Compensation

Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme changed on 27 July 2026.

Under the revised Scheme:

• Compensation may now include an award for pain and suffering. This was not available under the previous Scheme.
• The amount of compensation awarded by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal will be guided by award levels set by the Minister for Justice.
• People who applied before 27 July 2026 and whose applications have not yet been completed will be contacted and given an opportunity to include a claim for pain and suffering.
• Special transitional arrangements apply to certain applications that were submitted outside the usual time limits.

New guidance setting out the value of awards is expected to be published in autumn 2026.

The full terms and conditions of the revised Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme are available from the Department of Justice.

About Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme

If you suffer injuries as a result of a violent crime, or while attempting to prevent a crime, you may be entitled to compensation. To qualify for the scheme, the crime must be reported to the Gardaí and you must cooperate fully with the investigation. An application can be made directly to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal (CICT).

Applications must be submitted within 3-months of the incident, so it is important not to delay. Late applications submitted up to two years after the incident can be accepted if the circumstances are judged to justify exceptional treatment.

There is a limited exception for late applications under the Revised Scheme that can be accepted in the case of claimants criminally injured after 1 October 2023 and before 27 July 2024. This exception expires on 27 July 2027.

APPLICATION

The most up-to-date applications can be found on the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme website. If you do not have a printer, you can ring us at 116 006 to request an application be posted to you.

Additional information can be found at the CICT website or by contacting them at the below.

Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal,
Department of Justice,
Bishop’s Square,
Redmond’s Hill,
Dublin 2,
D02 TD99,
01 479 0290
criminalinjuries@justice.ie

Compensation from the Offender

If the case goes to court and if someone is found guilty of the offence it may be part of the judge’s direction that compensation is paid to you by the offender.  If the person does not have any means to pay compensation, it is unlikely that such an order would be made by the judge.

Insurance

If you are insured, your insurance company may compensate you for loss or damage to insured property, but you may have to pay an increased insurance charge because of your claim.

Uninsured Driver

If you are involved in a collision caused by an uninsured or unknown driver, you may be compensated for the cost of repairs to your vehicle through the Motor Insurance Bureau of Ireland (MIBI). More information can be found on their website.

Civil Claim

If you know who harmed you, it is possible to file a claim against them in civil court. This is a process that is separate from any actions taken by the Gardaí, the DPP, or any other entity in the Criminal Justice System. To take civil action, you need to receive legal advice and hire (and pay for) your own solicitor. Initial free legal advice can be obtained through the Free Legal Advice Centre.