Last Updated: 20 August 2026 I Reading Time: Approx. 6 minutes
Summary
The number of applications to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) has continued to rise. The latest CICA Annual Report and Accounts, covering 2025–26, shows that 47,402 new applications were received, an increase of 10.5% compared with the previous year and the highest annual volume since the first full year of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012.
The increase suggests that more victims of violent crime are becoming aware that compensation may be available. However, it has also placed significant pressure on CICA. Its live caseload increased by 19% to 65,638 cases, while 62% of new applications received a first decision within 12 months.
For victims considering a CICA claim, this makes it particularly important to understand the process, submit the right information and evidence, and respond promptly to requests from CICA.
The level of awareness of the Scheme is a million miles away from where it should be. Whilst it is good that the number of applications has gone up, the increase is a drop in the ocean compared to the number of violent crimes reported in the UK, which stands at over 2 million per year. More should be done by the Government to spread awareness of victims’ rights and the Scheme.
Quick answer
Why are CICA claims taking longer to process? CICA is dealing with record levels of demand. It received 47,402 new applications in 2025–26, while its live caseload reached 65,638 cases. Although a solicitor cannot guarantee a faster CICA decision, careful preparation, complete evidence and proactive management can help reduce avoidable delays.
In this article
- What is CICA?
- Why are CICA applications increasing?
- What do the latest CICA figures show?
- Why are CICA claims taking longer?
- What evidence is needed for a CICA claim?
- How long do you have to make a CICA claim?
- Can a solicitor speed up a CICA claim?
- How GLP Solicitors can help
- Frequently asked questions
Key Takeaways
- 47,402 new CICA applications were received during 2025–26.
- Applications increased by 10.5% compared with 2024–25.
- This was the highest annual volume since the first full year of the 2012 Scheme.
- CICA’s live caseload increased by 19% to 65,638 cases.
- 62% of new applications received a first decision within 12 months during 2025–26.
- CICA’s target is for 70% of new applications to receive a first decision within 12 months.
- Most adults should apply as soon as reasonably practicable and normally within two years of the incident.
- A solicitor cannot guarantee that CICA will process a claim faster, but can help ensure the application is properly prepared and supported.
What is the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority?
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) is a government body responsible for administering the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme in Great Britain.
The Scheme is designed to compensate eligible victims of violent crime who have suffered physical or psychological injuries. Depending on the circumstances, compensation may also be available for certain financial losses and expenses.
The current Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012 sets out the rules used by CICA when assessing applications. The Scheme is government-funded and the value of injury payments is based on a tariff.
CICA considers the available evidence when deciding whether someone is eligible and, if so, what compensation should be awarded.
Importantly, you do not necessarily need a criminal conviction to make a CICA claim. The Scheme does not require an offender to have been convicted, and CICA makes its decisions on the balance of probabilities.
Why are CICA applications increasing?
The number of people applying for criminal injuries compensation has been increasing over recent years.
According to CICA’s latest Annual Report and Accounts, 47,402 new applications were received during 2025–26. This was 4,497 more applications than the previous year, representing an increase of 10.5%. It was also the fifth consecutive year in which the number of applications reached a new high for the 2012 Scheme.
Greater awareness of the Scheme is important because many victims may not realise that they could potentially receive compensation following a violent crime.
As Steven Astley explains, however, awareness remains a significant issue:
“The level of awareness of the Scheme is a million miles away from where it should be.”
The number of applications therefore needs to be viewed in the wider context of violent crime and the number of people who may potentially be eligible for compensation.
What do the latest CICA figures show?
The latest figures provide a clear picture of the current demand facing CICA.
During the 2025–26 financial year:
- 47,402 new applications were received.
- Applications increased by 10.5% compared with 2024–25.
- 43,169 decisions were made.
- 35,944 cases were resolved.
- CICA’s live caseload increased by 19% to 65,638 cases.
CICA’s annual report explains that the increase in its live caseload was primarily due to the rise in new applications occurring alongside relatively static resources.
How long is CICA taking to make decisions?
The latest figures also highlight the potential waiting times faced by applicants.
During 2025–26, 62% of new applications received a first decision within 12 months. CICA’s target is 70%.
This means that a significant proportion of applicants were still waiting for their first decision after 12 months.
For someone who has already experienced the physical, psychological and financial consequences of a violent crime, waiting for compensation can add another layer of uncertainty.
Why are CICA claims taking longer?
There is no single reason why a CICA claim may take time to resolve.
CICA needs to consider the circumstances of the incident, whether the applicant meets the Scheme’s eligibility requirements, the injuries suffered and the evidence available.
This can involve information from:
- The police
- GPs and other medical professionals
- Hospitals and other healthcare providers
- Employers
- Other relevant organisations
- The applicant themselves
CICA’s application process specifically requires applicants to provide information such as the date and location of the crime, the police force involved, the crime reference number and relevant GP details.
CICA may also need further information before it can reach a decision.
Can missing evidence delay a CICA claim?
Potentially, yes.
If CICA needs further evidence or clarification, this can add to the time required to assess an application.
For example, a claim involving psychological injury may require appropriate medical evidence. A claim involving loss of earnings may require information supporting the financial loss being claimed.
This does not mean that every applicant needs to provide every possible document before submitting a claim. However, providing relevant information promptly and responding to CICA’s requests can help avoid unnecessary delays.
What evidence is needed for a CICA claim?
The evidence required depends on the individual circumstances of the claim.
It may include:
- Police information confirming the incident was reported.
- Medical records or other medical evidence.
- Evidence of physical injuries.
- Evidence relating to psychological injuries.
- Evidence supporting loss of earnings.
- Evidence supporting eligible special expenses.
- Other information relevant to the circumstances of the claim.
The CICA Scheme includes specific rules about the evidence required to establish eligibility and the value of an award.
The stronger and more complete the information available to CICA, the easier it may be for a claims officer to assess the relevant issues.
How long do you have to make a CICA claim?
For most adults, a CICA application should be made as soon as reasonably practicable and normally within two years of the incident.
There are circumstances in which CICA may consider an application outside the usual time limit, but the requirements are specific.
CICA states that an extension can only be considered where exceptional circumstances meant the application could not have been made earlier and the evidence allows the claim to be determined without further extensive enquiries.
There are also different provisions for people who were under 18 when the incident happened.
Should you wait until a criminal case has finished?
No.
CICA’s guidance makes clear that applicants should not wait for criminal proceedings to conclude before applying. A criminal conviction is not required under the Scheme, and CICA can make a decision where there is sufficient evidence to do so.
This is particularly important because waiting for a criminal investigation or prosecution could potentially result in an applicant missing the relevant CICA time limit.
Can a solicitor speed up a CICA claim?
A solicitor cannot guarantee that CICA will process a claim faster.
The latest statistics demonstrate that CICA is dealing with record demand, and the timing of a decision ultimately rests with CICA.
However, legal assistance can help reduce avoidable delays.
A solicitor can help with:
- Completing the application accurately.
- Identifying relevant evidence.
- Obtaining supporting documentation where appropriate.
- Presenting information clearly.
- Responding to requests from CICA.
- Monitoring important deadlines.
- Reviewing CICA correspondence.
- Advising on a CICA decision.
- Assisting with a review or appeal where appropriate.
The objective is not to promise a shortcut through the CICA process. It is to make sure your claim is properly prepared, supported and actively managed.
How GLP Solicitors Can Help
At GLP Solicitors, our CICA team assists victims of violent crime with navigating the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.
We understand that making a compensation claim can feel difficult, particularly when you are already dealing with the consequences of an incident.
Our team can help by:
1. Reviewing your circumstances
We can discuss the circumstances of the incident and explain whether you may have a potential claim under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.
2. Helping identify relevant evidence
Evidence can play an important role in a CICA claim.
We can help identify the information and documentation that may be relevant to your circumstances, including medical evidence and evidence relating to financial losses.
3. Assisting with the claims process
We can help with the administration of your claim and communicate with CICA and relevant third parties where appropriate.
This can help ensure that requests for information are dealt with promptly.
4. Monitoring your claim
CICA claims can involve a number of stages.
We can monitor developments, explain correspondence and advise you when action is required.
5. Reviewing CICA decisions
If CICA makes a decision that you believe is incorrect, you may have the right to request a review.
If you remain dissatisfied following the review, you may in appropriate circumstances be able to appeal to the First-tier Tribunal.
CICA’s current process includes the opportunity to challenge decisions through a review and, where applicable, an appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no fixed timeframe for every CICA claim. The latest CICA figures show that 62% of new applications received a first decision within 12 months during 2025–26.
The time required can depend on the circumstances of the claim, the evidence available and whether CICA needs to obtain further information. Some claims may therefore take considerably longer than others.
CICA is dealing with a significant increase in applications. It received 47,402 new applications in 2025–26, an increase of 10.5% compared with the previous year. Its live caseload also increased by 19% to 65,638 cases.
This increased demand has placed pressure on CICA’s ability to process applications, meaning some applicants are experiencing longer waiting times.
A solicitor cannot guarantee that CICA will make a decision more quickly. However, they can help ensure your application is properly prepared, relevant evidence is identified and correspondence from CICA is dealt with promptly.
This may help avoid delays caused by missing information or unanswered requests, although the overall processing time remains a matter for CICA.
Most adults should apply as soon as reasonably practicable and normally within two years of the incident.
There are exceptions in certain circumstances, but these are subject to specific requirements. If you believe you may have missed the usual deadline, it is important to seek advice rather than assume that a claim is automatically impossible.
No. A criminal conviction is not required to make a CICA claim.
CICA assesses applications using the balance of probabilities and does not necessarily need to wait for criminal proceedings to conclude before making a decision. You should therefore not delay an application simply because the criminal investigation or court proceedings are ongoing.
The evidence required will depend on the circumstances of your claim.
This can include police information, medical evidence and documents supporting financial losses or eligible expenses. CICA will consider the available information when deciding whether you qualify and what compensation may be payable.
Providing relevant evidence promptly can help CICA assess your application without unnecessary additional enquiries.
Potentially, yes. The Scheme can provide compensation for qualifying mental as well as physical injuries resulting from a crime of violence.
The injury must meet the requirements of the Scheme, and appropriate evidence may be required to establish the nature and impact of the psychological injury.
If CICA refuses your claim or makes an award that you believe is incorrect, you may be able to request a review of the decision.
If you remain dissatisfied following the review, you may have a right to appeal to the First-tier Tribunal. Time limits apply, so it is important to consider the decision and obtain advice promptly if you believe it is wrong.