Standard of Proof and Automatic Eligibility
As above, save that (a) the last bullet point should read: "eligibility is accepted if the information available points towards eligibility and the opposite cannot be shown to be more likely" and (b) eligibility should be automatic for individuals already accepted under an existing support scheme.
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedThe Government acknowledges the further distress and trauma that can be caused to those applying for compensation, and so the Scheme has been designed to minimise the burden on applicants whilst protecting against fraud. People registered on a current UK infected blood support scheme or predecessor Alliance House organisation scheme will automatically be eligible for compensation. However, they may need to provide further evidence to enable assessment of the compensation award amount. People not registered with a current or former support scheme who acquired infections within the time period where evidence from the IBI suggests contamination to be likely, will be asked to provide evidence to establish infection cause (i.e. evidence of infection and relevant causative treatment). This follows recommendation 3 of the Second Interim Report, which aims to avoid adversarial concepts of the burden of proof on applicants.
The scheme applies a sympathetic approach to evidence, with existing support scheme beneficiaries automatically eligible for compensation without need to re-prove eligibility.
Progress Timeline
Automatic eligibility for existing support scheme beneficiaries implemented.
Published Evidence
Published assessments of implementation progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Check the source type badge to see 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.