Last Updated: 3 September 2026 I Reading Time: 5 minutes
Summary
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) exists to provide financial compensation to victims of violent crime. But according to CICA’s own Annual Report for 2023–24, 57% of claims were refused and many of these refusals stem from avoidable pitfalls rather than a genuine lack of entitlement.
If your claim has been turned down, it doesn’t have to be the end of the road. Understanding why claims commonly fail, and how to challenge a refusal, can make all the difference to the outcome.
Quick answer
CICA claims are most commonly refused because the injury doesn’t meet the Scheme’s criteria, the claimant is seen as not cooperating with enquiries, past convictions affect eligibility, the crime wasn’t reported promptly, or the evidence submitted was inadequate. Many refusals can be successfully challenged through CICA’s review process or, if necessary, an appeal to the First-tier Tribunal, particularly with the right legal support.
In this article
- Why so many CICA claims are refused
- Common reasons for refusal
- How GLP Solicitors can help overturn a refusal
- Success in challenging refused claims
- Frequently Asked Questions
Key takeaways
- 57% of CICA claims were refused according to the latest CICA Annual Report (2023–24).
- Many refusals happen for avoidable reasons, not because the claimant genuinely isn’t entitled to compensation.
- Common causes include the injury not meeting Scheme criteria, perceived lack of cooperation, past convictions, late reporting to police, and inadequate evidence.
- A refusal is not necessarily final, claimants have the right to request a review, and if needed, an appeal to the First-tier Tribunal.
- Specialist legal support can help identify why a claim was refused and build a stronger case for review or appeal.
- GLP Solicitors has a track record of overturning refusals and securing compensation for clients on review or appeal.
Why are so many CICA claims refused?
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) offers a crucial lifeline to victims of violent crime who have suffered physically and emotionally. Yet the latest CICA Annual Report shows that 57% of claims were refused in 2023–24.
Steven Astley, Partner and CICA expert at GLP Solicitors, says this is often avoidable:
“It’s disheartening to see so many deserving victims denied compensation. Often, these refusals stem from common pitfalls that could have been avoided with proper guidance and representation. At GLP Solicitors, we’re here to help claimants navigate these challenges and ensure they get the compensation they’re entitled to.”
Common reasons for claim refusals
CICA’s own reporting highlights several recurring reasons for refusal:
Injury doesn’t meet the Scheme criteria
The CICA Scheme sets very defined eligibility criteria, and claims are often rejected simply because the injury doesn’t appear to fit. With the right presentation, many cases can be reframed to align with these requirements.
Perceived failure to cooperate with CICA
Claims can be refused where CICA considers the claimant hasn’t cooperated with requests for further information, often the result of miscommunication rather than any genuine unwillingness to engage.
Past convictions or character issues
CICA takes past convictions and character issues into account when assessing eligibility. This is a nuanced area where experienced legal advice can significantly affect the outcome.
Failure to report the crime promptly
The Scheme requires crimes to be reported to the police as soon as reasonably practicable. Many victims are unaware of this requirement, or are too traumatised to report immediately, but mitigating circumstances can often be presented to explain a delay.
Inadequate evidence
Missing or insufficient medical documentation, incomplete police reports, or other evidence gaps are a leading cause of refusal. Ensuring the right evidence is submitted from the outset is one of the most effective ways to avoid this.
How GLP Solicitors can help overturn a refusal
A refusal from CICA can feel like the end of the process, but it doesn’t have to be. GLP Solicitors specialises in helping clients challenge refused claims, often successfully, through the following approach:
- Thorough case assessment — reviewing exactly why the claim was refused and identifying the best strategy to address it.
- Preparing for a review — gathering and presenting additional evidence or clarification that may have been missed or misunderstood first time round.
- Expert representation at appeal — if a review is unsuccessful, representing clients before the independent First-tier Tribunal.
- Navigating legal complexities — drawing on deep experience with the issues that most often trip up claimants, from character and convictions to reporting timelines and evidence requirements.
As Steven Astley explains, understanding the nuances of the Scheme is often what makes the difference between a refusal standing and being overturned.
Success in challenging refused claims
GLP Solicitors has a strong track record of helping clients overturn CICA refusals on review or appeal, securing the compensation they were originally denied. These outcomes reflect the value of experienced legal representation when navigating a process that can otherwise feel stacked against claimants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common reasons include the injury not meeting the Scheme’s eligibility criteria, a perceived failure to cooperate with CICA’s enquiries, past convictions or character issues, reporting the crime too late, or submitting inadequate evidence.
Yes. You have the right to request a review of CICA’s decision, and if that’s unsuccessful, you can appeal to the independent First-tier Tribunal.
There are strict time limits for requesting a review or appeal, so it’s important to act quickly and seek legal advice as soon as you receive a refusal.
This depends on the reason for refusal but often includes medical records, police reports, and any evidence that addresses the specific grounds CICA relied on to reject the claim.
Not necessarily. CICA considers past convictions as part of eligibility, but a knowledgeable solicitor can often present a case that mitigates the impact of past issues.
CICA requires crimes to be reported as soon as reasonably practicable, but there may be mitigating circumstances, such as trauma, that can be presented to explain a delay.
A solicitor can identify exactly why the claim was refused, gather stronger evidence, and present a compelling case at review or appeal stage, significantly improving the chances of a successful outcome.