Violent crime leaves scars that don’t disappear overnight. For many victims, the emotional and financial impact can last years. Yet thousands don’t realise they may qualify for compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.
According to the UK Ministry of Justice, over 30,000 applications are made annually, highlighting how many people seek financial support after serious harm. If you live in Bradford and have suffered due to violence, understanding your rights could change your recovery journey. This guide explains how the scheme works, who qualifies, and how to claim successfully.
If you need clear, compassionate legal guidance, Cooper Hall Solicitors are ready to help you take the next step with confidence.
Need guidance after a violent incident? Our solicitors are here to support you every step of the way.
What Is the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme?
At its core, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme (CICS) provides government compensation for violent crime victims. If you suffered injury because of a crime of violence, you may qualify for a payment based on a structured tariff of injury compensation.
The scheme covers:
- Compensation for physical assault
- Compensation for sexual abuse victims
- Mental injury compensation claim
- Fatal criminal injury compensation
- Dependency payment after a fatal crime
Compensation is decided using the civil standard of proof – balance of probabilities, not the criminal “beyond reasonable doubt” test. That means your claim can succeed even if the offender is not convicted.
However, critics, including the Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales and findings such as the Baroness Newlove report 2019, have raised concerns about delays and complexity within the CICA compensation process.
Unsure how the scheme applies to your case? Get clear answers from our legal team today.
Who Is Eligible to Claim Compensation Under the Scheme?
Eligibility matters. Not everyone qualifies automatically. The CICA eligibility rules apply strict conditions.
You may be eligible if:
- The crime happened in the UK.
- You reported it to the police promptly.
- You cooperated fully during the investigation.
- You meet residency or nationality rules.
- You do not fall foul of the unspent convictions rule consultation restrictions.
The scheme also supports:
- Dependants’ compensation claim in the UK after fatal incidents.
- Children abused years earlier, often linked to findings from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA).
- Families seeking support after bereavement abroad, including help from groups such as Murdered Abroad.
However, some applicants face refusal because of prior convictions. This has sparked a public consultation on compensation scheme rules and discussions about broader victims’ rights reform in the UK.
How Do You Make a Criminal Injuries Compensation Claim in Bradford?
Starting a claim can feel overwhelming. Yet when you understand the CICA application assessment process, the steps become clearer.
Here’s how you typically apply for criminal injury compensation in Bradford:
Step 1: Report the Crime
You must report the incident to West Yorkshire Police. Without a crime reference number, your claim will likely fail.
Step 2: Seek Medical Treatment
Medical records form the backbone of any violent crime compensation claims. Attend hospital or GP appointments promptly.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
You apply online through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) portal. This begins the criminal injury compensation claim formally.
Step 4: Evidence Review
CICA gathers police files and medical notes. They assess your case using the balance of probabilities standard.
Step 5: Decision and Tariff Assessment
Compensation is awarded under the fixed tariff of injuries set by Parliament. These tariffs were approved by the Parliament of the United Kingdom, although some argue they need review through a criminal injuries compensation review framework.
Step 6: Appeal if Necessary
If rejected, you can request a review. You may then appeal to a tribunal.
Unfortunately, many claimants face CICA application process issues, including criminal injury claim delays in the UK and long waiting periods. Reports have described aspects of the system as a re-traumatising compensation system, prompting proposals like the Compensation without Re-traumatisation report and the proposed Private Members’ Bill CICA linked to ongoing reform debates ahead of the 2024 United Kingdom general election.
Because of these complexities, professional guidance often prevents costly mistakes.
What Evidence Do You Need to Support Your Claim in Bradford?
Strong evidence increases your chance of success. CICA will not rely on your word alone.
You should provide:
- Police crime reference number
- Hospital and GP medical records
- Psychological therapy reports for mental injury compensation claims
- Wage slips for loss of earnings compensation, CICA
- Receipts for special expenses claim violent crime
Below is a simple guide:
| Evidence Type | Why It Matters | Risk of Missing |
| Police Report | Confirms violent offence | Claim refusal |
| Medical Notes | Proves injury severity | Lower award |
| Earnings Records | Supports loss of earnings | No income compensation |
| Funeral Costs | Needed for fatal claims | Reduced bereavement payment |
Clear documentation avoids unnecessary delays in criminal injury compensation.
How Much Compensation Can You Receive From the Scheme?
Compensation depends on the tariff of injury compensation set by Parliament. Awards start at £1,000 for minor injuries and rise significantly for severe harm.
You may also receive:
- Loss of earnings
- Special expenses
- Bereavement payment
- Financial dependency support
- Loss of parental services payment
Here’s a simplified breakdown:
| Type of Award | What It Covers |
| Injury Tariff | Physical or psychological harm |
| Loss of Earnings | Income after long-term incapacity |
| Special Expenses | Care, equipment, home adaptations |
| Fatal Awards | Financial dependency, funeral costs |
Campaigners argue that low compensation award tariffs do not reflect modern realities. The ongoing CICA review 2025 discussions aim to reassess fairness and transparency within the victim compensation scheme UK.
Speak with our compensation specialists today.
Are There Time Limits for Making a Compensation Claim?
Time limits are strict. Normally, you must apply within two years of the incident. These are known as criminal injury compensation time limits.
Exceptions may apply if:
- The victim was a child.
- There was historic abuse.
- Exceptional circumstances prevented an earlier application.
However, delays are common. Many applicants report delays in criminal injury compensation, sometimes waiting years. Acting quickly protects your evidence and strengthens your case.
If you miss the deadline, you must show exceptional reasons. CICA rarely extends time limits without strong justification.
Why Choose Cooper Hall Solicitors for Your Criminal Injuries Claim?
Choosing the right solicitor changes everything. Cooper Hall Solicitors understand both the law and the emotional impact of crime.
We help with:
- Navigating the CICA compensation process
- Challenging refusals
- Appealing under the CICA Review Bill
- Addressing unfair decisions under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act 1995
Unlike handling matters alone, legal guidance reduces the risk of rejection due to paperwork errors. Importantly, we ensure you claim everything available, including:
- Loss of earnings
- Special expenses
- Dependency payment after a fatal crime
- Compensation for sexual abuse victims
With ongoing national discussion around reform of the victim support system, professional representation ensures your voice is heard. Cooper Hall Solicitors provide clear advice, compassionate support and determined advocacy.
Final Thoughts on the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme
The criminal injuries compensation scheme exists to provide government compensation for violent crime when offenders cannot pay. While the system faces criticism and calls for reform, it remains a vital route for compensation for victims of violent crime in the UK.
If you’re unsure about eligibility, deadlines or evidence, seeking legal advice early protects your rights. Justice is not only about criminal trials. It is also about securing the financial support you deserve to rebuild your life.
Contact us today for trusted, compassionate legal support.
