Criminal Injury Compensation Scotland
If you have been injured as a victim of violent crime in Scotland — including assault, domestic abuse, sexual violence or other offences — you may be entitled to apply for compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). This page provides general information about that process.
Key Points — Quick Summary
- ✓Victims of violent crime in Scotland can claim through the CICA without a criminal conviction.
- ✓The CICA time limit is two years from the crime — shorter than standard personal injury claims.
- ✓You must have reported the crime to the police and cooperated with any investigation.
- ✓CICA awards follow a fixed tariff, ranging from £1,000 to £500,000+.
- ✓A civil claim against the perpetrator or a negligent third party may also be possible.
In Scotland, victims of violent crime may be eligible to claim compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme, administered by the CICA. Claims must generally be made within two years of the crime. You do not need a criminal conviction to claim, but you must have reported the crime to the police and cooperated with any investigation. A free enquiry will assess your eligibility.
What is the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme?
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme is a UK government scheme that provides compensation to victims of violent crime. It applies across Scotland, England and Wales. Awards are paid from public funds and are made according to a tariff that sets out standard amounts for different types of injury. A criminal conviction is not required.
Who is Eligible to Claim Criminal Injury Compensation?
You may be eligible if:
- You were the victim of a violent crime in Scotland (or another part of Great Britain)
- You reported the crime to the police as soon as reasonably practicable
- You cooperated with police and any criminal proceedings
- You have not been convicted of an unspent criminal offence that might reduce or bar your award
- You are applying within the two-year time limit (with very limited exceptions)
Types of Crime Covered
The scheme covers a wide range of violent crimes, including:
- Assault and common assault
- Domestic abuse and domestic violence
- Sexual assault and rape
- Robbery and mugging
- Knife crime and serious assault
- Hate crime injuries
- Historic childhood abuse claims
How CICA Awards Are Calculated
CICA awards are made according to the tariff in the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme. The tariff sets out fixed amounts for different types and levels of injury. Awards range from £1,000 for relatively minor injuries to significantly higher amounts for serious physical or psychological harm. In qualifying cases, the CICA may also pay loss of earnings and special expenses such as treatment costs. The scheme is separate from civil litigation.
The Application Process
Applications to the CICA are made online through the CICA website, or with the assistance of a solicitor. A solicitor can help you present your application in the strongest possible terms and manage correspondence with the CICA. The CICA will investigate your claim, obtain police and medical evidence and make an initial decision. If you are unhappy with the decision, you have the right to seek a review and, if necessary, appeal to the First-tier Tribunal.
Time Limit — Act Quickly
Applications to the CICA must generally be made within two years of the date of the crime. This is a shorter period than the standard personal injury limitation. There are very limited exceptions — for example, for historical childhood sexual abuse where you were a child at the time. Do not assume you have time to spare — seek advice as soon as possible.
Civil Claims Alongside CICA Claims
In some circumstances, it may also be possible to bring a civil claim for damages against the perpetrator, or against a third party whose negligence contributed to the crime — for example, a negligent employer or inadequate security provider. Your solicitor will advise on whether a civil claim is available in addition to or instead of a CICA claim.
Find local context for criminal injury compensation claims across Scotland:
Types of Criminal Injury Claim
Related Claim Types
This page provides general information and is not individual legal advice.
Reviewed for Scottish scope and official-source alignment. Last updated 16 June 2026. Read our publishing standards and source methodology.
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What is the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)?
Who can claim criminal injury compensation in Scotland?
Do I need a criminal conviction to claim?
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What is the time limit for a CICA claim in Scotland?
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