Important note:

The revised CICA Scheme came into force on 27 November 2012. From that date on all new applications are dealt with under the 2012 Scheme whether the injury was sustained before or after 27 November 2012. If you started an application before that date and did not get to complete it, you will need to create a new application which will be submitted under the 2012 Scheme. You can phone our Customer Service Centre on 0300 003 3601 between 08:30 and 17:00 and we will help you to complete a telephone application if you would prefer to apply offline.

We are sorry for any inconvenience this causes.

What do I need to know before I apply?

Giving us the most accurate information you can will help avoid delays with your claim. Your answers will help us get the information we need from police and any other relevant party to decide your case.

We understand that going over these details can be upsetting. We will therefore only ask for information we need to assess your application.

What information do I need with me before I start?

You will need the following:

• a note of contact details for any medical practitioner who has provided related treatment
• the unique police ref number
• the date of any court case
• the name of the offender, if known
• Please contact the police if you are not sure what your unique police reference number is. This number is sometimes called a Crime Reference Number.

Do I have to finish the application in one go?

When you start your application, you will be asked to register and then log in before continuing. This also means you don't have to finish the application in one go - as you complete the application it is saved automatically, stored securely and available for 60 days. (They will be deleted after this time.)

Why do you ask for a telephone number?

We may need to contact you soon after we get your application - the easiest way for us to do this is by phone. If you can, please give us a number where we can contact you.

Is there anything else I need to know?

Before you start you may find it useful to read the Am I eligible? page, which will help you find out if you are likely to be eligible for an award.

What if I'm a representative and manage multiple applications?

To access the applications you are managing, you need to log in or register, if you don't already have an account.

Once you log in, the applications you are managing will be displayed in a list; select the relevant one to continue completing it

Log in to my account
Register a new account

Ready to start?

Please wait a few seconds on each page before clicking 'Next' - this ensures the pages have had time to load any supplementary questions.

Start my application

Need any other help?

The following publications explain more about applying for an award, and the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme itself:

Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012 (PDF 0.88mb)

Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012 - A guide (PDF 0.68mb)

You can also get free confidential support from Victim Support (England and Wales) / Victim Support (Scotland), the national charity that helps people affected by crime.

Telephone helpline 0300 003 3601

8.30am to 5.00pm Mondays to Fridays, except Wednesdays, which are 10.00am to 5.00pm.