Scheme Eligibility - Infected and Affected Persons
I recommend that the scheme should offer redress to those infected with HCV and/or HIV, and/or HBV (limited to chronic HBV unless the infection has resulted in a fatality in the acute period), and to defined categories of persons indirectly affected by such infections.
- Three sets of Infected Blood Compensation Scheme regulations were laid: August 2024, March 2025, and December 2025, establishing scheme eligibility and operation (Infected Blood Compensation Scheme Regulations, UK Parliament, 2024-2025).
- The Government stated in December 2024 that both those infected and affected are eligible for compensation under the scheme (Government Response to the Infected Blood Inquiry, Cabinet Office, December 2024).
- IBCA confirmed that as of 13 January 2026, 3,721 people had been asked to start claims (IBCA Community Update, January 2026).
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedIn accordance with recommendations 1 and 2 of the Second Interim Report, the Government is clear that both those who have been infected and affected by this scandal are eligible for compensation and is compensating those who have been directly or indirectly infected through NHS blood, blood products or tissue. This includes anyone, living or deceased, who has been infected with HIV, Hepatitis C and chronic Hepatitis B, including those who were indirectly infected through their partners or loved ones. Those with acute Hepatitis B infections and have died from their infection during the acute period, are also eligible under the Scheme. Regarding the affected; partners, parents, children, siblings and carers will all be eligible for compensation (subject to certain criteria).
The Infected Blood Compensation Scheme established under the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 provides compensation to those infected with HCV, HIV, and/or HBV, as well as affected persons. The scheme covers both infected individuals and defined categories of affected persons including partners, children, parents, siblings, and carers.
Progress Timeline
Implemented through Infected Blood Compensation Scheme regulations 2024. IBCA accepting claims from infected persons and affected persons. As of 7 April 2026, 3,273 offers of compensation totalling over £2.6bn had been made, with 3,161 offers accepted, in addition to £1.4bn already paid in interim payments; IBCA had contacted 3,942 people and 3,754 had started the claim process. On 14 April 2026 the Government published its response to the public consultation on proposed changes to the scheme (CP 1565), announcing further changes including a new Level 2B interferon award, removal of the 25% past care deduction, a £60,000 Exceptional Loss uplift, increased Unethical Research awards and uplifted Injury awards for some affected people. 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."
Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 established IBCA. Three sets of scheme regulations in force (Aug 2024, Mar 2025, Dec 2025). First payments December 2024. £1.89bn paid to 2,861 people by January 2026.
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.
Infected Blood Compensation Authority established August 2024. First claims for deceased infected/affected opened December 2025. IBCA accepted all 11 recommendations directed to them.