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CICA Compensation Calculator

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) operates a government-funded scheme that pays compensation to victims of violent crime in Great Britain. It is fundamentally different from a personal injury claim against an individual or company — there is no defendant, no insurance company involved, and the compensation comes from public funds based on a fixed tariff (the CICA 2012 Scheme).

This calculator uses the CICA 2012 tariff bands (currently A through Z, with each band paying a specific fixed amount). It does not use the Judicial College Guidelines. Tariff awards are typically much lower than equivalent civil settlements because the scheme is funded by the state rather than by an insurer.

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CICA compensation calculator

Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012 tariff.

How This Calculator Works

Select the injury you sustained from the violent crime. The calculator identifies the CICA tariff band and shows the fixed amount payable. If you have multiple injuries, the scheme pays 100 per cent for the highest-tariff injury, 30 per cent for the second, and 15 per cent for the third — the calculator handles this combination rule automatically.

CICA Eligibility — Critical Requirements

Before considering compensation amounts, you must meet the CICA eligibility criteria:

  • You were a victim of a violent crime in England, Wales, or Scotland
  • The incident was reported to the police as soon as reasonably practicable
  • You are applying within two years of the incident (with limited exceptions)
  • You have cooperated with the police investigation
  • You have no unspent convictions that would disqualify you (a points-based system applies)
  • You did not provoke or contribute to the incident

Failure to meet any of these criteria can result in refusal or substantial reduction of the award.

Loss of Earnings Under CICA

Loss of earnings under the CICA scheme is heavily restricted compared to a civil personal injury claim. The first 28 weeks of lost earnings are not compensated at all. After that, loss of earnings is capped at one and a half times the median gross weekly earnings (£300-£400/week range, well below many claimants’ actual earnings). This is the main reason CICA awards tend to be substantially lower than equivalent civil claim values.

What This Calculator Doesn’t Capture

The calculator does not assess your eligibility — that requires a careful review of police records, your own conduct, and any convictions you may have. It also doesn’t reflect the discretionary reductions that CICA frequently applies for failure to cooperate, delayed reporting, or behaviour that contributed to the incident. CICA decisions are often initially refused or substantially reduced; specialist CICA solicitors can advise on review and appeal rights.

Next Steps

CICA applications can be made directly through the CICA website without legal representation. However, specialist CICA solicitors substantially improve the outcome in cases involving complex injuries, disputed eligibility, or where the initial decision is unfavourable. Unlike civil personal injury work, no win no fee arrangements are unusual for CICA because the scheme caps recoverable costs at zero — most CICA solicitors charge a percentage of any award.

Common Questions

Can I claim through CICA and from the offender?

Yes, in principle. If the offender has assets, a civil claim may be possible alongside a CICA application. Civil claims typically produce much higher compensation but are only worthwhile where the offender has assets to recover. CICA will deduct any civil compensation already received from the tariff award.

How long does a CICA claim take?

CICA typically takes 12-18 months for a decision, longer for complex cases or where medical evidence needs to develop. Reviews and appeals add further time. The scheme is much slower than typical civil personal injury claims of similar value.

What is the two-year time limit?

You must apply within two years of the incident. CICA can extend the time limit in limited circumstances — particularly for children, where the limit runs from the 18th birthday, and for cases where the impact only became apparent later (such as historical sexual abuse cases). Late applications are routinely refused so it’s important to apply within time.

Why are CICA awards so much lower than civil claims?

Two reasons. First, the tariff bands are fixed amounts published in the scheme rules — they have not been substantially uplifted for inflation since 2012. Second, loss of earnings is heavily capped (the first 28 weeks not paid; afterwards capped at low statutory levels). For high earners, CICA awards may be a fraction of what a civil claim would produce. CICA is essentially a state-funded minimum safety net, not full compensation.

What if my conviction reduces my award?

CICA operates a points-based deduction system for unspent convictions. Minor convictions may reduce the award by 10-100 per cent depending on the number and seriousness. Specialist CICA solicitors can argue for reduced deductions where the conviction is unrelated to the violence and the claimant has rehabilitated. Spent convictions are generally not taken into account.

Criminal Injuries Compensation Claims

CICA Eligibility & Tariff Bands

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Gavin Cooper

Gavin Cooper

Claims Expert, Claims Bible

Gavin writes and reviews Claims Bible's guidance on compensation claims. Claims Bible is a trading style of Forces Compare Ltd, authorised and regulated by the FCA for claims management activities (FRN 785329).

Updated 24 July 2026 · Part of our Personal Injury guide

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