The CICA Two-Year Time Limit Explained
Unlike most personal injury claims, an application to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) runs on a much tighter clock. In most cases you must apply within two years of the crime — a full year shorter than the standard three-year limit for civil personal injury claims. Missing it can mean losing your right to compensation altogether, so it is worth understanding exactly when the clock starts and what, if anything, can extend it.
This guide explains when the two-year period begins, the recognised exceptions that can extend it, and what to do if you’re worried you’re running out of time. For the general rules that apply to civil personal injury claims, see our personal injury claim time limits guide. If you’re not yet sure whether your case is a CICA matter at all, see our assault compensation claims guide.
When Does the Two-Year Clock Start?
For adults, the two-year period runs from the date the crime happened, not from when you were first well enough to think about a claim, or when a police investigation concludes. This is confirmed in CICA’s own official eligibility guidance, which states that, in most cases, you must apply as soon as reasonably practicable and within two years of the crime happening. You do not need to wait for an investigation or court case to finish before applying — in fact, applying promptly and updating CICA later is usually the safer approach.
Different rules apply if you were under 18 at the time of the incident. If the crime was reported to the police before your 18th birthday, you generally have until your 20th birthday to apply. If it was reported on or after your 18th birthday, the standard two-year period runs from the date of that report instead.
Exceptions That Can Extend the Deadline
CICA can, in limited circumstances, accept a late application. The two main exceptions are:
- Childhood sexual or physical abuse — where a delay in coming forward is common and expected, given the nature of the abuse
- Physical or mental incapacity — where your health genuinely prevented you from applying sooner, including conditions such as PTSD, severe depression, or anxiety directly linked to the incident
Getting an extension is not automatic. You must write to CICA and explain the whole period of delay — not just why you missed the two-year mark, but why you were unable to apply at any point during the entire gap — and support this with evidence where possible. A time limit extension can only be granted once, so it is worth putting the strongest possible case together before you ask.
What Happens if You Apply Late Without a Recognised Exception?
If none of the recognised exceptions apply, a late application is likely to be refused without CICA considering the merits of the injury itself. This is one of the few areas of UK compensation law where there is little flexibility, so if you are close to the two-year mark, it is far safer to submit an application now — even with limited supporting evidence — than to wait until you feel fully prepared. You can add further information, including medical evidence, after you’ve applied.
This Is a Different Deadline to Other Stages of Your Claim
The two-year rule covers only the initial application. Once CICA has made a decision, separate and much shorter deadlines apply: you typically have 56 days to accept an offer of compensation, and 56 days to request a review if you disagree with a decision, each of which can also be extended once in exceptional circumstances. See the official step-by-step guide to the CICA process for how these later stages work.
What to Do If You’re Close to the Deadline
- Apply now, even if the police investigation is ongoing or you’re still waiting for medical evidence
- Keep a note of your CICA reference number once you’ve applied
- Start gathering any evidence that explains a delay, if one of the exceptions might apply to you
- Get advice from a solicitor promptly if you are unsure whether you’re still in time
Common Questions About the CICA Time Limit
I was abused as a child and I’m now in my 40s. Is it too late?
Not necessarily. Childhood sexual or physical abuse is one of the specific exceptions CICA recognises, precisely because delayed disclosure is common in these cases. You should still apply as soon as you feel able to, and a solicitor can help explain the delay to CICA on your behalf.
The police are still investigating. Should I wait until they finish?
No. You do not need to wait for the police investigation, or any criminal prosecution, to conclude before applying to CICA. Submitting your application within the two-year window and keeping CICA updated as things progress is the safer approach.
Can I get more than one extension?
No. If CICA grants an extension to the two-year deadline, that is the only extension available for the application stage — so it is important to provide a complete, well-evidenced explanation of the delay the first time you ask.
I missed the deadline by a few months for no particular reason. Can I still try?
You can submit an application, but without a recognised exception such as ill health or childhood abuse, it is likely to be refused. It is still worth getting advice on your specific circumstances, since what counts as an exceptional reason is assessed case by case.
Does this two-year limit apply to every type of criminal injury claim?
Yes, the same two-year rule is the starting point for all CICA applications, whether the claim relates to an assault, sexual offence, or domestic violence. The main variations are the exceptions described above and the different starting point for claims involving children.
Related Guides
Assault Compensation Claims — UK Guide (CICA)
Personal Injury Claim Time Limits UK
CICA Eligibility & Tariff Guide
Historic Abuse Claims | CICA & Civil Routes
Domestic Violence Compensation Claims
Sexual Assault Compensation Claims (CICA)
Check If You Could Claim Compensation For Your Injury
If you were injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation. Start a free claim check in minutes — no upfront cost. No win, no fee if your claim is accepted.
