UPDATE
Deadline for new applications to Infected Blood Support Schemes
The four UK-wide Infected Blood Support Schemes will close to new applications on 31 March 2025, as part of transitional arrangements with the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA).
This applies to new applications only. The schemes will remain open beyond this date for those already registered. Existing scheme members will continue to receive regular support payments and be able to contact the schemes as normal. You do not need to take any action.
Responsibility for support payments will transfer to IBCA in the future, on a date yet to be determined – we will update you once this has been confirmed.
We are working with IBCA, the UK Government and Devolved Administrations to make this transition as smooth as possible.
If you are not yet registered with a support scheme but believe you are eligible, act as soon as possible and before 31 March 2025.
If an existing scheme member dies between 1 January and 31 March 2025, their estate will have three months from date of death to apply for a lump sum payment.
Newly-bereaved partners of existing scheme members who die between 1 January and 31 March 2025 will also have three months from date of death to apply for support payments.
New applicants should apply to the scheme in the UK nation in which the person was infected. If you are a bereaved partner this is where your partner was infected.
More information on how to apply to WIBSS can be found here https://wibss.wales.nhs.uk/apply/
Everyone registered with a support scheme will automatically be eligible for compensation via the infected blood compensation scheme, to be delivered by IBCA.
The Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) will deliver the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme, which will provide financial compensation to victims of infected blood on a UK-wide basis. The Scheme responds to the recommendations made by the Infected Blood Inquiry in its second interim report, and the earlier study into compensation by Sir Robert Francis KC.
For further information about the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA)
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/infected-blood-compensation-authority
WIBSS are unable to answer any questions regarding compensation packages related to the IBCA. If you have any questions about the IBCA, you can sign up to their mailing list on their website or call 0141 7262397. Opening hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).
Infected Blood Inquiry
The Infected Blood Inquiry Final Report was published on 20 May 2024. The full report is available online.
Publication Day | Infected Blood Inquiry
Update 16th August 2024
On 16 August, the Government published updates to the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme. This follows an engagement exercise undertaken by Sir Robert Francis KC, Interim Chair of the Infected Blood Compensation Authority – the body that will be responsible for delivering the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme – with representatives of the infected blood community. Further information on the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme can be found here (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/infected-blood-compensation-scheme).
Further information on the Infected Blood Compensation Authority and Sir Robert Francis’ report can be found here (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/infected-blood-compensation-authority).
Update 26th July 2024
The UK Government has announced that applications for Infected Blood Interim Estates Payments will open in October. The UK Government will set out information on the application process in advance of applications opening. If you are looking for information on the eligibility criteria for these payments, please visit gov uk
Update – 20th May 2024
The Welsh Blood Service has developed a comprehensive FAQ on their website to support you if you have any questions or concerns on issues in relation to the Infected Blood Inquiry. You can read more about the blood donation process, the tests undertaken and blood transfusion by going to this page. It will be updated regularly with the latest information and support.