Application Process
Overview of the application process of the Criminal Justice Assistance Reimbursement Scheme.
If you have applied for compensation from the Criminal Justice Assistance Reimbursement Scheme, the information on this page should give you an overview of what to expect next.
We will write to you to confirm we have received your claim as soon as possible after it arrives at the Tribunals Unit.
The assessor
When a claim is filed an independent assessor appointed from outside the Ministry of Justice makes non-binding recommendations to the Secretary of Justice regarding whether compensation should be granted.
Minutes for the assessor
Tribunals Unit staff will write a summary of each claim for the assessor, called a minute, describing the main points of the claim. The assessor may seek clarification on some points, which are directed to dedicated staff at the Tribunals Unit.
Assessor's recommendation
Having read the claim, the minutes and other evidence, the assessor makes their recommendation on whether the claim should succeed. This is usually within three weeks, unless the assessor asks for more information.
The recommendation is passed on to the Secretary of Justice who decides whether the recommendation should be approved.
Calculating compensation
When assessing the amount of compensation to be paid the assessor may take into account any reparation ordered to be paid to the claimant by the Court. The assessor does not, however, need to wait for court proceedings relating to the case to take place before making their decision.
Written notification
You will be advised in writing of the outcome of your claim. If the claim is successful, you will receive compensation by cheque soon after the decision is announced.
