Criminal Injuries Compensation Calculator UK | CICA Claim 2026
Estimate Your Criminal Injuries Compensation
If you were hurt because of a violent crime, it can be difficult to know what compensation you may be able to claim. This calculator gives a rough CICA estimate, checks key eligibility points, and explains the next steps.
Basic Details
Select Your Injuries
Please fill in all details and select at least one injury to calculate.
How This Criminal Injuries Compensation Calculator Works
This calculator is designed to provide a rough estimate of what you may be able to claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). We use the official tariff of injuries to calculate potential awards for physical and mental injuries, sexual assault, and fatal cases. The calculator applies the standard multiple injury formula (100% of the highest value injury, 30% of the second, and 15% of the third) to give you a realistic idea of your potential claim value.
The CICA Claims Process Overview
Report to Police
Report the violent crime to the police as soon as reasonably possible. Keep your crime reference number safe.
Seek Medical Help
Get medical attention for your injuries. CICA will require official medical evidence to support your claim.
Check Eligibility
Ensure you apply within the 2-year limit and meet other criteria like having no unspent criminal convictions.
Submit Claim
Apply to the CICA scheme. Wait for them to gather police and medical evidence to make a final decision.
The Multiple Injury Formula Table
If you have more than one injury, CICA does not simply add all the tariff amounts together. They pay based on a sliding scale to a maximum of 3 injuries:
| Injury Ranking | Percentage Paid | Example (Tariff Amount) |
|---|---|---|
| Most severe injury (Highest tariff value) |
100% | £5,000 → £5,000 |
| Second most severe injury | 30% | £3,000 → £900 |
| Third most severe injury | 15% | £2,000 → £300 |
| Total Example Payout (For 3 injuries) |
£6,200 | |
What Can Affect Your CICA Estimate?
Your final award can vary based on several factors. The severity and recovery length of your injury, whether you suffer from a long-term disability, and the combination of multiple injuries all influence the total. Additionally, you may be entitled to separate payments for loss of earnings if you were off work for more than 28 weeks, or special expenses for necessary care and equipment.
Why Your Final CICA Award May Be Different
The CICA makes the final decision after thoroughly reviewing all submitted evidence. They will look at police reports to confirm you were an innocent victim of a violent crime, and they will review medical records to confirm the exact nature and prognosis of your injuries. This estimate is for general guidance only and is not a guaranteed offer.
Before You Start a CICA Claim
- Report the crime to police: You must usually do this as soon as reasonably possible.
- Keep your crime reference number: You will need this for your application.
- Get medical evidence: Seek proper medical attention for your injuries. Mental injuries normally require a diagnosis from a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist.
- Check the time limit: Most claims must be made within 2 years, though exceptions exist.
- Keep receipts and wage evidence: If claiming for lost earnings or special expenses.
- Get support: If the incident involved abuse or trauma, ensure you have proper emotional support in place.
FAQs
Compensation for criminal injuries ranges from £1,000 for minor injuries (such as a minor broken bone or scarring) up to a maximum of £500,000 for the most severe, life-changing injuries. The exact amount depends on the official CICA tariff of injuries, which categorises injuries into different payment levels.
CICA may reject a claim if the crime wasn't reported to the police promptly, if you did not cooperate with the police investigation, if you have unspent criminal convictions, or if the injury doesn't meet the minimum £1,000 tariff threshold.
While there is no single average because injuries vary so widely, many standard claims for physical injuries like broken bones or moderate psychological trauma fall between £1,000 and £3,300. Severe cases involving lasting disability or severe abuse can range from £11,000 to £44,000 or higher.
The standard CICA claim time limit is 2 years from the date of the incident. However, exceptions are frequently made for cases of childhood abuse or historical abuse, or if a claimant's mental health prevented them from applying earlier.
CICA calculates multiple injuries using a sliding scale. You receive 100% of the compensation value for the highest-rated injury, 30% for the second-highest, and 15% for the third-highest. You usually receive no payment for further standard injuries, though separate rules apply for loss of earnings or special expenses.
Two of the most common reasons for a CICA claim being denied are failing to report the crime to the police (or failing to cooperate with them), and the applicant having unspent criminal convictions on their own record.
If your CICA application is denied, the first step is to request a review of the decision. You normally must do this within 56 days of receiving the initial decision letter. If the review is also unsuccessful, you can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Criminal Injuries Compensation).