Guidance

Compensation and benefits for victims of terrorist attacks

Updated 18 March 2020

Compensation for victims of terrorist attacks in the UK

Anyone who has been directly affected by a terrorist incident in the UK can find out about applying for compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) helpline on 0300 003 3601. CICA will consider your application under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012 and will co-ordinate the collection of evidence to be used in the future decision making process.

You can request support in applying to the scheme through your local police and crime commissioner. Contact details are available from the Victims Information Service on 0808 168 9293.

If you have been affected by a terrorist attack involving a motor vehicle

Anyone injured or directly affected by a terrorist incident in the UK that involved the use of a motor vehicle, and which took place on or after 1 January 2019, can call the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) claims helpline on 0800 130 3885 for expert advice on any potential claim. The helpline is free to call, but please note that it will only be ‘live’ after a specific incident for which MIB will handle the claims.

Compensation for victims of terrorist attacks abroad

If you have been a victim of terrorism abroad since 27 November 2012, you can find out about applying for compensation through CICA. Further information is available on the Compensation for victims of terrorist attacks abroad page.

You can download the relevant application form and send it to the following address:

Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority
Victims of Overseas Terrorism Compensation Scheme (VOTCS) team
PO Box 26996
Glasgow
G2 9ER

If you have any questions about claiming you can call the VOTCS helpline on 0300 003 3601, which is open Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5pm and Wednesdays 10am to 5pm.

Charitable funds

Following a terrorist attack in the UK, charitable funds may be set up to help people who have been affected. For information and advice on the funds raised in response to the London and Manchester attacks please see the Charitable funds page.

Welfare benefits

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) may set up personalised emergency procedures to support victims of terrorism. Information about this will be available on the DWP GOV.UK pages during an incident. Information about what benefits may be available and how to claim is available on GOV.UK. Any payments made by the National Emergencies Trust will not affect DWP income-related benefit payments.

Get more support

More information is available about support services if you have been affected by a terrorist attack.