Understanding the Eligibility Criteria for CICA Claims

Making a payment claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme in the UK can be difficult. The CICA eligibility criteria makes your claim process successful. Read out this blog on eligibility criteria for CICA Claims and what is needed for your claim.

Eligibility Criteria for CICA Claims

The CICA ensures that only valid claims are compensated by following guidelines. They are for victims of violent crimes. Here’s a detailed look at what is needed for the claim to qualify.

1. Victim of a Violent Crime

Let’s first learn about the meaning of violent crime victim.

Definition

The CICA pays people for injuries caused by violent crimes. It means a crime in which actual physical violence is used. It may extend to cover the following:

• Physical assault
• Sexual offences
• Trauma from threats

Location

The crime has to have taken place in:

• England
• Scotland
• Wales

The CICA does not apply to crimes committed outside these domains.

Examples

Examples include assault, sexual assault, mugging, or even a violent robbery.

The assets publishing report by CICA states that, in the 2021-22 financial year, CICA provided £158 million to victims of violent crime.

Read more about the role of Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).

2. Injury Sustained

Physical Injuries:

Your injury should be serious enough to meet the eligibility criteria for CICA claims. Minor injuries with no clear damage are not likely to meet this criterion. Some physical injuries include:

• Whiplash
• Road traffic accidents
• Personal injuries
• Trip falls
• Medical negligence

Get expert guidance on Personal Injury Claims.

Mental Injuries:

CICA pays even for mental health injuries if proven by a psychologist. Some such injuries include:

• PTSD
• Anxiety
• Depression
• GAD

Get reliable Psychology Expert Reports for legal cases.

Assessment Process

The CICA follows the tariff table. Basically, the amount depends on injury severity. For example, mild injuries get a smaller amount than serious injuries.

Take a look at CICA Tariff Table for calculation.

3. Time Limits of Making a Claim

Standard Time Limit

The eligibility criteria for CICA claims allows a two years of time limit for an incident to be claimed for.

Exceptions

• In CICA eligibility criteria, it does accept claims outside the two-year deadline in cases where children are involved.
• In case of severe reasons which kept them from making a claim earlier

Importance of Prompt Filing:

• The prompt filing shows that the claim is not made up.
• A victim is really serious about getting justice.

4. Crime reporting

Police Report

• The crime should have been reported to the police after the date of the incident.
• The CICA asks for the crime reference number as part of the process.

Delayed Reporting

• The victim should explain the reason for the delay, if any, in making the report.
• The most common reasons for late reporting are:

1. 1. Fear of retaliation
   2. Confusion following the incident

Not Reporting

• If the person fails to report the crime on time, their claim will be rejected as per CICA eligibility criteria.
• They can even challenge whether the claim is legit or not.

5. Cooperation with the Authorities

Full Cooperation:

Claimants are obliged to cooperate with the police. For instance,

• The provision of correct and truthful data
• Being there on any interviews or medical exams, if required
• Cooperation at all times with the prosecution of the offender

Effect on Claim:

• Any tough behaviour may result in an instant claim rejection.
• The CICA must be sure that the people really want an amount for an injustice.

6. Record of Behaviour

Criminal Record:

• A victim’s criminal record is also taken into account.
• A prior violent or serious crime may lessen or deny claim amount..

Conduct at the Time of Incident:

• CICA also considers the victim’s conduct at the time of the incident.
• If a victim’s actions caused the incident, CICA can reduce or deny it.
• The same applies if they were engaged in illegal activity.

Justification:

• CICA caters only to innocent victims.

7. Residency status

UK Residency:

• The victim shall be resident of the UK.
• The CICA eligibility requirements also cover UK nationals in other countries in some cases.

Exceptions:

• In cases like human trafficking, there are provisions available.
• In some cases non-residents can also receive payment biddings.

Get an insight into How Long Does a CICA Claim Take?

What Types of Evidence are Required to Make a CICA Claim?

The eligibility criteria for CICA claims also include provision of certain evidence. The process involves assessing the proofs you got from various sources. This shows whether a case is eligible for an award under the scheme. The following are types of proofs that might be needed when making a claim:

‘‘You must have been employed when the crime happened or for the 3 years immediately before it. If you were not employed, you might still be eligible if you could not work, for example because you were in full-time education, retired or caring for someone.’’

Gov of UK

How can Concise Medico Help You?

Making a claim to CICA can be confusing. The long forms require a lot of details and time to complete. You must consult a solicitor to help you get the amount you deserve. At Concise Medico we make sure that you know the eligibility criteria for CICA claims. We will guide you through all the steps of making a claim and how to fulfill the criteria for a claim.

Ready to seek legal advice, Contact Concise Medico now!