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Here you'll find advice from parents and teachers on special needs education.

DLA WAIT TIMES 2026

1000 replies

Emssxo · 06/06/2026 22:14

Hi everyone 👋

I thought I’d make a post in case it helps any other parents and also because I’d love to find some people to go through this waiting period with.

My eldest son (now 7) had his original DLA form received on 05/04/2024. He was awarded Middle Rate Care and Low Rate Mobility on 02/08/2024 until February 2026.

His renewal form was then sent off on 08/12/2025 and we received a decision on 14/01/2026, with the same awards continuing until 2028.

I’ve now submitted my 5-year-old son’s first DLA claim. It was sent signed for and received on 28/05/2026. I haven’t had confirmation that it’s been scanned onto the system yet, so the waiting game begins all over again.

As a single mum to two boys, I always find this process incredibly overwhelming. Sitting and writing pages about all the things your child struggles with and can’t do compared to other children their age is heartbreaking, even when you know you’re simply being honest. The forms take so much emotional energy.

When I applied for my eldest in 2024, I actually met some lovely parents through groups like this and still speak to some of them now, so I thought I’d reach out again.

If you’re currently waiting for a decision, I would really appreciate it if any parents can please comment with when your form was received and how long you’ve been waiting. I’d also be really grateful to hear if anyone has had a recent decision in 2026 and what current wait times seem to be.

Wishing everyone the best of luck with their claims. ❤️

OP posts:
MrsW1212 · 28/08/2026 20:33

koalaaa · 28/08/2026 19:57

Another update!! Scan date 01/07

decision was made on 25th August (no text) and payment received today 28th.

I wasn’t happy with the rate (worked out from back payment) so called up this afternoon.

for context, my 2 year old son was diagnosed with cancer in May and I called for a form mid June.

I spoke to a really lovely lady and she said because he was only two he was awarded middle rate for the time which his form was in a queue and then once a decision was made on Tuesday they awarded HRC as he is 3 in a couple of weeks.
I didn’t think age would be a factor in it as his care remains the same no matter how old he is. I thought mobility would be the only thing affected.

I know some ladies on here have applied for their 2 year olds so I’m hoping this all makes sense!

Awww honey. I can’t even imagine what you are going through. I’m glad you finally got your rate you and your little one deserve. My little one is 2 but not going through anything like what you are. Thank you so much for thinking of us though. Love to you all x

Lifeisendlessx · 28/08/2026 20:35

koalaaa · 28/08/2026 20:17

no, from the date I called up in mid June.

It seemed to take forever but actually it was quite quick considering we’re told a decision can take up to 25 weeks.

Just seen you latest update. I’m so happy for you ♥️ All the best for your little boy x

MrsW1212 · 29/08/2026 13:05

Anyone else hate the weekends right now?! 🤣

SparklyGreyOP · 29/08/2026 13:48

MrsW1212 · 29/08/2026 13:05

Anyone else hate the weekends right now?! 🤣

Yes absolutely feels like they take forever

MrsW1212 · 29/08/2026 14:08

This is my 3rd time doing this and it doesn’t get any easier x

MrsW1212 · 29/08/2026 14:09

The weather here is awful too so stuck indoors. Wine and housework for me!

NewBlueOP · 30/08/2026 09:16

Does anyone know what kind of questions a decision maker will ask when they call? And why they have decided they need to speak to me ? Please any help x

MrsW1212 · 30/08/2026 09:50

NewBlueOP · 30/08/2026 09:16

Does anyone know what kind of questions a decision maker will ask when they call? And why they have decided they need to speak to me ? Please any help x

I hope you’re having a lovely holiday. Put it into AI. I found it really useful. I read that it’s a good sign that they want to speak to you though x

SparklyGreyOP · 30/08/2026 11:32

MrsW1212 · 30/08/2026 09:50

I hope you’re having a lovely holiday. Put it into AI. I found it really useful. I read that it’s a good sign that they want to speak to you though x

Sometimes it’s just for more information and sometimes it can just be if there’s what they say is a large payment and to check bank details

SparklyGreyOP · 30/08/2026 11:33

Sorry didn’t mean to quote you hun

MrsW1212 · 30/08/2026 11:40

SparklyGreyOP · 30/08/2026 11:33

Sorry didn’t mean to quote you hun

That’s ok! I didn’t even notice 🤣 x

NewBlueOP · 30/08/2026 12:23

Thanks - I will update after the phone call 😬 idk why I feel worried about it

MrsW1212 · 30/08/2026 12:26

NewBlueOP · 30/08/2026 12:23

Thanks - I will update after the phone call 😬 idk why I feel worried about it

It’s such a nerve wracking experience. I’d feel the same. But I think it’s a positive sign x

MyBoysMyEverything · 30/08/2026 13:01

Hi everyone,
Been watching this thread hoping to hear some good outcomes 🙏
NC called on 27/5 and sent off on 4/7
SD 10/7
and still not heard anything yet. fingers crossed though😊
FYI - East Sussex area

MrsW1212 · 30/08/2026 15:13

MyBoysMyEverything · 30/08/2026 13:01

Hi everyone,
Been watching this thread hoping to hear some good outcomes 🙏
NC called on 27/5 and sent off on 4/7
SD 10/7
and still not heard anything yet. fingers crossed though😊
FYI - East Sussex area

Hi 👋. I’m 2 days ahead of you and still waiting x

MrsW1212 · 30/08/2026 15:19

I’m Bristol

Seafish1985 · 30/08/2026 16:38

MyBoysMyEverything · 30/08/2026 13:01

Hi everyone,
Been watching this thread hoping to hear some good outcomes 🙏
NC called on 27/5 and sent off on 4/7
SD 10/7
and still not heard anything yet. fingers crossed though😊
FYI - East Sussex area

Hello!! Im same as you! Im in east sussex. Nc. Scan date July 10th.
Hoping its not too much longer now. But its a long weekend, so roll on tuesday. Fingers crossed for us all x

Friends94 · 30/08/2026 18:44

NewBlueOP · 30/08/2026 12:23

Thanks - I will update after the phone call 😬 idk why I feel worried about it

Hey lovely, how did you get on, how was the call? Hope it's good news for you x

NewBlueOP · 30/08/2026 18:50

Friends94 · 30/08/2026 18:44

Hey lovely, how did you get on, how was the call? Hope it's good news for you x

It’s booked for Tuesday morning - I will let you know how it goes. He started to ask questions the other day but we were about to board a train so I said it wasn’t really appropriate. He asked about her ASD and ADHD referral, who had initiated it and what stage was it at, he asked about the CAMHS referral too- this is all in the paperwork so I’m not sure why he asked. Maybe if there has been an update yet?

Friends94 · 30/08/2026 18:54

NewBlueOP · 30/08/2026 18:50

It’s booked for Tuesday morning - I will let you know how it goes. He started to ask questions the other day but we were about to board a train so I said it wasn’t really appropriate. He asked about her ASD and ADHD referral, who had initiated it and what stage was it at, he asked about the CAMHS referral too- this is all in the paperwork so I’m not sure why he asked. Maybe if there has been an update yet?

Ohh sorry, didn't see that it was for Tuesday 🤦🏻‍♀️ you'll be absolutely fine, can't give any advice as I have not been there myself but if all the information is there can't see why they are asking again but I have read on other pages they do that a lot and re check things etc or as you said to see if there had been update yet X

MrsW1212 · 31/08/2026 10:06

Hopefully this is the last day of waiting for some of us 🤞🏻

NewBlueOP · 31/08/2026 12:44

MrsW1212 · 31/08/2026 10:06

Hopefully this is the last day of waiting for some of us 🤞🏻

Do you think they work bank holiday

MrsW1212 · 31/08/2026 14:08

I’m not sure. Keep us updated on your call tomorrow x

Friends94 · 31/08/2026 16:57

Hey guys, hope you're all ok. Does anyone know roughly how long your claim sits in the queue for DM to pick it up? I'm assuming weeks 🤣😫

CoolQuoter · 31/08/2026 17:06

I’m currently on week 6 of waiting 😩

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