Severe Psychological Harm
The approach of the Infected Blood Psychology Service is adopted so that both a diagnosis made by a psychiatric professional and a formulation-based opinion of all qualified psychological and counselling professionals are accepted as sufficient evidence of severe psychological harm and that such evidence should qualify a person for a supplementary Severe Health Condition award without the additional need to demonstrate a period of consultant-led secondary mental health treatment or assessment/treatment as an inpatient.
- A consultation on proposed changes to the infected blood compensation scheme was opened on 24 November 2025, covering evidence standards for psychological harm (Consultation: Proposed Changes to the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme, Cabinet Office, November 2025).
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted in Part
Response
Accepted in PartThe Government accepts more needs to be done to test with the community the severity level and evidential requirements for those applying with severe psychological harm under the severe health condition award. The Government has committed to consult on the evidence requirements and the threshold for a supplementary route award. It will also test this with the expanded version of the Expert Group which will include additional clinical and legal experts.
Progress Timeline
14 April 2026 update: Government response (CP 1565) confirms a new supplementary route for psychological harm: "Following a review of the consultation responses, we will introduce the new SCM proposal and therefore welcome supplementary route applications from those who can show that their circumstances require more financial loss and care compensation for psychological harm." Regulations to implement these changes will be brought forward later in 2026. Sources: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/changes-to-infected-blood-compensation-scheme-will-improve-support-for-victims; https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69ddf5fd7e2086c62da2f152/Government_response_to_consultation_on_proposed_changes_to_the_infected_blood_compensation_scheme__PDF_.pdf
Published Evidence
Published assessments of progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Source type badge indicates whether each assessment is independent or government self-reported.
As of 13 January 2026: 3,721 people asked to start claims, 3,546 begun process, 3,074 received offers totalling £2.47bn, 2,861 paid totalling £1.89bn. Third compensation regulations in force 31 December 2025.
View detailed findings
IBCA exceeded initial expectations. Three sets of regulations now in force covering infected persons, affected persons, and supplementary routes. £11.8bn committed in October 2024 Budget. Independent review found "very creditable progress."
IBCA has contacted 2,215 people to begin compensation claims; 1,934 started process. £812m+ paid via Horizon Shortfall Scheme. £11.8bn committed in Autumn Budget.
View detailed findings
IBCA exceeded expectations for first cohort and established operational service with "compassionate ethos." Target: bulk of infected payments by 2027, affected by 2029. Third compensation scheme regulations came into law 31 December 2025.