Last Updated: 6 August 2026 I Reading Time: 6 minutes
Summary
Making a claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) can help victims of violent crime recover compensation for their injuries. However, many applications are unsuccessful because they fail to meet the Scheme’s eligibility requirements or are missing important evidence.
Understanding the most common reasons claims are rejected can help you avoid unnecessary delays and improve your chances of a successful outcome. In this guide, we explain five practical steps that every applicant should consider before submitting a CICA claim.
Quick answer
To reduce the risk of your CICA claim being rejected, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria, report the crime promptly to the police, cooperate fully with any investigation, submit your application within the time limit, and provide evidence to support your injuries. If you are unsure about any part of the process, obtaining legal advice before applying can help avoid common mistakes.
In this article
- Why CICA claims are rejected
- Tip 1: Check your eligibility
- Tip 2: Cooperate with the police
- Tip 3: Make sure your injury qualifies
- Tip 4: Submit your claim on time
- Tip 5: Gather the right evidence
- Frequently Asked Questions
Key takeaways
- Not every victim of crime automatically qualifies for CICA compensation.
- Eligibility rules are set out in the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.
- Reporting the crime and cooperating with the police is essential.
- Missing the application deadline can prevent a claim from succeeding.
- Medical and psychological evidence plays an important role.
- Checking your eligibility before applying can save time and reduce delays.
- Legal advice can help identify potential issues before you submit your application.
Why are some CICA Claims rejected?
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority assesses every application against the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.
Claims may be refused for several reasons, including:
- the applicant does not meet the eligibility criteria
- insufficient evidence has been provided
- the application was submitted outside the time limit
- the injury is not covered by the Scheme
- the applicant did not cooperate with the police or the CICA
Many of these issues can be identified and addressed before an application is submitted.
Tip 1: Check your eligibility before applying
One of the most common mistakes is assuming that everyone who has been the victim of a violent crime automatically qualifies for compensation.
The CICA considers several factors when assessing eligibility, including:
- the circumstances of the incident
- your conduct before, during and after the event
- whether you have any relevant unspent criminal convictions
- whether the crime was reported to the police
If you are unsure whether you qualify, obtaining legal advice before submitting your application can help you understand your position.
Tip 2: Cooperate fully with the police
The CICA expects applicants to cooperate with the police and support any criminal investigation where possible.
This may include:
- reporting the incident promptly
- providing accurate information
- responding to police enquiries
- assisting with the investigation if requested
Failure to cooperate without good reason may affect your eligibility for compensation.
Tip 3: Make sure your injury is covered by the scheme
Not every injury qualifies for compensation.7
The CICA uses a tariff of injuries set out in the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme. Compensation is only available for injuries that fall within the Scheme.
For example:
- some minor injuries are not included
- psychological injuries usually require a formal diagnosis by a consultant psychiatrist or clinical psychologist
- evidence must support the injury claimed
Checking whether your injury is covered before applying can help avoid disappointment later.
Tip 4: Submit your application within the time limit
Most CICA applications must be made within two years of the incident.
There are limited circumstances where the CICA may allow a late application, but this depends on the facts of each case and is not automatic.
If you think you may be approaching the deadline, it is important to seek advice as soon as possible rather than delaying your application.
Tip 5: Support your claim with strong evidence
The CICA bases its decisions on evidence.
Depending on your circumstances, this may include:
- medical records
- hospital reports
- psychological assessments
- police information
- evidence of ongoing treatment
For psychological injuries, the CICA generally requires evidence from a clinical psychologist or consultant psychiatrist, rather than a GP alone.
Providing the correct evidence at an early stage may reduce delays and requests for further information.
Common mistakes that can lead to rejection
Many unsuccessful applications involve avoidable errors.
These include:
- submitting incomplete application forms
- missing important deadlines
- claiming for injuries that are not covered
- failing to provide supporting evidence
- misunderstanding the eligibility rules
Taking time to prepare your application carefully can significantly improve the quality of your claim.
How GLP Solicitors can help
Making a CICA claim can be daunting, particularly if you are recovering from the effects of a violent crime.
GLP Solicitors has many years of experience assisting victims with Criminal Injury Compensation claims. We can:
- assess whether you may be eligible
- explain the CICA Scheme in plain English
- help gather supporting evidence
- prepare and submit your application
- advise if your claim has been refused
- assist with reviews and appeals where appropriate
Our aim is to make the process as straightforward as possible while ensuring your application is supported by the appropriate evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Claims are commonly rejected because applicants do not meet the eligibility requirements, fail to provide sufficient evidence, submit their application outside the time limit, or claim for injuries that are not covered by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.
Possibly, but unspent criminal convictions can affect eligibility under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme. The CICA considers criminal convictions as part of its assessment. If you are unsure how this applies to you, it is sensible to seek legal advice before submitting your application.
Yes. Medical evidence is often essential to support your injuries. For psychological injuries, the CICA usually requires evidence from a consultant psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. The exact evidence required depends on the nature of your claim.
Most applications should be submitted within two years of the incident. Although the CICA may accept a late application in exceptional circumstances, this is not guaranteed. It is always better to seek advice before the deadline expires.
Yes. If your claim is refused, you may be able to request an internal review and, if necessary, appeal to the First-tier Tribunal. A solicitor can advise whether there are grounds to challenge the decision.
Although you are not required to instruct a solicitor, legal advice can help you understand the eligibility rules, gather the appropriate evidence, avoid common mistakes and represent you during any review or appeal.
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