Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme (CICA)
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme is a government-funded scheme designed to provide financial compensation for victims of violent crime. The scheme is administered by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
You may be eligible if:
- you were injured
- a close relative died
- you witnessed the crime happen to a loved one
- you paid for the funeral of a person who died.
The aim of the scheme is to support victims and acknowledge the harm caused to them.
The scheme will consider claims for:
- mental or physical injury
- sexual assault/s
- physical abuse
- special expenses payments
- a death of a loved one caused by a violent crime (including bereavement payments, payments for loss of parental services, and funeral payments).
Access to the scheme requires that the crime has been reported to the police as soon as reasonably possible. Applications to the scheme must also be made without delay and no later than two years since the crime occurred.
You can apply directly via the CICA website. If you do not have internet access or require support using a computer or mobile device, you can contact the CICA on 0300 003 3601.
