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Official information update · UK-wide scheme

Infected Blood Estates: Interim Scheme Closed — What Executors Can Do Next

The interim estates payment deadline has passed. This does not close the separate Infected Blood Compensation Scheme administered by IBCA, and estate representatives can still check the official route for registering an intention to claim.

Published 25 October 2026 · Updated and last checked 31 October 2026 · 6-minute read

Important update: the Infected Blood Interim Estates Payment Scheme closed to new applications on 30 October 2026. We found no official extension. Do not send a new interim application using the expired route unless an official scheme adviser confirms otherwise.

The interim scheme and the main scheme are different

The closed interim scheme was administered through the UK Infected Blood Support Schemes for certain eligible estates. The main Infected Blood Compensation Scheme is administered by the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) and has its own registration, eligibility and claims process.

The end of the interim route does not, by itself, prevent an eligible estate from seeking compensation through the main IBCA scheme.

What official guidance says about time limits

IBCA's registration service currently allows a person acting for the estate of a deceased infected or affected person to register an intention to claim. Registering is not the same as submitting a claim and does not guarantee eligibility.

Government guidance says that, for most people diagnosed before 1 April 2025 and their eligible estate representatives, the main scheme is expected to remain open until 31 March 2031. Different time limits and exceptions can apply, including where diagnosis occurred later. Executors should therefore check the current rules for the particular estate rather than assume there is no deadline.

What an executor or administrator can do now

  1. Use the official IBCA registration service to register the estate's intention to claim.
  2. Confirm that you have, or will be able to obtain, legal authority to act for the estate.
  3. Register separately for each type of claim you intend to make, following IBCA's instructions.
  4. Keep the registration confirmation and personal registration number.
  5. Wait for IBCA to contact you when the claim service is ready for the estate, unless IBCA asks you to take another step.

Legal authority and estate documents

IBCA says a person claiming for someone who has died must have legal authority to act for the estate, or represent someone who has that authority. At registration, you may be asked to confirm that you have, or will be able to obtain, a grant of probate, letters of administration or the relevant equivalent.

Keep the grant, death certificate, identity documents, relevant support-scheme details and previous interim-payment records available. Do not send sensitive documents in response to an unexpected email or social-media message.

Registration is not an eligibility decision

Registration tells IBCA that the estate intends to claim and provides contact and prioritisation information. IBCA will check eligibility during the claims process. Compensation is not automatic or guaranteed.

IBCA states that it may take time before a registered estate is contacted because claims are being introduced in stages. Use only official IBCA contact details if you need help or wish to confirm correspondence.

Probate costs

IBCA's guidance says that an eligible claim on behalf of an infected person's estate may include reimbursement of up to £1,500 for legal costs associated with obtaining probate, letters of administration or confirmation in Scotland. Eligibility and evidence must be checked under the main scheme's current rules; this is separate from the expired interim legal-cost application route.

Fraud precautions

  • Start from IBCA's official website, not an unsolicited link.
  • Do not pay anyone who promises guaranteed compensation or priority.
  • Do not disclose probate documents or identity evidence until you have verified the request.
  • Remember that registering an intent to claim does not require medical records.
  • If uncertain, call IBCA using the number published on its official website.

Frequently asked questions

Can I still submit a new interim estates application?

The published deadline was 30 October 2026. No official extension was identified when this guide was checked on 31 October 2026.

Does that mean the estate has lost every route to compensation?

No. The main IBCA scheme is separate. A legally authorised estate representative can check eligibility and register an intention to claim.

Does the main scheme have no deadline?

Do not assume that. Current government guidance gives 31 March 2031 for most relevant claims where diagnosis was before 1 April 2025, with different rules and exceptions in other circumstances. Check the latest official guidance for the estate.

Does registration guarantee compensation?

No. IBCA checks eligibility when the claim is made.

Official sources

This article provides general information only and is not legal, tax or financial advice. Eligibility, time limits, evidence and payments are determined by the official scheme. Check the latest GOV.UK and IBCA guidance and obtain professional advice where appropriate.