Supporting Families Seeking Post Office Compensation
If your family has suffered due to the Post Office Horizon IT failings, you may be entitled to compensation. We are here to help families navigate the new Post Office family compensation scheme and secure the justice they deserve.
Were you or your family impacted by the Post Office Horizon scandal and seeking compensation?
If you or a close family member were affected by the Horizon scandal, we understand the pain and suffering you’ve endured. The government has now published guidance for applicants who may be eligible for the Horizon Family Member Redress Scheme which it has said is planned to fully open in the Autumn.
This development follows a key recommendation from Sir Wyn Williams in Volume 1 of the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry final report.
Register now to ensure your family’s Post Office compensation claim is supported from the start
Although the scheme isn’t yet formally open, the Government has invited potential eligible claimants to register for possible redress. This is a positive step towards a full launch of the Scheme, which we understand will be in Autumn 2026.
We are in a strong position to help you with your registration in the Horizon Family Member Redress Scheme, given our extensive knowledge of dealing with Post Office and the subsequent redress schemes over the course of the last 10 years, as a result of which we are likely to hold information which is relevant to your registration. If you have not previously registered your interest please do so using the form on this page. You will then receive a link to a questionnaire that you can complete and return to us so that we can help you to prepare for the next stages of the process. This will also help us:
Understand the scale and nature of the need: Your input will help us gauge the extent of the impact on families
Shape a process that works for you: We aim to create a scheme that truly supports those it’s meant to help
Keep you informed: Stay updated as details are finalised
We continue to work hard to ensure the new Horizon Family Member Redress Scheme delivers meaningful outcomes for families.
Register your interest
Latest updates
21 July 2026: Guidance for applicants to the Horizon Family Member Redress Scheme
After waiting for further news, on 16 July the Government (via the DBT) issued its “Guidance for applicants to the Horizon Family Member Redress Scheme” which confirmed the Scheme is now open for registration.
The guidance set out two ‘routes for redress’ which are events-based claims and fully assessed personal injury claims, as well as confirmation of who will be eligible to make a claim.
In summary claimants must be a spouse/ex-spouse, partner/ex-partner, parent, sibling or child of an existing Horizon claimant who lived with the postmaster for at least a year of the period when they were affected by Horizon and the postmaster received compensation for Horizon related bankruptcy, prosecution or death, or the applicant to the new scheme can show that they suffered a personal injury as a result.
A full launch of the Scheme is planned for Autumn 2026 and we expect to receive further updates from DBT over the next few months which we will share with you.
If you have not previously registered your interest please do so using the form at the top of this page. You will then receive a link to a questionnaire that you can complete and return to us so that we can help you to prepare for the next stages of the process.
Previous updates:
We want to begin by expressing our sincere thanks for your continued patience. We understand that waiting for news on something as important as this Scheme is not easy, and we are grateful for the understanding you have shown throughout this process.
Following our March update, we continue to engage actively with Department for Business and Trade (DBT) on the principles underpinning the forthcoming Family Scheme, albeit they ultimately decide on the Scheme content and structure. At this stage, we know that DBT continues with their work creating the Scheme and we anticipate receiving a more substantive update from them by the end of July 2026. We will publish further information here as soon as we can and will write to all those who have registered with us.
If you have not yet registered your interest, we would encourage you to do so using the form on this page. Registering does not commit you to any particular course of action, it simply ensures that your experiences can be heard. The strength of the representations we can make to government on your behalf is directly informed by the experiences reported to us. The more individuals we hear from, the clearer a picture we can present to DBT of the true scale of the impact on families.
You may have seen the announcement on 19 March 2026 from DBT and the Minister regarding the Family Scheme. The link to the announcement if you have not already seen it is here.
And here is a link to the Minister’s open letter to Lost Chances, a group supporting the children of affected subpostmasters,
This announcement is the first time DBT and/or the Minister have published detailed proposals in respect of a scheme to compensate affected family members. We are carrying out a detailed review of the proposals, because of the depth of our knowledge of the Post Office scandal and the compensation schemes, we are well placed to analyse the detail of the proposals and make representations to government on behalf of those affected.
As you may be aware, we are the law firm that successfully led the landmark High Court group litigation against Post Office, the case that exposed the Horizon scandal and paved the way for all subsequent compensation schemes, we have been closely engaged in supporting postmasters and their families for more than a decade.
Given that long history, we have been eagerly awaiting the Government’s proposals to compensate affected family members with considerable interest. Today’s announcement marks meaningful progress, and we’re pleased to see the Government respond to Sir Wyn Williams’ recommendations in Volume 1 of his Inquiry Report.
We expect this first step will be welcome news for most of you. What matters now is ensuring the scheme is designed and delivered in a way that provides the swift and fair redress promised by the Minister.
We are reviewing the detailed proposals, and, at this stage, our view is that several aspects will require further clarification. That assessment is informed not only by our involvement in the original litigation, but also by our extensive experience navigating the various compensation schemes that have followed.
Following our most recent update we confirm that we continue to press DBT (government) for an update on development of the Family Scheme, including when it will start. However, DBT has given us no further information, other than they hope that there will be an update by the time of the Easter break.
It is fair to say that DBT is giving little away at the moment but we do anticipate that the Family Scheme will be quite different from previous Post Office redress schemes. All we can therefore do at this stage is to continue our communications with DBT and we will of course let you know as soon as we have any useful information that we can share.
In the meantime, separately we continue to monitor other ongoing matters such as the next publication date for the Inquiry Report, investigations into PO lawyers by the Solicitors’ Regulation Authority (the regulatory body for solicitors) and the ongoing investigation by the Metropolitan Police. Whilst these matters are not directly relevant to the Family Scheme, we see these as part of the wider need for postmasters and their families to see individuals held to account and also to see that there have been consequences for those who are culpable.
We continue to press DBT for updates on the family scheme. Following a recent meeting, DBT has indicated that an update is hoped for in early 2026. In the meantime, the Restorative Justice Council has published its first report on the Horizon Project, recommending a restorative justice programme and a dedicated support fund for those affected. Further information can be found here.
The Restorative Justice Council (RJC) has launched the Horizon Project to support those affected by the Post Office Horizon IT inquiry. They’ve already held sessions with postmasters and now invite family members and children impacted by the scandal to join two online listening sessions in November.
On 9 October 2025, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) confirmed a new compensation scheme for close family members affected by the Horizon scandal. This follows a recommendation from the public inquiry led by Sir Wyn Williams.
The scheme will support close family members of sub-postmasters who were also directly impacted by the Horizon scandal. DBT is working with key stakeholders and Freeths will continue to advocate for affected families.
More details are expected soon.
Women of the Year Awards 2025
We were proud to sponsor and attend the 43rd Women of the Year Awards at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium - a powerful celebration of women who are breaking boundaries and driving meaningful change across the UK.
This year, we were especially honoured to present the Emmeline Pankhurst ‘Woman of Achievement’ Award to the courageous women impacted by the Post Office scandal. Their unwavering determination in the face of one of the UK’s most significant miscarriages of justice continues to inspire reform, accountability, and national reflection.
Their story, recently featured on BBC Morning Live, is a testament to resilience and the power of collective voice.
BBC Morning Live watch now
Our commitment to families seeking legal redress
We understand the profound impact the Horizon scandal has had on families like yours. Whether you're seeking legal help for Horizon family claims, guidance on eligibility or support navigating the new scheme, our team is here for you.
With unparalleled expertise and a proven track record, we led the landmark High Court victory for 555 sub-postmasters, exposing Britain's largest miscarriage of justice. This victory led to the quashing of hundreds of criminal convictions, bringing hope and justice to many families.
Our dedicated legal team has been involved in the Post Office Horizon scandal for almost a decade, providing unmatched depth of knowledge and experience. We are committed to standing by families every step of the way.
We are the only firm that has initiated court proceedings against Post Office Limited on behalf of hundreds of sub-postmasters. We have successfully represented both current and former sub-postmasters in their compensation claims, ensuring that families receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
Endorsed by Sir Alan Bates
"Freeths have worked with sub-postmasters for many years now. They have a huge amount of expertise, you know it can only help you far more than anyone else”
Proven track record
We have been at the forefront of Horizon litigation, representing hundreds of sub-postmasters and securing landmark outcomes
Unparalleled Expertise
Our legal team has been involved in the Post Office Horizon scandal for almost a decade, providing unmatched depth of knowledge
Trusted by claimants
Our team has built deep relationships with affected families and understands the emotional and legal complexities involved
FAQs
If your family has been affected by the Post Office Horizon scandal, you may have questions about your rights, eligibility and the compensation process. We’ve answered some of the most common queries to help guide you through the next steps. Please note: many details are still being finalised. We are working closely with the Government to help shape the new family compensation scheme. Please register your interest so we can keep you updated.
If you are a family member of a sub-postmaster affected by the Horizon scandal - whether living, deceased or unable to act - you may be eligible for compensation under the new Government scheme. Freeths can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process.
The UK Government has recently announced plans to establish a Post Office Horizon family compensation scheme. Freeths will be working closely with them to help shape the scheme and ensure it meets the needs of affected families. Once more details are available - especially regarding eligibility - we will contact you to guide you through the next steps in pursuing compensation.
Yes, you can register on behalf of a family member who is deceased or unable to engage with the process. Please include both your name and theirs on the form, along with a brief explanation ( eg “Julia Bloggs – claimant, deceased, Joe Bloggs – brother”). This helps us understand your relationship and support your Post Office family compensation claim effectively.
Currently, there is no official deadline. However, we strongly encourage families affected by the Post Office Horizon scandal to register now. Early registration ensures we can keep you informed if a deadline is announced later.
The Government has not yet published the full eligibility criteria for the Family Member Compensation Scheme. What we do know is that the scheme is intended to compensate family members of affected subpostmasters who suffered harm because of the Horizon scandal. We would encourage anyone who believes they or a family member may have been affected to register their interest now, even if they are uncertain whether they will qualify. We will review eligibility questions in detail once the scheme's criteria have been confirmed and will contact everyone who has registered at that point.
Yes, you can. Even if your family has already received some form of compensation related to the Post Office Horizon scandal, you are still encouraged to register your interest. The new Post Office family compensation scheme may offer additional support and we will review all updates and contact everyone who has registered with us.
Yes, you can act on behalf of a family member who is unable to engage due to emotional distress. The Post Office Horizon scandal has had a profound impact on many families and we understand how difficult this process can be. Please include both your name and theirs on the registration form, along with a brief explanation of the situation.
Don’t worry. In similar compensation schemes, claims have been accepted without original documents. If your family was affected by the Post Office Horizon IT system, we encourage you to register your interest. We’ll help address any concerns about evidence later.
No. Registering with Freeths is completely free and we do not expect you to incur any costs when pursuing a Post Office family compensation claim. We will confirm this once the scheme details are finalised.
Yes. Registering your interest does not commit you to making a claim. It simply ensures your family’s experience with the Post Office Horizon scandal is acknowledged and that you’re kept informed as the compensation scheme develops.
Freeths has been at the forefront of the Post Office Horizon scandal for nearly a decade. We led the landmark High Court victory for 555 sub-postmasters and are the only firm to have initiated legal proceedings against Post Office Limited. Our team has helped many families secure justice and compensation.
Please share the the link to this registration page
We’ll take it from there and support them in exploring their eligibility for Post Office family compensation.
The Family Member Compensation Scheme is intended to operate as an out-of-court redress scheme, which means it is not anticipated that claimants will need to attend court or formal hearings. This is consistent with the other Post Office compensation schemes that have been established and in which we have extensive experience. Once further details of the scheme have been agreed and published, we will ensure you are fully informed of what will be required of you before any process begins.
You do not need to have been formally accused, prosecuted, or convicted in order to be eligible. The Horizon scandal caused serious harm to many individuals and their families in ways that went beyond criminal proceedings, including financial losses, reputational damage, and significant personal and emotional harm. We would encourage you to register your interest regardless of whether there was a formal legal process involving your family member. Once the eligibility criteria are confirmed, we will be able to advise you more specifically on your position.
We will contact you by email as soon as we have meaningful updates to share. We aim to provide regular updates even where there is limited new information to report, so that you are never left wondering where things stand. All those who have registered their interest with us are on our mailing list and will receive the same updates at the same time. If your contact details change, please do let us know so that we can ensure our correspondence reaches you.
Registering your interest serves an important purpose beyond simply adding your name to a list. The more families who come forward at this stage, the stronger the picture we can present to DBT of the true scale of the harm caused by the Horizon scandal. That, in turn, helps us make more effective representations to government about how the scheme should be designed, who it should cover, and what level of redress would be fair.
Sir Alan Bates, who has been at the forefront of the campaign to secure justice, said:
“It has taken a long time to get to this point, but now is the opportunity for all eligible people to come forward, clear your names and seek financial redress. So, I urge and recommend that you contact Freeths to check your eligibility and pursue your claims.
Freeths, through its work on the GLO and the GLO Compensation Scheme, has a deep understanding of the issues affecting sub-postmasters and those who have worked in Post Office branches, and will offer the support needed to guide you through the process.”
Sir Alan Bates
Sir Alan Bates on why to choose Freeths?
Inspiring fight for justice
From despair to triumph
Balvinder took over a post office in 2003 and he faced immediate challenges including false accusations of theft. His mental health deteriorated, leading to multiple hospitalisations. Discovering issues with the Horizon IT system in 2013, he sought help from Sir Alan Bates. Despite initial legal victories, Balvinder continued to struggle until we provided crucial legal and emotional support, eventually securing a satisfactory postmaster compensation settlement. Now he feels relieved and encourages others affected by the Horizon scandal to seek justice and support.
From Post Office pride to legal battle
Susan Knight’s story details her 32-year career with the Post Office, which took a turn when discrepancies arose in 2006, leading to a significant debt and eventual suspension in 2012. Despite being advised against legal representation, she faced court charges that were later dropped. The ordeal severely impacted her mental health, culminating in a stroke. With the support of the Justice for Sub-Postmasters Alliance and Freeths, she found legal assistance and eventually saw her case dismissed. Susan now encourages others affected by the Post Office scandal Post Office Horizon scandal to seek compensation and support from Freeths.
From business success to fighting for justice
Dionne Henderson, a business-minded individual from South Shields, faced severe financial and emotional distress after her Post Office branches experienced unexplained shortfalls due to the defective Horizon IT system. Despite being wrongfully accused and humiliated, she fought tirelessly for justice, contributing to reports and group litigation that eventually proved the system’s flaws. The successful litigation led to a Post Office compensation scheme, providing her with some closure and encouraging others affected to seek justice.
From breaking point to justice over Horizon
Liz Stockdale’s story details her struggles with the Post Office after taking over a branch in 2014, facing unaccounted losses and lack of support, leading to severe personal and financial distress. She eventually sought help from Freeths which supported her through court proceedings and helped her avoid wrongful conviction. Her story highlights the impact of the Horizon scandal on postmasters and the ongoing efforts to secure compensation for victims, urging those affected to seek assistance from Freeths.
Postmaster testimonials
“As much as they gave me legal support, they gave me such incredible personal support and they kept me moving forward. The connection I have with m...
Balvinder Gill
"I feel in my heart of hearts, if I had not had Freeths to help me through all of this, I would have probably been convicted of something I didn't...
Liz Stockdale
"When Freeths put my claim together as part of that scheme, I finally got some closure, and I can’t fault them. Everyone has a complicated case but...
Dionne Henderson
Why register now?
If you believe you may be eligible, we encourage you to register your interest now. This is not a formal application - just a first step to ensure your voice is heard.
Register your interest
For general enquiries, please complete this form and we will direct your message to the most appropriate person.