Written by Rick Gregory, Editorial Lead · Legal information checked in collaboration with Edward & Amaury Solicitors (SRA 800525) · September 2026 · ~4 min read
Quick Summary
- An interim payment is an advance on your final compensation, paid before your claim is fully resolved
- They're generally available where liability has been admitted, or is very likely to be established
- Interim payments can help with pressing financial needs — lost income, urgent treatment, equipment, or care — while your full claim is still being valued
- Any interim payment is deducted from your final compensation once the claim settles, not paid on top of it
What is an interim payment?
An interim payment is a sum paid to you as an advance against your eventual compensation, before your claim has fully concluded. Rather than waiting until every element of your claim is valued and negotiated, an interim payment lets you access some of the money you're likely to be owed sooner — which can matter a great deal if you're facing lost income or urgent costs while your claim is ongoing.
When can I get one?
Interim payments are generally available once liability has been admitted by the employer's insurer, or is sufficiently clear that a court would be very likely to find in your favour if the matter proceeded. They're not typically available at the very start of a claim, before liability has been established or admitted, since they depend on there being reasonable certainty that compensation will ultimately be paid.
What can an interim payment be used for?
There's no restriction on how you use the money once it's paid to you, but interim payments are commonly requested to help with:
- Lost income while you're unable to work
- Private medical treatment or rehabilitation not readily available on the NHS
- Equipment or home adaptations needed because of your injury
- Care costs, where your injury means you need help with daily tasks
- General financial pressure caused by the accident and its aftermath
How is the amount of an interim payment decided?
The amount requested is usually a conservative estimate of part of what your claim is likely to be worth, based on the evidence available at that point — deliberately cautious, since it needs to be safely within the final compensation figure. Your solicitor will assess what's reasonable to request given the strength of your claim and your current needs.
Does an interim payment come out of my final compensation?
Yes. An interim payment is an advance, not an additional sum — it's deducted from your total compensation when your claim finally settles. It doesn't reduce the overall value of your claim; it simply means part of the money reaches you earlier.
How do I request one?
Your solicitor makes the request as part of managing your claim, once liability is sufficiently established. If you're facing financial pressure because of your accident, tell your solicitor directly — they can assess whether an interim payment is realistic at your claim's current stage and, if so, pursue it on your behalf.
Is there a minimum claim value for an interim payment to be worthwhile?
Interim payments are most commonly used in claims of reasonable value, particularly serious injury claims where the full process may take considerable time and genuine financial hardship could otherwise result. For smaller, more straightforward claims that are likely to settle quickly anyway, an interim payment may be less necessary.
Frequently asked questions
Can I request more than one interim payment?
In principle yes, particularly in longer-running or more serious claims, though each request needs to be justified against the evidence and the estimated final value of your claim.
What if my claim ultimately settles for less than the interim payment I received?
This is uncommon precisely because interim payments are deliberately calculated conservatively, but your solicitor manages this risk carefully when advising on what amount to request.
Do I need to pay anything to receive an interim payment?
No — requesting one doesn't involve any additional cost to you under your existing no win, no fee agreement.
Facing financial pressure while your claim is ongoing?
Talk to a solicitor about whether an interim payment could help in your specific situation.
Or call 01228 272395 to speak to Edward & Amaury Solicitors (SRA number: 800525). No upfront cost and nothing to pay if your claim does not succeed.