the incident, though exceptions exist for childhood abuse cases and situations where the delay can be justified.

Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Contact Number

The main telephone number for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority is 0300 003 3601. This line is available Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm (except public holidays).

When you call, you should have your CICA reference number ready if you already have an open claim. For new enquiries, be prepared to provide basic details about the incident, including the date and location of the crime and whether it was reported to the police.

Alternative Contact Methods

If you prefer not to call, or if you have hearing or speech difficulties, CICA offers several alternative contact methods:

Postal address:
Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority
Alexander Bain House
Atlantic Quay
15 York Street
Glasgow
G2 8JQ

Email enquiries can be submitted through the CICA online portal, which is accessible via the official gov.uk website. The online service allows you to submit new claims, upload supporting documents, and track the progress of existing applications.

Textphone service for those with hearing difficulties: 0300 003 3601 (using the text relay service).

When to Contact CICA

Understanding when and why to contact the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority can help you navigate the claims process more effectively.

Starting a New Claim

If you wish to make a new claim, the most efficient method is to apply online through the gov.uk website. However, you may contact CICA by telephone if you need assistance with the application process or have questions about eligibility.

Before contacting CICA to start a claim, ensure that:

The incident was reported to the police (you will need a crime reference number)
You have details of any medical treatment you received
You have records of any time off work or financial losses resulting from the injury
You are within the two-year time limit (or can demonstrate exceptional circumstances for a late application)

Checking Your Claim Status

Once you have submitted a claim, you can check its progress through the CICA online portal using your reference number. If you encounter difficulties accessing the online system or have not received correspondence you were expecting, the telephone line is the quickest way to obtain an update.

CICA aims to process straightforward claims within 12 months, though complex cases or those requiring additional medical evidence may take longer.

Providing Additional Information

CICA may contact you during the assessment process to request further information or clarification. This might include:

Additional medical evidence or permission to access your medical records
Details about the circumstances of the crime
Evidence of financial losses, such as payslips or receipts
Information about any criminal convictions you may have

You should respond to these requests promptly, as delays in providing information will extend the time taken to process your claim.

Appealing a Decision

If your claim is refused or you believe the compensation awarded is insufficient, you have the right to request a review of the decision. The first stage is to ask CICA to reconsider the decision by writing to them or submitting a review request through the online portal.

If the review does not resolve your concerns, you can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Criminal Injuries Compensation). CICA can provide information about the appeals process when you contact them.

What to Expect When You Contact CICA

When you telephone or write to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, staff will ask for specific information to verify your identity and locate your claim record.

Information You Will Need

Have the following details available before making contact:

Your full name, date of birth, and address
Your CICA reference number (if you have already submitted a claim)
Crime reference number provided by the police
Details of the incident, including the date and location

If you are calling on behalf of someone else, such as a child or vulnerable adult, you will need to explain your relationship to the claimant and may be asked to provide evidence of your authority to act on their behalf.

Response Times

Telephone calls are usually answered within a few minutes during office hours. If lines are busy, you may experience a wait, particularly on Monday mornings and the days following public holidays.

Written correspondence is typically acknowledged within five working days, with a full response provided within 20 working days, depending on the complexity of your query.

The CICA Claims Process

Understanding how the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority assesses claims can help you prepare your application and anticipate what information will be required.

Initial Assessment

When CICA receives your application, staff will check that it meets the basic eligibility criteria:

The incident constitutes a crime of violence
The crime was reported to the police without undue delay
You cooperated with the police investigation
Your application was submitted within the time limit

If your claim does not meet these criteria, it may be rejected at this stage. CICA will write to explain the reasons for rejection and inform you of your right to request a review.

Evidence Gathering

For claims that pass the initial assessment, CICA will gather evidence to support your application. This typically involves:

Obtaining the police report and crime records
Requesting your medical records (with your consent)
Reviewing any evidence you have submitted, such as photographs, receipts, or witness statements

CICA may instruct an independent medical expert to examine you if there is uncertainty about the nature or severity of your injuries. You will be given advance notice of any medical examination and details of when and where it will take place.

Calculating Compensation

CICA uses a tariff system to determine compensation awards. Injuries are categorised into bands according to their severity, with each band corresponding to a fixed compensation amount. The tariff is set out in the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme and ranges from £1,000 for minor injuries to £500,000 for the most severe cases.

Additional payments may be made for loss of earnings if you were unable to work for more than 28 weeks as a result of your injuries, and for special expenses such as the cost of care or adaptations to your home.

The total compensation may be reduced if you have unspent criminal convictions or if CICA determines that you contributed to the incident through your own behaviour.

Decision and Payment

Once CICA has completed its assessment, you will receive a written decision explaining whether your claim has been accepted and, if so, how much compensation you will receive. The letter will break down the award, showing how each element has been calculated.

If you accept the decision, payment is usually made within a few weeks. If you disagree with the decision, you must request a review within 56 days.

Common Issues and How CICA Can Help

Several common challenges arise during the claims process. Knowing how CICA can assist with these issues will help you resolve them more quickly.

Delayed Claims

If your claim is taking longer than expected, contact CICA to ask for an update. Delays are often caused by:

Waiting for medical evidence or police reports
The need for additional information from you
The complexity of the case or the severity of the injuries

CICA staff can explain the current status of your claim and what further action is required.

Missing Documents

If you have submitted documents that CICA has not acknowledged, or if CICA has requested documents that you believe you have already provided, contact them to clarify what is needed. The online portal allows you to upload documents directly, which provides confirmation of receipt.

Changes in Circumstances

You should notify CICA of any changes that may affect your claim, such as:

A change of address or contact details
New medical evidence that has come to light
A change in your employment status or financial circumstances

Difficulty Completing the Application

If you are finding it difficult to complete the application form due to the nature of your injuries, your level of literacy, or language barriers, CICA can provide assistance. Telephone advisers can help you work through the form, or you may wish to seek assistance from a solicitor or another adviser.

CICA and Road Traffic Accidents

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority does not generally cover injuries sustained in road traffic accidents, as these are typically dealt with through civil claims against the driver or their insurer.

However, there are limited circumstances in which a road traffic incident may be treated as a crime of violence and therefore fall within CICA's remit:

The driver deliberately used the vehicle as a weapon to cause injury
The incident involved an assault that happened to occur on a road, such as being deliberately run down

If your road traffic accident involved a hit-and-run driver and you were unable to identify them, you may be able to claim compensation through the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) untraced drivers scheme rather than through CICA.

If you are uncertain whether your case falls within CICA's jurisdiction, contact them to discuss your circumstances. They will be able to advise whether you should apply to CICA or pursue a different route to compensation.

What This Means for You

If you have been injured in a violent crime, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority can provide financial support to help you recover. Contacting CICA early—ideally within two years of the incident—ensures that your claim is processed as quickly as possible. Keeping detailed records of the crime, your injuries, and any financial losses will strengthen your application. If you are unsure about any aspect of the claims process, CICA's helpline and online portal are available to guide you through each stage.

Getting Legal Advice

While it is not mandatory to use a solicitor to make a CICA claim, legal advice can be valuable if your case is complex, if your claim has been refused, or if you are appealing a decision.

Solicitors who specialise in personal injury law can:

Review your case and advise on the strength of your claim
Assist with gathering evidence and completing the application
Represent you at tribunal hearings if your appeal proceeds to that stage
Ensure that all applicable heads of compensation are claimed

Many solicitors offer a free initial consultation to assess your case. If you decide to instruct a solicitor, check what their fees will be and whether they offer a conditional fee arrangement (sometimes known as "no win, no fee").

Key Points to Remember

When dealing with the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, keep these essential points in mind:

The main telephone number is 0300 003 3601, available Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm
Claims must usually be made within two years of the incident
You will need a crime reference number from the police
CICA uses a tariff system to calculate compensation, so awards are based on the severity of your injuries
You can track your claim online through the gov.uk portal
If your claim is refused or the award is lower than expected, you have the right to request a review and, if necessary, appeal to a tribunal

Taking prompt action and maintaining clear communication with CICA throughout the process will help ensure that your claim is resolved as efficiently as possible.

Last reviewed: 2026-09-18

Sources

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about contacting the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority and the CICA claims process in England, Scotland, and Wales. It is not legal advice. If you have specific questions about your eligibility or circumstances, contact CICA directly or seek advice from a qualified solicitor. Outcomes depend on individual facts, and no compensation is guaranteed.