Infected-blood scheme has paid 3,512 people £2.25 billion

More than 3,500 people harmed by the UK’s infected-blood scandal have now received compensation, with payments totalling just over £2.25 billion.

The scheme is responding to decades of harm caused when patients were given blood products contaminated with HIV and hepatitis C. Slow redress has added another layer of distress for survivors and bereaved families.

As of 25 August, the Infected Blood Compensation Authority had invited 6,321 people to begin claims; 5,785 had started and 3,512 had been paid. Claim managers help applicants check records and calculate awards, while independent legal support is available at no cost once a claim begins.

The figures show the response has moved well beyond its small initial phase. They also reveal the gap: thousands are still somewhere between invitation, decision and payment. Access remains prioritised, including older people, those nearing end of life and people with advanced liver disease. Supplementary claims are not yet being processed.

IBCA aims to bring 5,000 claims to decision between April 2026 and March 2027. From October it will report progress monthly, making the pace easier to track.