As you will be aware, we have been working on an improved, simpler way to apply for compensation, with our new application service being opened up to those who have been injured as a result of a crime of violence and their representatives.
Today we will take the significant next step to extend the new application service to those who are applying because someone has died as a result of a violent crime. This includes those who have paid for funeral costs or who may be eligible for bereavement payments.
This means the new service is now available to 99% of our users. You can access the service at https://www.gov.uk/claim-compensation-criminal-injury. For the small number of cases in which this service is not yet available, users will be automatically redirected to our existing application service based on the information provided when completing the application.
Please be aware that users of the new service are currently unable to save the application and return to it later to complete it. If this is not suitable, our existing application service can still be used at https://www.cica.gov.uk/oas/account/create until we close it on 15 September 2023. We will introduce a ‘save your progress’ feature and extend the new service to all users by that date.