DLA claims for children - processing time

[ByeGermsByeWorries]

Just come off the phone to DWP regarding the DLA renewal for my son as it's been longer than 8 weeks since they received my renewal pack. I've been informed that they now only decide whether or not to renew a week or two before the claim runs out now doesn't leave much time for people to appeal etc if they decide not to renew does it? Especially for those who also receive carers allowance and lose it with no notice.

This must be an area thing. Iv Alia been on the phone to them today as our renewal is in a few months and I chased the paperwork as I haven’t had it, I asked how long it will take to get an answer and they said approx 11 weeks.... for me it will be touch and go, probably be a couple of weeks before my renewal date.

Ridiculous though isn’t it!

Think it’s 8-12 week wait at the moment. They can, on renewal, decide to end or reduce your original award early, but funnily enough increases to award don't tend to start until the original award expires 😠

I thought it would be a backlog too, but he specifically said this is how the system works now and the letters saying 8 weeks are now wrong. Hate having to do this every year

We also applied for DLA for our son. The form is a killer form of questions about what my son does not currently do. I’m hoping to be awarded the higher rate mobility and either lower or middle rate care too. Just mailed the paperwork off today. I cried as I had to fill out the form. Now waiting on a response from them. My suggestion is to seek advice from a social worker and complete the paperwork properly as well. I ended up drinking a cup of hot tea afterwards. Hopefully I’ll receive the report soon in the mail.

This is our third time having to do this. It's absolutely horrible to fill out. I cried doing it as it felt awful writing things about my son like he was some sort of failure It also shows you just how much you adapt to and make concessions for and do things in different ways to the norm and just don't notice because you've been doing it so long it is your normal.