Guidance

CICA scheme guidance

Guidance for claims officers of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) on how to apply the rules of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012.

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012 (the Scheme) is government-funded and designed to compensate victims of violent crime in Great Britain.

The rules of the Scheme and the value of the payments awarded are set by the Secretary of State and approved by Parliament.

Every decision is taken by a claims officer after carefully considering all the available information. It is a claims officer’s role to determine claims using the rules set down in the statutory Scheme we operate. This guidance is for them to use when considering compensation claims

We recognise that no amount of compensation can ever make up for the harm and suffering caused to victims by violent crime. Injury awards are intended to be an acknowledgement of harm and an important gesture of public sympathy.

You may also find our guide to the Scheme and step-by-step guide to the application process helpful.

You can apply online.

2012 Scheme Policy guidance for claims officers

Updates to this page

Published 5 September 2025

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