DLA change of circumstances??

[ImNotARegularMomIACoolMom]

I’ve applied for DLA as my 5yo is autistic just a few questions that I would really appreciate advice or answers 🫶🏽
how long does it take for a decision?
also do I apply for change of circumstances now or when I get the letter to know if she’s been accepted or not
also how far back do they backdate? And what’s the amount I’d be looking at back pay for the higher award

any other advice about this would be greatly appreciated thankyou ❤️

If anything has changed wait until you have your original decision back but it really depends if that change means their care or mobility rate should change or not (if their needs haven't really changed then it might not be necessary to do one)
Decisions are something like 21-25 weeks at the moment.
Back pay is either to the date they got your form, or when you called from it. Difficult to say on back pay amount, high rate mobility can be tricky to get so it depends on the care and if they gave low rate mobility.

I rang up over2 years ago but only just filled the form out a few weeks ago and sent it last week I doubt they’ll back me from 2 years ago do you?

It ll go off the date that they scanned the form onto the system in that case which can take a couple of weeks from when they get it in the post.

As the claim hasn’t been decided yet you don’t need to do a change of circumstances, you can just send more information/evidence now.

High rate care for 24/25 was £108.55 per week. For 25/26 it is £110.40.
High rate mobility for 24/25 was £75.75 per week. For 25/26 it is £77.05.

They seem to have speeded up a little over the last couple of weeks. Most are taking anywhere between 18 weeks and 21 weeks. Some a bit longer up to about 25/26. A minority slightly quicker.

It won’t be backdated 2 years. If DD turned 5 since they received your forms and is awarded low rate mobility, it will be backdated to when she turned 5 rather than when they received them.