How the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Tariff…

How the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Tariff Works

If you've been injured as a result of violent crime, you may be eligible for compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). Unlike personal injury claims that seek damages based on individual circumstances, CICA operates a tariff-based scheme under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act 1995: fixed payments set by Parliament for specific categories of injury. This guide explains how the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority tariff works, what you can claim, and the time limits that apply.

The tariff system means your award is determined by the nature of your injury rather than negotiated settlement, as set out in the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act 1995. Understanding how this differs from civil claims, and what additional payments you may qualify for, helps you know what to expect when applying.

What Is the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Tariff?

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority tariff is a table of fixed award amounts for injuries caused by violent crime in England, Wales, and Scotland. It replaced an earlier system based on common-law damages in 1996, introducing a simpler, more transparent structure. Awards are organised into bands—labelled from Level 1 (the lowest) to Level 25 (the highest)—and each band corresponds to a specific injury or group of injuries. According to GOV.UK guidance, the tariff approach aims to deliver faster decisions and consistent outcomes across similar cases.

In Northern Ireland, a separate but parallel scheme operates under the Criminal Injuries Compensation (Northern Ireland) Order 2002. The tariff structure and injury categories are broadly similar, though administered by the Department of Justice rather than CICA.

Why Parliament Chose a Tariff System

A tariff-based model removes the need for individual negotiation or detailed quantum assessments that characterise civil personal injury litigation. The Crime and Security Act 2010 Explanatory Notes explain that the fixed-sum approach balances affordability for the public purse with fair recognition of victims' suffering. Because awards are prescribed by statute, applicants receive predictable compensation without the uncertainty—and legal costs—of adversarial settlement.

How Tariff Awards Are Calculated

The Tariff Levels Explained

Each level in the tariff corresponds to a monetary sum. For example, Level 1 covers minor injuries such as a grazed knee or small bruising, while higher levels address serious injuries including brain damage, paralysis, or significant scarring. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Annual Report 2023-24 shows that in the 2023-24 financial year alone, CICA resolved over 24,000 applications, demonstrating the scale of the scheme.

The precise tariff sums are periodically adjusted for inflation. As of the latest published scheme, Level 1 awards start at £1,000, with the highest Level 25 awards reaching £250,000 for the most catastrophic injuries. These figures are set out in the scheme order made under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act 1995.

Worked Example: Single Injury

Imagine you sustained a fractured cheekbone during an unprovoked assault. A fractured cheekbone typically falls within the mid-range levels of the tariff—around Level 10 to Level 12, depending on displacement and need for surgical intervention. If the tariff assigns your injury to Level 11 at £5,500, you would receive a fixed payment of £5,500, provided you meet all eligibility criteria.

No negotiation takes place on the injury award itself; the tariff dictates the sum. However, you may still be entitled to special-expenses payments (see below).

Multiple Injuries: The 30% and 15% Rule

If you suffered more than one injury in the same incident, CICA pays compensation for up to three injuries. The GOV.UK guidance explains the calculation method:

Highest tariff injury: You receive the full award for the most serious injury.
Second injury: CICA adds 30 per cent of the tariff level for the next most serious injury.
Third injury: CICA adds 15 per cent of the tariff level for the third most serious injury.

Worked Example: Multiple Injuries

Suppose in a road-rage attack you sustained:

Injury 1: Broken jaw (Level 13 = £8,200)
Injury 2: Fractured wrist (Level 9 = £3,400)
Injury 3: Scarring to face (Level 7 = £2,000)

Your total injury award would be:

£8,200 (full award for the jaw)
- £1,020 (30% of £3,400 for the wrist)
- £300 (15% of £2,000 for the scar)
= £9,520

This method prevents double-counting while still recognising the cumulative impact of multiple injuries.

Additional Payments Beyond the Tariff

Special Expenses

You may claim reasonable special expenses that arose directly from the injury, such as:

Loss of earnings or earning capacity (subject to a statutory threshold and cap)
Costs of care, aids, and appliances
NHS charges if treatment was in a private facility

GOV.UK guidance specifies that loss-of-earnings payments begin only after 28 weeks off work, and are capped at a statutory weekly maximum (currently £152 per week for the first 28 weeks of loss beyond the qualifying period). Long-term loss of earning capacity is assessed using actuarial multipliers similar to civil personal injury practice.

Fatal Claims and Bereavement Awards

If the victim died as a result of the crime, certain relatives can claim:

A bereavement award (a standard payment for qualifying family members)
Funeral expenses
Loss of parental services (for child dependants)
Dependency awards for financial support lost

These awards are also tariff-based but calculated separately from injury awards. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Act 1995 and scheme rules set out who qualifies and how dependency is assessed.

Eligibility and Claim Rejection: Common Hurdles

Core Eligibility Criteria

To receive an award, you must show that:

You were the victim of a violent crime in England, Wales, or Scotland (or Northern Ireland under the separate scheme).
The incident was reported to the police without undue delay.
You cooperated fully with the police investigation and any prosecution.
You applied within the two-year time limit from the date of the incident (extensions may be granted in exceptional circumstances).

The Criminal Injuries Compensation (Northern Ireland) Order 2002 mirrors these requirements for Northern Ireland applicants.

Common Reasons for Rejection

CICA may reduce or refuse an award if:

Unspent criminal convictions: Applicants with relevant convictions may see awards reduced by a percentage scale, or refused entirely for serious offending.
Conduct before, during, or after the incident: Provocation, fighting back disproportionately, or failing to assist police can all lead to reduction or refusal.
Compensation already received: Awards may be offset against damages recovered in civil proceedings arising from the same incident.
Injury below the minimum threshold: Minor injuries that do not meet Level 1 of the tariff receive no compensation.

According to the CICA Annual Report 2023-24, character and conduct considerations featured in a significant minority of resolved claims, underscoring the importance of full co-operation and honest disclosure.

How CICA Assesses Complex Cases

Medical Evidence and Stabilisation

For serious or fluctuating injuries—such as traumatic brain injury, chronic pain, or psychological trauma—CICA may request independent medical reports. The GOV.UK guidance notes that CICA may wait for your condition to stabilise before making a final decision, ensuring the award reflects the long-term impact.

You should submit all medical records, consultant letters, and rehabilitation reports to support your application. Incomplete evidence can delay assessment or lead to under-compensation if the full extent of injury is not documented.

Psychological Injury

Tariff levels also cover mental injury, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Psychological injury must be:

Diagnosed by a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist
Directly attributable to the violent crime
Persistent and significantly disabling

Minor or short-lived distress does not usually meet the tariff threshold. Awards for moderate PTSD might sit around Level 8 to Level 11, while severe, permanent psychological injury with major functional impairment can reach the higher levels.

Tariff Awards vs. Civil Personal Injury Damages

Key Differences

Feature	CICA Tariff Awards	Civil Damages
Basis of award	Fixed statutory tariff	Individual assessment of loss
Pain and suffering	Banded by injury type	Judicial College Guidelines range
Loss of earnings	Capped and threshold-based	Full past and future loss recoverable
Care costs	Subject to statutory caps	Full reasonable costs
Legal costs	Not recoverable	Recoverable if successful
Time limit	Two years from incident	Three years (personal injury)

In many road-traffic scenarios involving deliberate ramming or road rage, victims may have both a CICA claim and a civil claim against the assailant (or, if uninsured, the Motor Insurers' Bureau). Any damages recovered civilly will be deducted from the CICA award to prevent double recovery, as explained in GOV.UK guidance.

When to Pursue Both Routes

If the offender is traceable, insured, and solvent, a civil claim will typically yield higher compensation for significant injuries. However, many violent offenders lack the means to satisfy a judgment. CICA provides a state-funded safety net where civil recovery is unlikely. Claimants often apply to CICA first and, if a civil settlement later materialises, reimburse CICA for the overlap.

England, Wales, and Scotland vs. Northern Ireland

Separate Schemes, Similar Structure

CICA administers claims arising in England, Wales, and Scotland under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act 1995. Northern Ireland operates its own scheme under the Criminal Injuries Compensation (Northern Ireland) Order 2002. The tariff tables and eligibility rules are closely aligned, but applications must be submitted to the correct authority depending on where the crime occurred.

Explanatory Notes to the Northern Ireland Order confirm that the devolved administration reflects the separate criminal justice system in Northern Ireland, while maintaining consistency with the Great Britain scheme.

Cross-Border Incidents

If you were injured in Scotland but live in England, you still apply to CICA because the scheme is determined by where the crime took place, not your residence. Conversely, a Northern Ireland resident injured in England would apply to CICA (GB), not the Northern Ireland scheme.

Recent Changes and Indexation

Tariff Level Adjustments

Tariff sums are reviewed periodically to account for inflation and changing medical understanding. The CICA Annual Report 2007-08 documented earlier tariff uplifts in line with retail price indices, though recent schemes have moved to less frequent step changes rather than automatic annual indexation.

The Crime and Security Act 2010 introduced a power to amend the tariff by order, subject to parliamentary approval. This legislative flexibility allows government to update compensation levels without primary legislation each time.

Impact on Applicants

While the tariff structure itself has remained stable, increases in the monetary value of each level mean that an injury classified at Level 15 today attracts a higher payment than the same classification ten years ago. Applicants should always check the version of the scheme in force at the date of their application, as the GOV.UK guidance is updated whenever a new scheme order comes into effect.

Time Limits and Application Process

Two-Year Rule

You must normally apply within two years of the date of the incident. CICA has discretion to accept late applications if:

You were a child at the time and only became aware of your eligibility as an adult.
Exceptional circumstances—such as serious mental incapacity—prevented earlier application.

Extensions are not automatic; you must provide evidence explaining the delay and why it would be equitable to allow the claim to proceed.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online via the CICA website. You will need:

Details of the crime (date, location, nature)
Police reference or crime number
Medical evidence (GP records, hospital discharge summaries, consultant letters)
Details of any criminal injuries previously claimed
Evidence of special expenses (payslips, invoices for care)

CICA aims to resolve straightforward claims within 12 to 18 months, though complex or contested cases can take longer. The CICA Annual Report 2023-24 shows median decision times and case-load volumes, offering transparency on performance.

Review and Appeal

If you disagree with CICA's decision, you can request a review by a different CICA case officer. If still dissatisfied, you may appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Criminal Injuries Compensation). Legal aid is not generally available for CICA claims, but you may instruct a solicitor on a private-fee basis or represent yourself.

What This Means for You

Practical takeaway: The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority tariff offers a transparent, predictable route to compensation when you've been injured through violent crime. Because awards are fixed by Parliament, you know in advance the approximate value of your claim. Focus on timely reporting to police, gathering strong medical evidence, and submitting your application within two years. If your injury is severe or involves multiple complications, consider seeking legal advice to ensure you claim all special expenses and understand how the tariff interacts with any potential civil claim.

Summary

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority tariff provides state-funded compensation for victims of violent crime in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Fixed payments—ranging from £1,000 for minor injuries to £250,000 for catastrophic harm—replace individual damages assessments, delivering consistency and speed. Multiple injuries are compensated using a 30% and 15% rule, and additional special-expenses payments cover long-term loss of earnings and care costs. Eligibility depends on timely reporting, co-operation with police, and the absence of conduct that would make an award inappropriate. Understanding the tariff structure, common reasons for rejection, and the differences between CICA awards and civil damages helps you navigate the process and maximise your entitlement.

Last reviewed: 2026-09-29

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Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority tariff and is not legal advice. Eligibility, tariff levels, and procedural rules are subject to change. For advice on your specific circumstances, consult a solicitor experienced in criminal injury compensation or contact CICA directly.