How much CICA compensation will I get for mental injuries? Updated May 2026.
If you are wondering, ‘How much CICA compensation will I get for mental injuries’, then this article will give you an idea of what to expect. We specialise in CICA claims, including claims for mental or psychological injuries. If you would like us to deal with your CICA compensation claim, then call us on 0333 888 0446 or email info@cicacriminalinjurysolicitors.co.uk
What is the CICA?
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, known as the CICA, operates a government funded scheme to compensate victims of a crime of violence in Great Britain.
Can you get CICA compensation for a psychological or mental injury?
Compensation is available for both physical and mental injuries suffered as a result of a crime of violence.
The CICA’s definition of a “crime of violence” includes not only physical attacks but also threats which cause ‘fear of immediate violence’. So there is no requirement either for physical violence or physical injury in order to be eligible for CICA compensation.
Sexual or physical abuse is regarded as a crime of violence.
How serious does the mental injury need to be?
The CICA specifically excludes mental injury that amounts to ‘temporary mental anxiety’. This rules out the type of reactions that most people will experience when they find themselves the victims of crime.
You can claim CICA compensation if you suffer a ‘disabling mental condition’. This is one that has a substantial impact on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. This can include your performance at work or at school, or where it has an impact on your social relationships. Your mental condition must be verified by a specialist medical practitioner.
How much CICA compensation will you get for your mental injuries?
Awards of CICA compensation are assessed by the Authority according to the severity of the injury. The assessment is made on the basis of a medical report from a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist, and the amount of compensation is determined according to a set tariff.
The tariff is periodically updated. Currently (May 2026) the tariff for disabling mental injuries from which the victim makes a recovery is as follows:
- Mental injury lasting between 6 weeks to 28 weeks: £1,000
- Mental injury lasting 28 between weeks to 2 years: £2,400
- Mental injury lasting between 2 years to 5 years: £6,200
- Mental injury lasting 5 years or longer but which is not permanent: £13,500
If the victim’s mental injuries are permanent, then the compensation is as follows:
- Mental injury that is moderately disabling: £19,000
- Mental injury that is moderately disabling and was caused by specific sexual offences: £22,000
- Mental injury that is seriously disabling: £27,000
What other compensation can I claim?
In addition to the sums mentioned above, you can also claim compensation for:
- lost earnings if you have been unable to work for over 28 weeks
- costs incurred as a direct result of an incident where you have been unable to work or incapacitated to a similar extent for more than 28 weeks
- bereavement payments, payments for loss of parental services and financial dependency, and funeral payments where there has been a fatality
- some types of care if this is not already funded by the state
How we can help you get CICA compensation for mental injuries
While you can make a CICA claim yourself, many people choose to use a solicitor in cases where the injuries are particularly serious or the CICA has rejected the application. We have an excellent track record of recovering substantial sums of compensation under the CICA scheme. We helped one client challenge the CICA’s offer of £16,500, resulting in the award being increased to £181,000. In another case, we recovered £210,000 for a client who was due to receive only the basic award of £22,000. And in this case we recovered compensation for metal distress after the CICA had rejected our client’s application.
Do I have to pay legal costs?
The CICA does not pay legal fees. Because most people do not have the money to pay for a solicitor, we can work on a no win, no fee basis. This means that if the compensation claim is not successful, you do not have to pay for the work we have carried out. And if you do receive compensation, then our fees are deducted from the money awarded. We will explain precisely how this works before you go ahead and let you know what the fees are likely to be.
Regulated and recommended CICA lawyers
If you choose our experienced CICA team to handle your claim, then you will have the peace of mind of knowing that you are in safe hands. We are an award-winning SRA regulated firm of solicitors, recommended by the Legal 500, the clients’ guide to the best law firms, with a five-star rating on the independent legal review website, ReviewSolicitors.
Free CICA criminal injuries helpline
Call our free criminal injuries helpline on 0333 888 0446 or send an email to info@cicacriminalinjurysolicitors.co.uk