Reading a refusal letter: where to start

A refusal is upsetting, and the letter is rarely easy to read. Before you reply or apply again, look for three things.

The date

Time limits for a review usually run from the date of the decision or the date you received it. Keep the email or envelope it came in.

The reasons

Most letters list the requirements the decision maker thought were not met. Those reasons show what a review, or a fresh application, would need to address.

Your options

Some letters explain whether a review is available and where to apply. If yours doesn’t, ask an adviser straight away.

This is general information, not advice about your case. Every decision is different, so speak to a registered adviser before you respond.