How Long Does a CICA Claim Take to Pay Out?

If you’ve been the victim of a violent crime, you may already know that the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) exists to help people like you. But one of the most common and natural questions people ask is: “How long will it take for my CICA claim to pay out?”

The truth is that there isn’t a single fixed answer. Every case is different, and while some are straightforward and settled quickly, others take longer because of medical evidence, ongoing investigations, or the seriousness of the injuries. In this article, I’ll break everything down for you step by step, so you know exactly what to expect, how to avoid unnecessary delays, and what you can do to get the support you deserve.

Understanding the CICA and Why It Exists

The CICA is a government-run scheme set up to compensate blameless victims of violent crime, sexual assault, and abuse. It was created to recognise that crime often leaves people with physical injuries, psychological harm, or financial losses that can’t always be fixed through the criminal courts.

For example:

• A criminal might not have enough money or assets to pay you compensation.
• You might not succeed in a civil claim because of lack of evidence.
• Even if your attacker is never caught or convicted, you can still make a claim.

The CICA uses the balance of probabilities as its standard of proof. This means your case is judged on whether it is more likely than not that the incident happened as you reported it. This is very different from a criminal trial, where guilt has to be proven beyond reasonable doubt.

Time Limit to Submit Your Claim

Before talking about how long it takes to receive money, it’s important to know how long you have to start your claim.

• Normally, you have 2 years from the date of the crime to apply.
• You also need to have reported the crime to the police as soon as reasonably possible.
• If you were under 18 at the time, the rules are slightly different:
  • If you reported the crime while still under 18 → you have 2 years from your 18th birthday to apply.
  • If you only reported it after turning 18 → you have 2 years from the date of reporting.

The CICA can make exceptions in exceptional circumstances, such as when you were too traumatised or unable to apply earlier.

👉 Tip for you: Don’t wait for a criminal trial to finish before applying. If you wait too long, you could miss the 2-year deadline.

How Long Does a CICA Claim Usually Take?

There’s no exact timescale, but here are the general guidelines:

• Most claims: The CICA aims to settle within 12–18 months.
• Fast-track claims (e.g. sexual assault cases using only police evidence): as little as 8 weeks.
• Complex claims: Serious injuries, high-value settlements, or cases involving long-term treatment can take several years.

Why does it vary so much? Because the CICA wants to make sure the compensation you receive reflects the true impact of the crime on your life. If you’re still receiving treatment and your recovery outcome isn’t clear, they may wait until a doctor can give a long-term prognosis before making a final decision.

What Can Delay Your CICA Claim?

You may be wondering, “If most claims take 12 months, why do some drag on?” Here are the common reasons:

1. Medical Evidence Still Needed: If you’re still being treated and it’s uncertain how much you’ll recover, the CICA will wait for medical reports before deciding.
2. Police Evidence: The CICA requests information from the police to confirm details of the crime. If the investigation is ongoing or delayed, it can hold things up.
3. Financial Losses: If you are claiming for lost earnings or special expenses, these must be carefully calculated and evidenced, which takes extra time.
4. Appeals and Reviews: If you disagree with the CICA’s decision, asking for a review or appeal will extend the process.

👉 Tip for you: Always provide full and accurate evidence as early as possible. Missing or incomplete documents are one of the main reasons claims get delayed.

Can You Get Money Before the Final Decision?

Yes. In some cases, you can apply for an interim payment.

This is especially useful if:

• You have serious injuries and are struggling financially.
• You need immediate support while waiting for your case to conclude.

The interim payment won’t affect your final award – it’s simply part of the total compensation that is released earlier.

Fast-Track Options for Sexual Assault Claims

In recent years, the CICA has introduced fast-track procedures for certain sexual assault claims.

• If you haven’t suffered long-term psychological harm and are happy for your case to be assessed based only on police evidence, the CICA aims to settle your claim in about 8 weeks.
• If you have a diagnosed psychological injury (by a psychiatrist or psychologist), your case must go through the normal process, which takes longer, as medical reports are required.

How Much Compensation Could You Receive?

The CICA works under a tariff system set out in the 2012 Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.

Some examples:

• Severe injury + financial costs: up to £500,000.
• Very serious brain damage: £250,000.
• Loss of both arms: £110,000.
• Loss of one leg: £44,000.
• Permanent total deafness (both ears): £44,000.
• Fractured hips (both): £16,500.

If you have multiple injuries, the CICA pays:

• 100% of the most serious injury.
• 30% of the second.
• 15% of the third.

You can also claim for special expenses, such as:

• Care costs.
• Mobility aids (wheelchairs, crutches, hearing aids).
• Home adaptations (ramps, stairlifts).
• Replacement of damaged essential equipment.

👉 Note for you: Expenses must be necessary, reasonable, directly linked to your injury, and not available for free elsewhere.

How Long Does Payment Take After a Decision?

Once your claim is approved and you accept the offer, the CICA usually pays within 4 weeks straight into your bank account.

However, there are special rules:

• Minors (under 18): money is held in an interest-bearing account until your 18th birthday.
• Adults lacking mental capacity: money may be held in a trust for your benefit.

Why Some People Choose Solicitors

While you don’t have to use a solicitor, many victims prefer professional help because:

• Solicitors know how to present evidence correctly.
• They can challenge or appeal decisions if compensation is undervalued.
• Many work on a No Win No Fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless you win.

For you, this can reduce stress and ensure your claim is handled correctly, especially if it’s a complex case.

Tips to Speed Up Your Claim

Here are some practical steps you can take:

1. Report to the police immediately – without this, you cannot claim.
2. Apply within 2 years – don’t delay waiting for a trial.
3. Keep all evidence safe – medical records, receipts, details of financial losses.
4. Respond quickly to any CICA requests for information.
5. Ask about interim payments if your case is taking a long time.
6. Consider legal help if your case is complex or has been undervalued.

Final Thoughts

If you’re asking “How long does a CICA claim take to pay out?” the simple answer is:

• Most cases take 12–18 months.
• Some can be quicker (as little as 8 weeks).
• More serious and complex cases may take years.

Once you accept an offer, money is usually paid within 4 weeks.

Remember, this process is designed to give you fair compensation and to help you move forward after the trauma of a crime. While delays can be frustrating, they usually happen because the CICA wants to ensure your settlement reflects your real, long-term needs.

The best thing you can do is act quickly, provide all evidence, and seek advice if you’re unsure. That way, you give yourself the best chance of getting the support you deserve without unnecessary delays.