Last Updated: 20 August 2026 I Reading Time: Approx. 6 minutes
Summary
For victims of violent crime, making a claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) can provide important financial support following physical or psychological injury. However, the outcome of a claim depends heavily on the information and evidence available to CICA when it assesses the application.
The latest CICA Annual Report and Accounts shows that demand for the Scheme continues to increase. In 2025–26, CICA received 47,402 new applications, 10.5% more than the previous year. Its live caseload also increased by 19% to 65,638 cases.
With CICA dealing with record levels of applications, providing relevant information promptly and responding to requests for further evidence can be particularly important. While accurate evidence cannot guarantee an award or a particular level of compensation, it can help CICA properly assess the circumstances of your claim.
The evidence you submit with your CICA claim is the cornerstone of your case. Without the right documentation, even the most deserving claims can face delays or denials, leaving victims without the compensation they need and deserve.
Quick answer
Why is accurate evidence important in a CICA claim? CICA makes decisions using the information available to it, including information provided by the applicant, the police and medical professionals. Relevant and accurate evidence can help demonstrate the injury, circumstances and losses being claimed. It cannot guarantee compensation, but providing the right evidence and responding promptly to CICA requests can help avoid unnecessary delays and ensure the claim is properly considered.
In this article
- What evidence does CICA consider?
- Why is evidence important in a CICA claim?
- What happens if CICA needs more evidence?
- What evidence might you need?
- Can evidence affect the amount of CICA compensation?
- How should you respond to a CICA evidence request?
- How GLP Solicitors can help
- Frequently asked questions
Key takeaways
- Evidence is an important part of a CICA claim and helps CICA assess eligibility and compensation.
- CICA considers information from the applicant as well as sources such as the police and medical professionals.
- The latest CICA figures show that 47,402 new applications were received during 2025–26.
- CICA’s live caseload increased by 19% to 65,638 cases during 2025–26.
- CICA may ask applicants for additional medical evidence, information about injuries, photographs of scarring or evidence of loss of earnings.
- Applicants normally have 30 days to provide additional information requested by CICA.
- Accurate evidence can help CICA assess the claim properly, but no evidence can guarantee a particular compensation award.
- Legal advice can help applicants understand what evidence may be relevant and respond appropriately to CICA requests.
What evidence does CICA consider?
When CICA assesses a claim, it considers the information available to it when deciding whether an applicant is entitled to compensation and, if so, how much.
This can include information provided by the applicant as well as information obtained from other sources.
According to the current GOV.UK guidance, CICA may assess a claim using:
- Information provided in the application.
- Information from the police, including evidence provided to the police.
- Information about the applicant’s criminal record.
- Medical evidence where required.
Depending on the circumstances, CICA may also request additional information to help it reach a decision.
This is why accurate and consistent information is so important. If the information supplied does not adequately explain an injury, financial loss or other aspect of the claim, CICA may need to make further enquiries.
Why is evidence important in a CICA claim?
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012 is governed by specific eligibility rules and compensation tariffs.
CICA claims officers must apply those rules when assessing an application. The current CICA guidance states that each decision is made by a claims officer after considering all available information.
Evidence therefore helps establish the facts that CICA needs to consider.
For example, evidence may help demonstrate:
- What happened during the incident.
- Whether the incident was reported to the police.
- The nature and extent of the injuries suffered.
- Whether an injury has resulted in ongoing symptoms.
- Whether a psychological injury meets the Scheme’s requirements.
- Whether a claimant has suffered qualifying financial losses.
- Whether particular expenses may be recoverable under the Scheme.
The evidence does not need to be complicated. What matters is that it is relevant, accurate and capable of supporting the issues CICA needs to determine.
What happens if CICA needs more evidence?
Submitting an application does not necessarily mean that you will have provided everything CICA needs to reach a decision.
CICA may contact you if it requires additional information.
Its current step-by-step guidance gives examples of further evidence that may be requested, including:
- A medical report from your GP.
- More information about your injuries.
- Photographs of scarring.
- Information about loss of earnings.
If CICA asks for additional information, it is important to respond within the deadline given.
CICA currently states that applicants will generally have 30 days to provide additional information requested.
If you are unable to provide the information within the deadline, you should contact CICA rather than simply allowing the deadline to pass.
What evidence might you need for a CICA claim?
The evidence required will depend on the circumstances of your individual claim.
Police evidence
CICA will consider information from the police when assessing a claim.
This can include information about the incident and evidence provided to the police. You should therefore provide accurate details about the incident and the relevant police force when making your application.
Medical evidence
Medical evidence can be particularly important where the value or eligibility of a claim depends on the nature and severity of an injury.
Depending on the circumstances, CICA may ask for information from your GP or another medical professional.
You should not assume that you need to obtain every possible medical record before submitting a claim. CICA will tell you if it needs additional medical evidence.
Evidence of psychological injury
A violent crime can have consequences that are not immediately visible.
If you have suffered psychological symptoms following an incident, it is important to explain them accurately and seek appropriate medical support.
CICA’s current injury tariff includes qualifying mental injuries as well as physical injuries.
Evidence of loss of earnings
Depending on the circumstances, compensation may be available for certain financial losses.
CICA may ask for information about loss of earnings when assessing a claim. This could involve information from your employer or other documents relevant to your financial circumstances.
Photographs and other supporting evidence
For certain injuries, photographs may help demonstrate the nature or appearance of an injury.
CICA specifically identifies photographs of scarring as an example of additional information it may request.
Other documents may also be relevant depending on the circumstances.
Can evidence affect the amount of CICA compensation?
Yes, evidence can be relevant to the amount of compensation awarded.
The Scheme contains a tariff setting out payments for qualifying physical and mental injuries. The current CICA injury payment guidance explains that compensation is available where an injury is included within the tariff and the applicant meets the other eligibility requirements.
The evidence therefore needs to allow CICA to understand what injury was suffered and how it meets the relevant requirements of the Scheme.
For example, if someone claims compensation for a particular injury but the available medical information does not adequately establish its nature or severity, CICA may need further information before deciding the appropriate award.
As Steven Astley explains:
“The more detailed and accurate your evidence, the stronger your case for maximum compensation. At GLP Solicitors, we don’t just aim to get a claim approved; we aim to get our clients the full amount they are entitled to under the Scheme.”
It is important, however, to understand that providing more evidence does not automatically mean receiving more compensation. The award must still be determined according to the rules and tariff of the Scheme.
Why does accurate evidence matter more when CICA is dealing with increased demand?
The latest CICA figures demonstrate the pressure currently facing the Scheme.
During 2025–26, CICA received 47,402 new applications, an increase of 10.5% compared with 2024–25. It also had a live caseload of 65,638 cases, 19% higher than the previous year.
CICA made 43,169 decisions during the year and resolved 35,944 cases. However, the increase in applications meant that its live caseload continued to grow.
This does not mean that providing evidence guarantees a quicker decision. CICA remains responsible for processing and assessing applications.
However, responding promptly and providing relevant information can help avoid unnecessary delays when CICA needs something from you.
What should you do if CICA asks for more evidence?
If you receive a request for additional evidence, do not ignore it.
Instead:
- Read the request carefully and identify exactly what CICA is asking for.
- Check the deadline for providing the information.
- Gather the relevant documents or speak to the relevant professional or organisation.
- Make sure the information is accurate and consistent with your original application.
- Send the information within the deadline where possible.
- If you cannot meet the deadline, contact CICA promptly and explain why.
CICA’s current guidance specifically requires applicants to provide additional information when requested, and the information may be necessary for CICA to make a decision.
How GLP Solicitors Can Help
At GLP Solicitors, our CICA team assists clients with navigating the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.
We understand that gathering evidence can be difficult, particularly when you are already dealing with the consequences of a violent crime.
Our role can include:
1. Helping you understand what evidence is relevant
We can discuss your circumstances and explain what types of evidence may be relevant to your CICA claim.
This can help you understand what information CICA may need when assessing your application.
2. Reviewing information before it is submitted
Accuracy matters.
We can review the information available and help identify potential gaps, inconsistencies or areas that may require further explanation.
3. Helping with requests for further information
If CICA asks for additional evidence, we can help you understand what is being requested and what steps may be needed to respond.
4. Liaising with relevant organisations
Where appropriate, we can assist with communications involving third parties and supporting documentation.
However, the availability and timing of information from third parties can vary, and no solicitor can guarantee how quickly another organisation will respond.
5. Advising on CICA decisions
If CICA makes a decision about your claim, we can help you understand what it means and whether there may be grounds to challenge it.
CICA’s current process provides a three-stage route for challenging a decision:
- Request a review.
- Consider the review decision.
- Appeal to the First-tier Tribunal where appropriate.
CICA currently states that a review request should normally be made within 56 days of the original decision, while an appeal to the First-tier Tribunal should normally be made within 90 days of the review decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
The evidence required depends on your circumstances. CICA may consider information from your application, the police and medical professionals. It may also ask for additional evidence, such as a medical report, further information about your injuries, photographs of scarring or information about loss of earnings.
You should provide accurate information and respond promptly if CICA asks for anything further.
Not every applicant will necessarily need to provide medical evidence at the beginning of the claim. However, CICA may ask for medical evidence where it is needed to assess your injuries. This can include a medical report from your GP or another medical professional. If CICA asks you to provide medical evidence, you should deal with the request within the deadline provided.
It can. CICA needs sufficient information to determine whether you meet the Scheme’s requirements and what compensation, if any, should be awarded. If important information is missing, CICA may need to request further evidence or clarification. This can add to the time needed to assess the claim. Providing relevant information promptly can therefore help avoid unnecessary delays.
Not necessarily. CICA compensation is determined according to the rules and tariff of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme. Evidence helps CICA establish the nature and extent of the injuries and any qualifying losses or expenses. Providing additional documents does not automatically increase an award, but relevant evidence can help ensure that CICA has the information it needs to assess the claim properly.
CICA’s current guidance states that applicants will generally have 30 days to provide additional information requested by CICA.
If you cannot provide the information within that period, it is important to contact CICA and explain the circumstances rather than simply ignoring the request.
Potentially, yes. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme provides for compensation for qualifying physical and mental injuries. The current CICA injury tariff includes mental injuries alongside physical injuries.
The specific requirements depend on the nature of the psychological injury and the circumstances of the claim, so appropriate medical evidence may be important.
If you disagree with a CICA decision, you can normally request a review. If you remain dissatisfied following the review, you may be able to appeal to the independent First-tier Tribunal. CICA’s current guidance sets out deadlines of 56 days for requesting a review and 90 days for appealing a review decision.
If you believe a decision is incorrect, obtaining legal advice promptly can help you understand your options.
No solicitor can guarantee a particular CICA award.
The amount of compensation depends on the Scheme’s rules, the relevant injury tariff and the evidence available. A solicitor can, however, help you understand what you may potentially be entitled to and ensure relevant information is properly presented to CICA.
Related Services
- Criminal Injury Claims
- CICA Appeals and Reviews
- Personal Injury Claims