Church of England Redress Scheme FAQs

Our Church of England Redress Scheme FAQs page answers the questions survivors, family members, and supporters ask most often about the Church of England Redress Scheme. Each answer is short and in plain English. Where a question has a fuller home elsewhere in our guide, we point you there.

You can also use our calculator at any time to get a private idea of where your case might sit, before you decide to speak to anyone. The calculator asks for no contact details, keeps no record, and runs entirely in your browser.

Who can claim under the Church of England Redress Scheme?

You may be able to apply if your abuser held a role within the Church of England, and they used that role or position of trust to commit the abuse.

This can include clergy, church officers, teachers in Church of England schools, youth or choir leaders, pastoral workers, and others acting in a Church role.

You can find more detail in our guide to who can claim. This two-part test is set out in Section 3 of the Abuse Redress Measure. The full detail is at /church-of-england/redress-scheme/who-can-claim.

Does the scheme cover abuse in a Church of England school, choir, or youth group?

Yes. The scheme can cover abuse that happened in settings such as:

• Church of England schools and boarding schools
• Parish churches and cathedrals
• Choirs, Sunday schools, and confirmation classes
• Youth groups, holiday camps, and Church activities
• Church-run homes and residential settings

What matters most is the connection between the abuse and the person's Church role.

The role of the abuser still has to be closely connected to the abuse, which is the test in Section 3. Winston Solicitors helps survivors across England and Wales whose abuse happened in places like these.

Does it matter how long ago the abuse happened?

No. There is no cut-off date based on when the abuse took place. Survivors of historic abuse can apply on the same basis as someone abused more recently.

The full position is at /church-of-england/redress-scheme/historic-abuse.

What if I never told anyone about the abuse?

You can still apply. Many survivors do not report abuse at the time, and some do not speak about it for decades. The scheme does not require you to have reported it previously.

What if my abuser has died?

You can still apply. The scheme looks at what happened to you and at the Church’s responsibility for it. It does not depend on the abuser being alive to face proceedings.

This is the test in Section 3 of the Measure. Your abuser’s death does not affect whether you can claim.

What if my abuser was never taken to court, or was found not guilty?

You can still apply. The scheme uses the civil standard of proof, known as the balance of probabilities. That means it asks whether something is more likely than not to have happened.

Can I apply to the Church of England Redress Scheme if I was a child when the abuse happened?

Yes. If you were under 18 at the time of the abuse, the scheme specifically recognises this when assessing compensation. Being a child at the time is treated as an aggravating factor under the scheme rules.

This is treated as an aggravating factor under Rule 12(4) of the Abuse Redress Rules 2025. Our full guide for adult survivors of childhood abuse is at /church-of-england/redress-scheme/childhood-abuse.

I am still under 18 today. How would an application work?

Children cannot apply on their own. An adult can be appointed to make an application on the child's behalf, and safeguards are in place to make sure this is done in the child's best interests.

If you are considering this route, it is important to get advice before taking any step.

This is allowed under Section 5 of the Abuse Redress Measure, with the steps set out in Rule 6 of the Abuse Redress Rules 2025. Speak to Stacey Flegg at Winston Solicitors before any application is made.

Can I apply to the Church of England Redress Scheme for a family member who has died?

In some situations, yes. A surviving partner, dependent child, or dependent parent may be able to apply if they suffered harm or financial loss connected to the abuse.

This is set out in Section 4 of the Measure. The detail is at /church-of-england/redress-scheme/deceased-relatives.

I live outside England and Wales. Can I still apply to the Church of England Redress Scheme?

Yes. It does not matter where you live now. The scheme is open to survivors of Church of England abuse wherever they are. We work with survivors in the UK and abroad.

Further details can be found at /church-of-england/redress-scheme/living-abroad.

I suffered psychological or spiritual abuse, not physical or sexual abuse. Am I covered?

Yes. The Church of England Redress Scheme covers sexual abuse, physical abuse, psychological and emotional abuse, spiritual abuse, neglect, and a narrow type of financial abuse. You do not need to have been physically harmed. The full definitions are in Rule 2 of the Abuse Redress Rules 2025, and each type has its own page in this guide.

How do I start to make a claim for compensation from the Church of England Redress Scheme?

The easiest way to start is with a free confidential conversation. We can explain the scheme in plain English, answer your questions, and give an honest view about whether you may have a claim.

The step-by-step detail is at /church-of-england/redress-scheme/how-to-claim.

Do I need a solicitor to apply for compensation from the Church of England Redress Scheme?

No. You can apply on your own. However, many survivors choose specialist support because the process can involve detailed evidence, personal statements, and decisions about offers and appeals.

Importantly, the scheme covers reasonable solicitor costs separately, so legal fees do not come out of your compensation.

The scheme pays your solicitor’s fees separately, under Section 23 of the Measure, so cost is not a reason to go without help.

How do I make an application to the Church of England Redress Scheme?

Applications are usually made in writing with a signed statement confirming the information is true. The process is administrative rather than court-based.

This is set out in Rule 3 of the Abuse Redress Rules 2025. It is a paperwork process, not a court hearing.

Will I have to give evidence in person, or be questioned?

No. The scheme is designed to avoid the adversarial experience of court. There is no witness box, no cross-examination, and no court hearing. Your account is normally provided in writing.

How long does the process take once the Church of England Redress Scheme opens?

Exact timescales will depend on the number of applications and the complexity of each case. Some claims will move more quickly than others, and we will give you a realistic estimate based on your circumstances.

Can I challenge a decision I do not agree with?

Yes, but you must make a choice. If you think the compensation amount is too low based on the files the board already has, you have six months to challenge it by launching an internal appeal. However, you must file this appeal instead of accepting the money. The moment you sign the paperwork to accept the offer, your claim is finalized and the door to a standard appeal is locked.

The only exception after you accept an award is if new information comes to light that was not considered during your application. In that situation, the rules allow us to ask the scheme to formally look at your closed case again.

These options are set out in Sections 12 to 15 of the Measure, with the initial choice steps following Rule 11 of the Abuse Redress Rules 2025. The full process is at /church-of-england/redress-scheme/how-does-it-work.

What does my first conversation with Winston Solicitors cover?

We listen properly, we explain the scheme in plain English, we give you our honest view on whether you have a claim, and we tell you clearly what happens next if you want to go ahead. No paperwork, no pressure, no charge, whether you decide to use our services or not.

Church of England Redress Scheme Compensation and Money

How much money could I receive under the Church of England Redress Scheme?

Awards range from £5,000 to £660,000. The exact figure depends on how serious the abuse was, the things that make it worse, the lasting effect on your life, whether your case is exceptional, and any compensation you have had before.

The amount is worked out using the five steps in Schedule 1 of the Abuse Redress Rules 2025. The full walkthrough is at /church-of-england/redress-scheme/compensation-amounts.

What is the most money I could receive under the Church of England Redress Scheme?

The most anyone can be awarded is £660,000. That figure is for the most severe cases, including:

• the most serious abuse
• the most serious aggravating factors
• the highest impact
• exceptional circumstances on top

In Schedule 1 terms, that is Step 1 rank 6, Step 2 rank 4, Step 3 rank 6, and a Step 4 uplift.

What is the least money I could receive under the Church of England Redress Scheme?

The lowest award is £5,000. In Schedule 1 terms, that is a Step 1 rank of 1, no aggravating factors, no Step 3 impact add-on, and no Step 4 uplift.

What things can increase my award under the Church of England Redress Scheme?

Compensation may increase where aggravating factors apply. These can include situations where:

• concerns were reported but not believed
• Church officers failed to cooperate with investigations
• threats were used to keep someone silent
• the Church knew about risks and failed to act
• more than one person was involved in the abuse
• the survivor was under 18 at the time

These are the aggravating factors set out in Rule 12 of the Abuse Redress Rules 2025. Any one of them counts. They do not each add a separate multiplier; their combined weight is reflected in the Step 2 rank.

I had compensation from the Church years ago. Can I still claim?

In many cases, yes. Previous compensation for the same abuse may be taken into account, but it does not automatically prevent a new award. If the new award is higher, you may receive the difference.

This is Step 5 of the Schedule 1 calculation. Money paid specifically for therapy or counselling is not taken off.

Can my Church of England Redress Scheme award be something other than money?

Yes. The scheme can also provide non-financial outcomes such as acknowledgements, apologies, and steps to address past failures.

This is allowed under Section 18 of the Measure, with the steps in Rule 15 of the Abuse Redress Rules 2025. For some survivors this matters as much as the money. The detail is at /church-of-england/redress-scheme/scheme-vs-civil-claim.

Will a Church of England Redress Scheme award affect my benefits?

It can, depending on the type of benefit and how the money is held. You should take advice before accepting an award if you receive means-tested benefits.

Our guide on benefits, savings limits, and protective trusts is at /church-of-england/redress-scheme/benefits-impact.

TIME LIMITS AND THE SCHEME WINDOW

Is there a time limit on when the abuse happened under the Church of England Redress Scheme?

No. There is no time limit based on when the abuse took place. Survivors of abuse from any decade can apply on the same basis.

This is because the conditions for a claim, set out in Section 3 of the Abuse Redress Measure, do not include a date.

How long will I have to apply to the Church of England Redress Scheme once the scheme opens?

Once the scheme opens, you will have around five years to apply.

This window is set by Section 7(2) of the Measure, and the practical deadline for new applications falls at the start of the final nine months under Rule 4 of the Abuse Redress Rules 2025. The General Synod can extend the period. The safe route is to prepare your case early. The detail is at /church-of-england/redress-scheme/time-limits.

A solicitor once told me my claim was too old for the Church of England Redress Scheme. Does that still apply?

Not necessarily. Court claims are affected by limitation rules, but the Church of England Redress Scheme has been designed differently and does not use the same time limits.

When does the Church of England Redress Scheme open?

The legislation has been passed, but the Church of England will confirm the opening date and launch the online application portal separately. We will publish updates  as soon as those details are announced.

For the live status, see /church-of-england/redress-scheme/scheme-updates.

You can also register for the Church of England Redress Scheme before it becomes fully operational.

Does it cost anything to claim under the Church of England Redress Scheme?

Nothing comes out of your award. The scheme pays your solicitor’s fees separately, so you keep the full amount you are awarded.

This is set out in Section 23 of the Abuse Redress Measure. Winston Solicitors does not take anything from your award. The full explainer is at /church-of-england/redress-scheme/legal-costs.

Is the Church of England Redress Scheme no win no fee?

In effect, yes, but it is even safer for you than a standard no win no fee deal. If your claim is successful, the Church pays our legal fees directly, meaning you get to keep 100% of your compensation award. If the claim is not successful, Winston Solicitors absorbs the loss of our time. Either way, you pay absolutely nothing from your own pocket. This is set out in Section 23(3)(a) of the Measure. More on this is at /church-of-england/redress-scheme/no-win-no-fee.

What if my claim does not succeed?

You still pay nothing. While Section 23(3)(a) of the main Measure allows the Church to fund legal support, the specific scheme rules state they only cover our fees if your claim is successful. If your application does not succeed, Winston Solicitors absorbs the cost of our time entirely. Win or lose, you will not receive a bill for our services.

Do I have to pay anything upfront?

No. There are no upfront charges, deposits, or retainers.

Can I bring both a the Church of England Redress Scheme claim and a court claim against the Church?

No. Once you accept a scheme award, you give up the right to bring a court claim for compensation for the same abuse.

This is set out in Section 11 of the Abuse Redress Measure. So the choice between the two routes has to be made before you accept any award. The comparison is at /church-of-england/redress-scheme/scheme-vs-civil-claim.

If I want to look into a court claim, who should I speak to?

You should speak to an independent specialist civil claims solicitor who handles clergy abuse cases in the courts. We do not advise on these court claims, so we cannot do that work for you. We will tell you that clearly at your first conversation, rather than steering you down a route we are not best placed to advise on.

When does the court route actually close?

It closes when you formally accept a redress scheme award. Until then, the choice between the two routes remains open.

After the written decision, the redress body invites you to accept or not accept within six months, under Rule 11 of the Abuse Redress Rules 2025. If you accept, the rule in Section 11 of the Measure applies and the court route closes for the same abuse. Until then, the choice is still yours.

Could a court claim be worth more than a scheme award?

Possibly. Court claims are assessed individually and are not limited by the scheme's fixed compensation bands. An independent civil litigation solicitor is best placed to advise on likely court values.

The scheme uses a fixed scale, with awards between £5,000 and £660,000 under Schedule 1. A court claim is judged by a court against the facts of your case, so the figure is not fixed in advance and can land above or below the scheme amount. An independent specialist civil claims solicitor is the right person to talk through likely court values for your case.

What evidence do I need to apply to the Church of England Redress Scheme?

You need less than you might think. Your own account is often the most important evidence. Documents, records, and witnesses can help, but they are not essential in every case.

The full guide is at /church-of-england/redress-scheme/evidence-needed.

What if my memories of the abuse are patchy?

That is very common, especially with childhood abuse. Trauma can affect memory, and the scheme recognises this. You do not need to provide a perfect timeline.

Do I need a police report?

No. A police report can help if you have one, but it is not required. Many survivors of historic abuse never reported it at the time. The scheme decides your claim on the balance of probabilities, not on whether the police were involved.

More details on how police reports fit in is at /church-of-england/redress-scheme/police-report.

What if I have no documents or witnesses?

You can still apply. The scheme can accept claims based primarily on the survivor's own account where it is considered more likely than not that the abuse occurred.

Can I apply for compensation under the Church of England Redress Scheme if I have never spoken about what happened? [H3]

Yes. Many people contact us having never told anyone before. The first conversation is private and led entirely by what you feel comfortable sharing.

Is what I tell Winston Solicitors confidential?

Yes. Everything you share with us is protected by solicitor-client confidentiality and legal privilege, whether or not you decide to instruct us. The first conversation is private, and your file is opened only when you ask us to act.

Can I have my first conversation in writing rather than by phone?

Yes. You can have your first conversation with one of our experts by phone, by video call, or in writing. Whichever feels right for you.

Some survivors find writing it down easier than saying it out loud. The pace and the way you do it are yours.

Can someone else read this page for me, or contact you on my behalf?

Yes. Family members and supporters can make initial enquiries and help someone understand the scheme before they are ready to speak themselves.

Where can I get emotional support that has nothing to do with making a claim?

You can contact independent organisations such as Samaritans, NAPAC, Safe Spaces, and Survivors UK. These services are independent of Winston Solicitors and of the Church of England Redress Scheme.

The full directory is at /church-of-england/redress-scheme/support-organisations.

Reading this page may bring up difficult feelings, even where the questions are practical ones. If you would like to talk to someone right now, independently of any claim, the following organisations are there for you:

Samaritans. Free, 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Call 116 123 from any phone in the UK, or email jo@samaritans.org.

NAPAC, the National Association for People Abused in Childhood. Free support line for adult survivors of any form of childhood abuse. Call 0808 801 0331 or visit napac.org.uk.

Safe Spaces. The Church of England and Catholic Church’s joint support service for survivors of church-related abuse. Confidential, and independent of the Church’s own processes. Call 0300 303 1056 or visit safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk.

Survivors UK. Support for men, boys, and non-binary people who have experienced sexual violence at any age. Webchat and helpline. Call 020 3598 3898 or visit survivorsuk.org.

These services are independent of Winston Solicitors and of the Church of England Redress Scheme. You do not need to be thinking about a claim to use them.

Winston Solicitors works with survivors from across England and Wales. Our team is fluent in Section 3, Rule 2, Rule 12, and Schedule 1, and in how the redress body applies the assessment framework in practice.

If your question is not answered in our Church of England Redress Scheme FAQs, or you would like to talk through your situation privately, Stacey Flegg and the team at Winston Solicitors are here to help.

The first conversation is free, confidential, and comes with no obligation to continue. We will explain the scheme in plain English and give you honest advice about your options, at your pace.