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Early DBS Application Escalation for Financial Hardship (Hardship Case)

Describe how hardship escalations work, and what applicants must do to contact DBS.

Written by Ben Nicholas

We understand that sometimes you may feel an escalation is needed before the 60-day mark.

The DBS may escalate an application earlier if:

  • The applicant is experiencing financial hardship because of the delay in processing.

In these circumstances, the DBS can:

  • Treat the case as a “hardship case” and consider escalating sooner than 60 days.

How the Applicant Requests a Hardship Escalation

Only the applicant can request a hardship escalation.

They must:

  1. Contact the DBS directly on 03000 200 190.

  2. Provide their DBS reference number, which:

    • Begins with “E0”.

The DBS will then:

  • Assess whether the situation meets their criteria for a hardship case, and

  • Decide whether to escalate the application sooner.

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