Families of those who lost their lives in the Infected Blood Scandal are now eligible to apply for a £100,000 interim payment, the first financial recognition offered to this group. The payment forms part of a UK-wide compensation effort, following widespread calls for justice for victims of the scandal, which saw thousands infected with HIV and hepatitis through contaminated blood treatments during the 1970s and 1980s.
The estates of deceased victims can apply for the payment starting today, marking a historic first in the government’s efforts to offer financial relief to the families of those affected. Applications are available through the official government website and are to be administered by the Infected Blood Support Schemes. Personal representatives, including partners, parents, siblings, and children of victims, are encouraged to apply to receive the interim payment.
Today’s announcement of compensation fulfils a commitment within the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 and supports Recommendation 12 from the Second Interim Report of the Infected Blood Inquiry, which advised an initial payment of £100,000 for estates of deceased victims who had not been previously recognised. This interim payment precedes a more comprehensive government-funded compensation scheme, which will be managed by the newly established Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA), an independent body led by Sir Robert Francis KC.
The IBCA’s comprehensive compensation scheme, ratified into law in August, will work to ensure that both infected individuals and affected families receive substantial, long-overdue compensation. The scheme’s administrators have pledged to begin issuing payments by the end of 2024.
Paymaster General and Cabinet Office Minister, Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, emphasised the significance of the interim payment, noting it as a key milestone in what has been a lengthy journey towards justice for families impacted by the scandal.
“I hope today’s announcement is seen as a meaningful step for victims and their families, who have endured extensive suffering while waiting for justice,” he stated. “Our commitment to implementing the recommendations from the Infected Blood Inquiry remains steadfast, and this interim payment is an essential part of delivering much-needed financial relief to affected families. Although no compensation can truly account for the pain inflicted by this tragedy, we are determined to provide substantial sums to those affected.”
The interim payments follow a prolonged campaign for accountability and compensation by advocates of the infected blood community, who argue that victims’ families have faced considerable challenges with inadequate support. Over 30,000 individuals are believed to have been impacted by the scandal, one of the most devastating public health tragedies in UK history.
Campaigners have expressed cautious optimism about the government’s decision, hoping that it will lead to further, swift compensation measures for all impacted individuals. According to officials, the upcoming IBCA-led scheme will provide not only financial compensation but also additional support measures to assist both infected and affected individuals in their long-term recovery.
The government has underscored its commitment to seeing the full recommendations of the Infected Blood Inquiry implemented, including establishing a lasting framework to prevent similar occurrences in future. Families and personal representatives can access application forms and guidance on the gov.uk website, with processing handled by the Infected Blood Support Schemes.
For more information on eligibility and the application process, visit www.gov.uk/infected-blood-compensation-estates.
