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How long does it take for criminal injuries to pay out?

Author

Matthew Alvarez

Published Mar 06, 2026

There are no specific timescales, but the CICA aims to make a decision on most applications within 12-18 months. For more complex cases, where higher-value settlements may be required, it can take much longer.

Can victims of crime claim compensation?

How Much Compensation Am I Entitled To? Under the NSW Government’s Victims’ Support Scheme, you are eligible to receive: A maximum of 22 hours of counselling. Immediate financial assistance up to $5000 for primary victims, or $8000 for funeral expenses provided to the immediate family of a homicide victim.

Who can claim criminal injuries compensation?

If you have been the victim of a crime of violence, for example a violent mugging, an unprovoked attack or a sexual assault, you may be able to pursue a claim for damages through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).

Can you claim compensation without pressing charges?

If you are injured in a criminal attack, you should be able to claim compensation, even if no one is convicted of the crime.

How do I appeal a criminal injuries compensation?

Download and fill in the appeal form giving reasons why you disagree with the the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority’s ( CICA ‘s) decision. You must also provide: the decision letter from CICA. documents supporting your case, for example, medical records or evidence of loss of earnings.

How much will I get for criminal injuries?

CICA compensation amounts for a criminal injury are 100% of the first injury (most serious injury), 30% of the second (most serious) injury and 15% of the third (most serious) injury. If injuries are the same severity, one is calculated at the lower percentage.

How many times can you claim CICA?

Can I get multiple CICA payments? In short: no. The CICA seeks to prevent what they call “double recovery” – which is when a claimant is compensated twice for the same claim. Multiple injuries may be considered as part of a claim, with the 3 injuries with the highest-value tariffs used to calculate the final award.

Can you claim CICA twice?

Under the CICA scheme you cannot make a claim for the same incident twice. However, it may be possible to have a claim re-opened in some circumstances.

What happens if you get done for criminal damage?

Section 4 Criminal Damage Act 1971 sets out a maximum penalty of life imprisonment for this offence. When tried summarily the maximum penalty is a level 5 fine and/or 6 months imprisonment.