Applications now open for Infected Blood Scandal interim payments

The UK government has opened applications for £100,000 interim payments to the estates of individuals who died due to the Infected Blood Scandal, marking the first time this group has been eligible for compensation. 

Personal representatives of deceased victims, such as partners, parents, siblings, and children, are encouraged to apply for the payment by completing an application form available on the government’s website. Applications will be processed by the Infected Blood Support Schemes, which are administering the payments. 

This interim compensation is intended to precede a broader government-funded compensation scheme to support those infected and affected by contaminated blood. The scheme, covering all of the UK, is being delivered by the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA), a legally established independent body led by Sir Robert Francis KC.  

The IBCA was formally constituted in August 2024 and aims to begin disbursing payments by year-end. 

This move is a response to the government’s commitments under the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024. It also aligns with Recommendation 12 from the Second Interim Report of the Infected Blood Inquiry, which recommended a £100,000 payment to the estates of deceased victims. 

Paymaster general and minister for the Cabinet Office, Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, commented, “No amount of compensation can fully address the suffering caused by this scandal, but we are committed to acting on the Inquiry’s recommendations and providing meaningful support to victims’ families.” 

View a video of the government’s announcement below:

Image: Canva 

Josie Geistfeld Josie is an editor for Claims Media. She welcomes feedback, comments, and opinion at josie.geistfeld@barkerbrooks.co.uk