In April 2023 a public inquiry into the infected blood scandal, which saw more than 30,000 NHS patients given contaminated blood and blood products, recommended that victims should receive compensation. Some of those impacted by the scandal are being compensated and supported in a number of ways, including access to regular support payments, and interim compensation payments ahead of the introduction of a full Infected Blood Compensation Scheme.
The Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA)
IBCA is an independent arms-length body which has been set-up to deliver the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme, which will provide financial compensation to victims of infected blood on a UK-wide basis.
The first set of regulations to establish the compensation scheme came into force on 23 August 2024. These regulations gave IBCA the powers to pay compensation through the ‘Core Route’ to infected persons, both living and deceased, and to pay compensation for infected persons registered with an Infected Blood Support Scheme (IBSS).
A second set of regulations, expected before the end of March 2025, will enable IBCA to pay compensation to affected persons, and process claims via a ‘Supplementary Route’.
IBCA is not responsible for paying interim compensation payments, but these payments are taken into account when IBCA calculates final compensation packages.
Ultimately, IBCA will also be responsible for the support payments currently paid by the four Infected Blood Support Schemes. The date this will happen has yet to be determined.
The Infected Blood Support Schemes (IBSS)
In 2017, country-specific support schemes were set up in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales to support people historically infected with hepatitis C and/or HIV from blood or blood products. They also help families, civil or long-term partners after the death of someone infected.
IBSS administer payment schemes for their specific country, making regular support payments to their members and processing applications for certain discretionary payments.
The support schemes are also responsible for administering the Infected Blood Interim Compensation Payment Scheme, including processing applications and making payments.
The support schemes are also responsible for administering the Infected Blood Interim Compensation Payment Scheme, including processing applications and making payments.
You can find out more about the support schemes on the Infected Blood Inquiry website.
The Infected Blood Interim Compensation Payment Scheme
People who are infected and eligible to register with one of the existing UK Infected Blood Support Schemes may be eligible for up to £310,000 in interim compensation.
Applications for interim compensation and their payment are processed by the Infected Blood Support Schemes.
The first set of interim payments (£100,000) began in October 2022, the second set of interim payments (£210,000) began in June 2024.
Since October 2024, the estates of people who died as a result of the Infected Blood Scandal have been able to apply for an interim payment of £100,000.
You can find out more about interim compensation and how to apply on GOV.UK.