Exceptional Loss Evidence
The Cabinet Office consult on whether the evidential requirements for exceptional reduced earnings are likely to prove a barrier to people who have sufficient evidence that their eligibility for such an award could with confidence be established on a balance of probabilities, and if so to consider what if any provision might be introduced to enable them to access an award.
- The Government stated in July 2025 that it accepted this recommendation in principle and would consult on the evidential requirements for Exceptional Loss awards through the supplementary route (Infected Blood Inquiry Additional Report: Government Response, Cabinet Office, July 2025).
- A consultation on proposed changes to the infected blood compensation scheme was opened on 24 November 2025 (Consultation: Proposed Changes to the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme, Cabinet Office, November 2025).
- The government stated that it would introduce a £60,000 award for eligible infected people whose infection prevented progression in a higher-than-average-earning career (Government Response to Consultation on Changes to the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme, Cabinet Office, 14 April 2026).
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted in Part
Response
Accepted in PartThe exceptional loss award which is part of the supplementary route provides additional compensation for those infected people who would have received higher pay if it were not for their infection. The Government commits to consult the community on the evidential requirements to access this award to ensure it is available for those intended within the limits of a tariff based scheme.
Progress Timeline
More compensation will be available for people who would have had the potential to earn higher than average if it weren’t for the impact of the infection on their life, but who do not have actual evidence of higher earnings. We will introduce a new £60,000 award for infected people who can show that they had entered or had an offer to enter a career where the median gross salary is 10% higher than the gross median earnings in 2023, but who were unable to progress this career due to their infection.
14 April 2026 update: Government response (CP 1565) also addresses evidence concerns: "We understand from the consultation that some people are concerned that they will not be able to access this award if they do not have historic payslips. We will work with IBCA to ensure that communications are clear about the broad range of alternative evidence that people could use to show they are eligible for the Exceptional Loss award so that this is not a barrier." December 2025 regulations also removed the minimum earnings threshold for Exceptional Loss applications. 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.