CICA Review – How to Challenge a CICA Decision

Receiving a decision from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) can be disappointing, particularly if your claim has been refused or you believe the compensation awarded does not properly reflect the injuries you have suffered.

The good news is that an initial decision is not necessarily the end of the process. If you believe the CICA has reached the wrong decision, you have the right to ask for a review.

At CICA-UK, we have over 30 years’ experience representing victims of violent crime and sexual abuse. We will carefully examine the decision, identify the grounds upon which it can be challenged, obtain any additional supporting evidence and prepare the review on your behalf. Our aim is to present the strongest possible case while making the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.

What is a CICA Review?

A CICA review is the first stage of challenging a decision made by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.

When a review is requested, your claim is reconsidered by a different CICA decision maker who was not responsible for the original decision. They will review all of the evidence considered previously, together with any additional information submitted in support of your application.

Following the review, the original decision may be upheld, amended or overturned.

A review is different from an appeal. A review is carried out internally by CICA, whereas an appeal is heard by the independent First-tier Tribunal (Criminal Injuries Compensation). If you remain dissatisfied after the review, you may still have the right to appeal. You can find out more by reading our CICA Appeals page.

In most cases, you must request a review within 56 days of the date of the original CICA decision. Although extensions may occasionally be granted in exceptional circumstances, they are entirely discretionary, so it is important that the review is properly prepared and submitted within the time limit.

Valid Grounds for Requesting a CICA Review

Not every disagreement with a CICA decision will justify a review. However, there are many situations where asking the CICA to reconsider its decision is appropriate.

Common grounds include:

• Your claim has been refused, and you believe the decision is incorrect.
• The compensation awarded does not accurately reflect the injuries you have suffered.
• CICA has misunderstood the facts or evidence.
• Important medical or psychological evidence was unavailable when the original decision was made.
• Further evidence has become available since your application was submitted.
• CICA has incorrectly applied the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.

Before submitting your review, we will carefully analyse the decision letter, identify the strongest legal and factual grounds for challenge and advise you on any additional evidence that may improve your prospects of success.

What Evidence Can Support Your CICA Review?

Strong supporting evidence can make a significant difference to the outcome of a review.

Depending on your circumstances, this may include:

• Updated medical records.
• Reports from consultants, psychologists or psychiatrists.
• Counselling or therapy records.
• Police correspondence or additional investigation material.
• Witness statements.
• Evidence demonstrating the ongoing impact your injuries have had on your daily life, employment or relationships.

We will review the evidence already held by CICA, obtain any further documentation needed to support your case and prepare detailed written representations explaining why the original decision should be changed.

Possible Outcomes of a CICA Review

Once the review has been completed, CICA may:

• Uphold the original decision.
• Award compensation where the original claim was refused.
• Increase the amount of compensation awarded.
• Reduce the compensation award if it believes the original assessment was too high.
• Reach a different decision based upon all of the available evidence.

If you remain dissatisfied with the review decision, you will normally have the right to appeal to the independent First-tier Tribunal (Criminal Injuries Compensation).

In most cases, an appeal must be lodged within 90 days of the review decision. If your case proceeds to appeal, we will prepare the appeal papers, obtain any further evidence required and represent you throughout the tribunal proceedings.

How We Can Help With Your CICA Review

A successful review often depends upon presenting the evidence clearly and explaining precisely why the original decision was wrong.

When you instruct CICA-UK, we will:

• Carefully analyse the original CICA decision.
• Identify the legal and factual grounds for requesting a review.
• Obtain any additional medical or supporting evidence required.
• Prepare comprehensive written submissions on your behalf.
• Submit the review within the required deadline.
• Deal with all correspondence with CICA.
• Keep you informed throughout the progress of your claim.
• Represent your interests at every stage and, if necessary, prepare and pursue an appeal.

We understand that many survivors find the claims process daunting. Throughout your claim, we will provide straightforward advice, practical support and clear communication, ensuring that you always know what is happening and what the next step will be.

If you believe CICA has made the wrong decision, contact CICA-UK today. We will review your case, explain your prospects of success and, where appropriate, prepare and submit your review on your behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a CICA review take?

There is no fixed timescale. Some reviews are completed within a few months, while more complex cases involving additional medical evidence can take considerably longer. We will keep you updated throughout the process and notify you as soon as we receive any correspondence from CICA.

Do I need to pay for a CICA review?

Funding arrangements depend on the circumstances of your claim. Before we begin work, we will explain our fees and funding options clearly so that you know exactly how your case will be managed.

Do I need a solicitor for a CICA review?

No. You are entitled to request a review yourself. However, many reviews are unsuccessful because important evidence is missing or the grounds for challenging the decision have not been properly presented. We will ensure that your review is fully prepared and supported by the strongest available evidence.

What if I still disagree after the review?

If you remain dissatisfied after the review decision, you will usually have the right to appeal to the independent First-tier Tribunal (Criminal Injuries Compensation). In most cases, the appeal must be lodged within 90 days of the review decision. We will advise you on the prospects of success and, where appropriate, represent you throughout the appeal process.