If you've been injured as the victim of a violent crime—including some road traffic incidents where deliberate violence was involved—you may be able to claim compensation from the government through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority. Based in Glasgow with around 300 staff, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) processes over 40,000 claims each year for victims across England, Scotland, and Wales. This article explains who can claim, how the Glasgow-based authority works, and what you need to know about applying for compensation after a violent crime.

What is the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority?

Role and purpose

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority is an executive agency sponsored by the Ministry of Justice. It administers the statutory Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme, which provides government-funded compensation to victims of violent crime throughout Great Britain. Although headquartered in Glasgow, CICA serves applicants from England, Scotland, and Wales under a unified scheme.

The Authority operates under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act 1995, with the current scheme rules set out in the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012, which applies to applications received from 27 November 2012 onwards.

Geographic coverage and jurisdiction

While the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Glasgow office handles claims from across Great Britain, it is important to note that Northern Ireland has a separate compensation scheme administered under different legislation—the Criminal Injuries Compensation (Northern Ireland) Order 2002. If your injury occurred in Northern Ireland, you would need to apply through that separate process rather than through CICA Glasgow.

Who can claim through CICA?

Eligibility for violent crime victims

You may be eligible for compensation through CICA if you have been injured as a result of violent crime in England, Scotland, or Wales. To qualify, your injury must be described in the tariff of injuries found at Annex E of the Scheme.

Importantly, you do not need a criminal conviction against your attacker to claim compensation. The CICA makes all decisions on the "balance of probabilities" based on available evidence, which is a lower threshold than the criminal standard of proof.

Road traffic accidents involving violent crime

While most road traffic accidents are dealt with through motor insurance claims or standard personal injury processes, certain incidents may qualify for criminal injuries compensation. If you were deliberately run over, attacked by a driver, or injured during a road rage incident involving violence, you might be able to claim through CICA as well as—or instead of—pursuing other routes.

What compensation can you receive?

Tariff-based injury payments

CICA must pay awards in line with prescribed amounts set out in the tariff, based on the severity of injuries and their impact on the victim. The tariff system categorises injuries into different levels, with specific monetary amounts assigned to each category.

Awards can comprise three elements:

  • Injury payments calculated using the tariff system
  • Loss of earnings where you have no or limited capacity to work as a direct result of the criminal injury
  • Special expenses payments for costs that are necessary, directly result from your injury, and are not available free from other sources

CICA as a last resort

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme is designed as a last resort remedy. You must take all reasonable steps to obtain compensation from other sources first, including:

  • Social security benefits
  • Insurance payments
  • Damages from civil claims against the offender
  • Any other available compensation

CICA claims officers will enquire whether you have pursued other compensation routes and will require an explanation if you have not done so.

What this means for you

If you're considering a CICA claim: Be prepared to demonstrate that you've explored other compensation options first. Keep records of any insurance claims, benefits applications, or civil litigation you've pursued. CICA will want to see evidence that you've exhausted—or reasonably attempted to exhaust—alternative sources of compensation before awarding from the public purse. This does not mean you must wait for other claims to conclude before applying to CICA, but you should be actively pursuing all available routes.

How to apply to CICA Glasgow

Time limits for applications

For incidents in England, Scotland, and Wales, you must apply as soon as reasonably practicable and normally not later than two years after the incident. This deadline applies to both adult and child applicants, though the two-year period for a child begins when they turn 18.

The time limit may only be extended where:

  1. Due to exceptional circumstances, an application could not have been made earlier, and
  2. The evidence provided supports determination without the need for further extensive enquiries

You should make your application without delay and should not wait for the conclusion of any criminal proceedings against your attacker.

Making your application

Applications to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Glasgow can be made online through the government's digital service or by requesting a paper application form. You will need to provide:

  • Details of the crime, including date, location, and circumstances
  • Information about injuries sustained
  • Medical evidence supporting your claim
  • Police report or crime reference numbers
  • Evidence of any other compensation pursued or received
  • Details of any criminal convictions you hold (as these may affect eligibility)

The CICA will assess your application based on the evidence provided and may request additional information or medical examinations.

Decision-making and appeals

Initial decisions

Claims officers employed by CICA make initial decisions under statutory authority. These officers review your application, assess the evidence, and determine whether you qualify for compensation and, if so, how much you should receive based on the tariff.

Requesting a review

If you disagree with the initial decision, you can request an internal review. This review will be conducted by a different claims officer who was not involved in the original decision. The reviewing officer will reconsider your case and may uphold, vary, or overturn the initial decision.

Appeals to the tribunal

If you remain dissatisfied after the internal review, you can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Criminal Injuries Compensation). This independent tribunal is also based in Glasgow at the Glasgow Tribunals Centre and operates with 17 dedicated staff members.

The tribunal hears appeals both remotely and face-to-face across the country. It provides an independent judicial review of CICA decisions and has the power to substitute its own decision for that of the Authority.

Special considerations for road traffic victims

When road incidents qualify as violent crime

Most road traffic accidents are not considered violent crimes and should be pursued through motor insurance claims or standard personal injury litigation. However, certain road-related incidents may qualify for CICA compensation, including:

  • Deliberate vehicular attacks (being intentionally run over or rammed)
  • Assaults by drivers following road rage incidents
  • Injuries sustained while being a Good Samaritan helping accident victims, if you are then attacked
  • Injuries from projectiles thrown from vehicles

If your road traffic injury involved deliberate violence, you may need to pursue both a CICA claim and a civil claim or insurance recovery simultaneously.

Reporting requirements

To be eligible for CICA compensation, the crime must generally have been reported to the police without undue delay. For road traffic incidents involving violence, ensure you:

  • Report the incident to police as soon as possible
  • Obtain a crime reference number
  • Seek medical attention and ensure injuries are documented
  • Keep records of all communications with police, medical providers, and insurers

Evidence and documentation

What evidence do you need?

The strength of your CICA application depends on the quality of evidence you can provide. Because decisions are made on the balance of probabilities, you need to demonstrate that it is more likely than not that:

  • A violent crime occurred
  • You were injured as a result
  • Your injuries meet the tariff criteria
  • You are eligible under the scheme rules

Key evidence includes:

  • Police crime reports and reference numbers
  • Medical records, including A&E attendance, GP notes, hospital reports, and specialist assessments
  • Photographs of injuries
  • Witness statements
  • Any other documentation supporting the circumstances of the crime

Medical evidence requirements

Medical evidence is crucial to CICA claims. Your injuries must be objectively documented and assessed by medical professionals. CICA may request additional medical examinations or reports from independent medical experts to verify the nature and severity of your injuries and determine the appropriate tariff level.

Common reasons for claim refusal

Eligibility bars

CICA may refuse compensation or reduce the award in several circumstances, including where:

  • The injury does not meet the minimum threshold set out in the tariff
  • You failed to report the crime to police without undue delay or without reasonable excuse
  • You failed to cooperate with the police investigation or with CICA's enquiries
  • Your conduct before, during, or after the incident makes it inappropriate to make a full or any award
  • You have unspent criminal convictions that affect your eligibility

Time limit issues

Late applications are one of the most common reasons for refusal. Unless you can demonstrate exceptional circumstances that prevented earlier application, claims submitted more than two years after the incident will ordinarily be rejected.

Getting help with your CICA claim

While you do not need legal representation to apply to CICA, many applicants find the process complex, particularly when it comes to gathering appropriate evidence, understanding the tariff system, and navigating reviews and appeals.

If your CICA claim is refused or you receive a lower award than expected, consider seeking advice before proceeding to review or appeal. Independent advice can help you understand whether the decision was correct and what additional evidence might strengthen your case.

Recent changes and reviews

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme undergoes periodic reviews to ensure it remains fit for purpose. The Crime and Security Act 2010 introduced amendments to the scheme administration structure, and further reviews continue to examine eligibility criteria, tariff levels, and application processes.

Changes to the scheme can affect the amount of compensation available and the eligibility criteria. However, your claim will generally be assessed under the scheme rules in force at the time of your injury (or the time of application if the injury occurred before the 2012 Scheme came into effect).

Key deadlines and timeframes

Application deadlines

  • Standard deadline: Two years from the date of the incident
  • Child victims: Two years from the child's 18th birthday
  • Extensions: Only in exceptional circumstances where earlier application was not possible and sufficient evidence exists

Processing times

CICA aims to process claims as quickly as possible, but timescales vary depending on:

  • The complexity of your case
  • The availability of evidence
  • Whether additional medical examinations are required
  • Current caseload volumes

More straightforward claims with clear evidence may be resolved in several months, while complex cases requiring extensive investigation or medical evidence can take considerably longer.

Review and appeal timeframes

If you disagree with a decision, you must request a review within 56 days of the decision letter. If the review decision is also unfavourable, you have a further 90 days to lodge an appeal with the tribunal.

CICA contact information

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Glasgow can be contacted for general enquiries about the scheme, application process, or the status of existing claims. However, due to data protection requirements, detailed case information can only be discussed with the applicant or their authorised representative.

Alternatives and complementary claims

Civil claims for damages

In addition to—or instead of—a CICA application, you may be able to pursue a civil claim for damages against:

  • The person who injured you (if identifiable and they have means to pay)
  • In road traffic cases, the Motor Insurers' Bureau if the driver is uninsured or untraced
  • Property owners or event organisers if they failed in a duty of care that allowed the crime to occur

Insurance claims

Check whether you have insurance policies that might cover your losses, including:

  • Personal injury insurance
  • Critical illness cover
  • Income protection insurance
  • Travel insurance (if injured abroad)

Any compensation received from these sources will be taken into account by CICA when calculating your award.

Understanding the tariff system

The CICA tariff categorises injuries into levels ranging from minor to most severe. Each level corresponds to a specific compensation amount. For example:

  • Lower tariff levels cover minor physical injuries with limited lasting effects
  • Medium levels address more serious injuries causing significant pain, suffering, or functional impairment
  • Higher levels compensate life-changing injuries with permanent, severe consequences

The exact amounts are set by the scheme and are updated periodically. Your injury may be assessed under a single tariff level, or you may receive awards for multiple injuries if you sustained more than one qualifying injury in the same incident.

Multiple injuries

If you sustained several injuries in a single incident, CICA will award compensation for up to three injuries. The calculation works as follows:

  • Full compensation for the most serious injury
  • 30% of the award for the second most serious injury
  • 15% of the award for the third most serious injury

Injuries beyond the third are not separately compensated under the tariff system.

Scotland-specific considerations

Although the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Glasgow serves the whole of Great Britain, there are some practical considerations for Scottish applicants:

  • Police Scotland handles crime reporting and investigation in Scotland
  • Scottish courts may have handled any criminal proceedings related to your injury
  • Medical evidence may come from NHS Scotland providers
  • The tribunal hearing your appeal may take place in Scotland or be conducted remotely

The substantive rules of the compensation scheme are identical across England, Scotland, and Wales, so the location of the incident does not affect eligibility criteria or award calculations.

Wales-specific considerations

For incidents occurring in Wales:

  • Crimes should be reported to the relevant Welsh police force
  • Medical evidence may come from NHS Wales providers
  • Welsh language services are available for applications and correspondence
  • The same scheme rules and tariff apply as in England and Scotland

Children and vulnerable adults

Special provisions apply when the victim is a child or vulnerable adult:

  • Time limits are extended for child victims, with the two-year period beginning at age 18
  • Representatives can apply on behalf of children or adults lacking capacity
  • Awards for child victims may be held in trust until the child reaches 18
  • Additional safeguards ensure awards are used for the victim's benefit

Next steps after injury

If you believe you may be eligible for criminal injuries compensation:

  1. Report the crime to police as soon as possible and obtain a crime reference number
  2. Seek medical attention and ensure all injuries are properly documented
  3. Gather evidence including photographs, witness details, and records of the incident
  4. Apply promptly without waiting for police investigations or court proceedings to conclude
  5. Pursue other compensation routes simultaneously, including insurance claims and civil litigation where appropriate
  6. Keep records of all communications, medical appointments, and financial losses
  7. Consider advice if your case is complex or your claim is refused

Remember that the two-year time limit begins from the date of the incident, not from the date you discover you can claim or from the conclusion of criminal proceedings. Early action is essential.

Last reviewed: 29 June 2026

Sources

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority and the claims process. It is not legal advice. The outcome of any claim depends on your individual circumstances and the evidence available. CICA decisions are made independently based on scheme rules and case-specific facts. Time limits are strictly enforced, and late applications are refused unless exceptional circumstances apply. If you are unsure whether you qualify or need help with your application, review, or appeal, consider seeking independent legal advice. This article was last reviewed on 29 June 2026 and reflects the law and guidance applicable at that time.