CICA Calculator – Estimate Your Criminal Injury Compensation

CICA Calculator

Estimate your UK Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority award using the 2012 Tariff Scheme

Primary (Most Severe) Injury

Select the injury that carries the highest tariff value.

Second Injury (Optional)

CICA pays 30% of the tariff for the second most serious injury.

Third Injury (Optional)

CICA pays 15% of the tariff for the third most serious injury.

Loss of Earnings (£)

Total past and future loss of earnings (after first 28 weeks).

Please enter a positive value.

Special Expenses (£)

Costs for care, equipment, or home adaptations.

Please enter a positive value.

Estimated Total Award

£0

Injury Tariffs Total:
£0

Financial Losses Total:
£0

Scheme Cap Applied:
No

Award Composition Breakdown

Visualizing Injury Payout vs Financial Recovery

Formula: Total = (Injury 1 × 100%) + (Injury 2 × 30%) + (Injury 3 × 15%) + Financial Losses (Max Cap £500,000).

What is a CICA Calculator?

A cica calculator is a specialized digital tool designed to help victims of violent crime in the United Kingdom estimate the potential compensation they might receive from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). The CICA is a government-funded executive agency that provides financial awards to individuals who have suffered physical or psychological harm due to being a victim of a crime of violence in England, Scotland, or Wales.

Unlike standard personal injury claims, the CICA operates under a “Tariff of Injuries.” This means compensation isn’t negotiated in the traditional sense; instead, it is calculated based on predefined fixed amounts for specific injury types. Using a cica calculator allows you to navigate these complex bands and understand how multiple injuries or financial losses influence your final settlement.

One common misconception is that the cica calculator provides a guaranteed amount. In reality, the CICA may reduce or refuse awards based on the applicant’s criminal record, delayed reporting to the police, or lack of cooperation during the investigation.

CICA Calculator Formula and Mathematical Explanation

The mathematics behind the cica calculator follow the 2012 Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme rules. The formula is additive but subject to diminishing returns for multiple injuries.

The Step-by-Step Derivation:

Identify the highest-valued injury from the tariff (100% of the value).
Identify the second highest-valued injury (30% of the value).
Identify the third highest-valued injury (15% of the value).
Sum these values to get the “Injury Component.”
Add Special Expenses and Loss of Earnings.
Apply the absolute scheme cap of £500,000.

Variable	Meaning	Unit	Typical Range
T1	Primary Injury Tariff	GBP (£)	£1,000 – £250,000
T2	Secondary Injury Tariff	GBP (£)	£1,000 – £25,000
LE	Loss of Earnings	GBP (£)	Varies (Post 28 weeks)
SE	Special Expenses	GBP (£)	Calculated costs

Table 1: Variables used in the cica calculator algorithm.

Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)

Example 1: Physical Assault with Multiple Injuries

An individual is assaulted, resulting in a fractured jaw (Tariff: £3,500) and significant facial scarring (Tariff: £2,500). They missed 30 weeks of work, resulting in £2,000 of qualifying loss of earnings.

Primary Injury: £3,500 (100%)
Secondary Injury: £750 (30% of £2,500)
Loss of Earnings: £2,000
Total CICA Estimate: £6,250

Example 2: Serious Injury with Long-Term Care

A victim suffers a serious brain injury (£44,000) and requires home adaptations costing £20,000. They can no longer work, with a projected loss of earnings of £150,000.

Primary Injury: £44,000
Special Expenses: £20,000
Loss of Earnings: £150,000
Total CICA Estimate: £214,000

How to Use This CICA Calculator

Select Primary Injury: Browse the dropdown for the injury that matches your medical report. The cica calculator uses Band values from the 2012 scheme.
Add Additional Injuries: If you have more than one injury, select the next two most severe ones. Note that the cica calculator automatically applies the 30% and 15% reductions.
Input Financial Losses: Enter your total Loss of Earnings (only applicable if you were unable to work for more than 28 weeks) and any Special Expenses.
Review Results: The green box will display the estimated total, while the chart shows the split between injury compensation and financial recovery.

Key Factors That Affect CICA Calculator Results

Calculating a claim using a cica calculator is the first step, but several qualitative factors can change the final outcome:

Police Cooperation: If the CICA deems you did not fully cooperate with the police investigation, they can reduce the award to zero.
Reporting Time: Claims must usually be made within 2 years of the incident, and the crime must be reported “promptly.”
Criminal Record: The CICA uses a “character” test. Certain unspent convictions will automatically disqualify you or lead to heavy reductions.
The 28-Week Rule: Loss of earnings is not paid for the first 28 weeks of incapacity. A cica calculator must account for this delay.
Evidence Quality: Medical reports must clearly link the injury to the violent crime.
Maximum Limit: Regardless of the severity, no single award can exceed £500,000, as enforced by the cica calculator logic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I claim for more than three injuries?

No, the CICA scheme only pays for the top three highest-valued injuries. Any additional injuries are noted but do not increase the financial award in the cica calculator.

Does the CICA pay for legal fees?

No, the CICA does not cover legal costs. If you hire a solicitor, their fees will usually be deducted from your final award.

What counts as a “Crime of Violence”?

This includes physical assault, sexual assault, domestic abuse, and threats that cause fear of immediate violence.

How long does a CICA claim take?

Most claims take between 12 to 18 months, though complex cases involving loss of earnings can take longer.

Can I use the cica calculator for psychological injuries?

Yes, mental trauma and PTSD are included in the tariff bands, often ranging from £1,000 to £27,000 depending on duration and severity.

What if I am partially to blame?

The CICA can reduce an award if your conduct contributed to the incident (e.g., getting into a fight).

Is loss of earnings calculated at my full salary?

No, it is usually capped at the statutory rate of Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) at the time of the decision if your earnings exceed it.

Can I appeal a CICA decision?

Yes, you can request a review, and if still unhappy, you can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Criminal Injuries Compensation).

Related Tools and Internal Resources

Criminal Injury Claims Guide – A comprehensive guide on the eligibility criteria for UK victims.
Personal Injury Payout Tables – Compare CICA rates with civil court guidelines (JSB).
CICA Compensation Table – The full list of every injury tariff under the 2012 scheme.
Victim Support Services – Free resources to help you through the emotional recovery process.
Legal Aid Eligibility – Find out if you qualify for government assistance with your legal fees.
No Win No Fee Calculator – Estimate what a solicitor might charge for handling your CICA claim.