How to Contact the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)

If you've suffered injuries in a violent crime, knowing how to reach the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority quickly can make a significant difference to your claim. Whether you need to start a new application, check the status of an existing claim, or ask questions about eligibility, CICA offers several contact methods—but understanding which one to use for your circumstances will save time and frustration.

This guide sets out the official CICA contact details, explains when to use each channel, and clarifies what information you should have ready before you get in touch.

Understanding CICA and What It Covers

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority is the government body responsible for compensating victims of violent crime in England, Wales, and Scotland. Northern Ireland operates a separate scheme through the Department of Justice.

CICA handles claims for injuries sustained through violent crime, including:

Physical assaults
Sexual offences
Arson
Injuries caused by uninsured or hit-and-run drivers (in specific circumstances)

The scheme does not cover pure property damage, accidents that weren't criminal in nature, or most road traffic incidents where the driver is known and insured.

When Road Traffic Accidents Qualify for CICA

Most road traffic injury claims proceed through standard personal injury routes against the driver's insurance. However, CICA becomes relevant when you've been injured by an uninsured driver who cannot be traced, or when the collision involved deliberate criminal conduct such as dangerous driving intended to harm you.

Official CICA Contact Details

Telephone Contact

Main enquiry line: 0300 003 3601
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm (closed on public holidays)

This number handles general enquiries, new claim questions, and status updates on existing applications. Call charges vary by provider but are usually included in inclusive minutes packages.

Minicom service: 0300 003 3602
For callers who are deaf, hearing-impaired, or have speech difficulties.

Postal Address

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

Use this address for written correspondence, supporting documents, or appeals.

Online Contact and Claim Submission

CICA operates an online claim portal at www.gov.uk/claim-compensation-criminal-injury. This is the fastest method to submit a new claim and the one CICA actively encourages.

The online system allows you to:

Start a new claim
Save your progress and return later
Upload supporting evidence
Track your claim status

You can also email general enquiries to info@cica.gov.uk, though phone or online channels typically produce faster responses for urgent matters.

What to Prepare Before Contacting CICA

Having the right information ready will streamline your call or application.

For General Enquiries

Your CICA reference number (if you have one)
Basic details of the incident: date, location, type of crime
Whether you reported the crime to police, and when

For New Claims

You'll need:

Your personal details (name, date of birth, address, National Insurance number)
Crime reference number from the police
Date and location of the incident
Details of your injuries
GP and hospital treatment records (names, dates, addresses)
Information about any time off work
Details of any previous claims or criminal convictions

CICA requires you to report the crime to police as soon as reasonably possible—usually within 48 hours—and to apply within two years of the incident. Exceptions exist for childhood abuse and other circumstances where immediate reporting wasn't feasible.

How to Check Your Claim Status

Once you've submitted a claim, you can monitor progress through:

Your online account – if you applied digitally, log in at any time to see updates
Telephone – call the main line with your reference number
Email – send your reference number and question to info@cica.gov.uk

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

What This Means for You

CICA will not chase you for documents. If your claim is paused awaiting information—medical records, police reports, or witness statements—the clock stops until you provide what's requested. Check your online portal or call regularly to ensure nothing is outstanding.

When to Contact CICA Versus a Solicitor

You can apply to CICA yourself without legal representation. The scheme is designed for direct access, and CICA does not charge application fees.

However, you may benefit from specialist advice if:

Your claim is complex (multiple injuries, disputed liability, or historic abuse)
CICA has refused your claim and you wish to appeal
You're unsure whether your injuries meet the threshold for the minimum award
You have criminal convictions that might affect eligibility

Solicitors who specialise in criminal injury claims can review CICA decisions, gather medical evidence, and represent you at tribunal if your claim is rejected. Many operate on a no-win, no-fee basis for CICA appeals, though the CICA tariff itself does not include solicitor costs in the same way civil claims do.

CICA Regional Variations

CICA covers England, Wales, and Scotland under a single tariff scheme. Northern Ireland operates separately:

Compensation Services (Northern Ireland)
Millennium House
17–25 Great Victoria Street
Belfast
BT2 7AQ
Telephone: 028 9024 9944

The eligibility rules and tariffs differ slightly, so if your incident occurred in Northern Ireland, contact the Department of Justice scheme instead.

Common Reasons CICA Claims Are Delayed or Refused

Understanding potential obstacles helps you avoid them:

Late reporting – not reporting the crime to police promptly
Lack of cooperation – failing to assist police or provide information to CICA
Criminal convictions – unspent convictions may reduce or disqualify awards
Contributory conduct – if CICA believes your behaviour provoked or contributed to the violence
Relationship with the offender – living with the attacker at the time, or resuming a relationship afterward, can affect eligibility (though exceptions exist for domestic abuse victims)
Insufficient evidence – medical records, police reports, or witness statements that don't support your account

Appealing a CICA Decision

If CICA rejects your claim or awards less than you believe appropriate, you have the right to ask for a review and, if still dissatisfied, to appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Criminal Injuries Compensation).

Review request: Contact CICA within 56 days of the decision, setting out why you disagree.

Tribunal appeal: If the review upholds the original decision, you can appeal to the independent tribunal within 90 days. The tribunal rehears your case and can increase, reduce, or confirm the award.

Legal representation at tribunal is not mandatory but often advisable for complex claims.

Alternative Support and Advice Services

While CICA administers compensation, other organisations provide practical and emotional support:

Victim Support (0808 16 89 111) – free, confidential help for crime victims across England and Wales
Citizens Advice – guidance on eligibility, completing forms, and understanding decisions
Rape Crisis and domestic abuse charities – specialist support and advocacy for survivors

These services do not replace legal advice but can assist with the emotional and practical challenges of making a claim.

Key Deadlines and Time Limits

Requirement	Time Limit
Report crime to police	As soon as reasonably possible (normally within 48 hours)
Submit CICA claim	Within 2 years of the incident
Request a review of CICA decision	Within 56 days of decision letter
Appeal to tribunal	Within 90 days of review decision

Exceptional circumstances—such as childhood abuse, mental incapacity, or ongoing criminal investigations—can extend these deadlines, but you must explain why the delay was unavoidable.

What Happens After You Contact CICA

Once CICA receives your claim:

Acknowledgement – you'll receive a reference number, usually within a few days
Evidence gathering – CICA requests police and medical records (you may need to chase your GP or hospital)
Assessment – a caseworker reviews your application against the tariff scheme
Decision – you receive a letter explaining the outcome and, if successful, the award amount
Payment – if you accept, payment is usually made within a few weeks

If you disagree with the decision, you can request a review or appeal as outlined above.

Last reviewed: 2026-06-21

Sources

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about contacting the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority and does not constitute legal advice. CICA eligibility, tariffs, and procedures are subject to change. For advice specific to your circumstances, consult a solicitor who specialises in criminal injury claims or contact CICA directly. Always check the latest official guidance on GOV.UK before submitting a claim.