Earlier today, the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) issued its latest community update, confirming that it has now begun the testing phase for claims from the estates of deceased infected people and from affected individuals. This marks the next step in IBCA’s phased approach to opening the compensation scheme.
A similar process was followed when IBCA opened applications for infected people already registered with one of the support schemes at the start of 2025, and more recently for those infected but not previously registered. In each instance, IBCA has taken a gradual approach, starting with a small number of applicants from each cohort to test their systems and ensure the service is functioning correctly before increasing capacity.
IBCA has indicated that it expects to expand access to more people sometime next year, once this testing phase is complete and any issues have been identified and resolved. At this stage, however, no timetable has been shared for when the scheme will be fully opened to those waiting to begin their claim.
IBCA has also stated it has followed the recommendations set out in the UK Public Inquiry’s Additional Report by prioritising contacting people who are nearing the end of life or are over 75 to be part of this small initial group of claimants. We expect this approach to continue as the service expands and more people are contacted to begin their claims next year.
While we welcome confirmation that progress is being made, we hope that IBCA will provide clearer information and a detailed roadmap as soon as they are able to do so.
Haemophilia Scotland will continue to follow developments closely. As always, we will update our members as soon as further information becomes available.
Details were also provided in IBCA’s newsletter about the community drop-in event being held in Glasgow on 20 January 2026. Although the event is described as a drop-in session, please note that IBCA has included a link to register your attendance, select a preferred time slot to meet with IBCA staff, and indicate the topics you would like to discuss.
The link to register for the event can be found here.
Haemophilia Scotland has been invited to attend and will be on hand throughout the afternoon to provide any additional support our members may require on the day.