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

DLA WAIT TIMES 2026

578 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:
Sal1712 · 17/08/2026 18:27

MustysMama · 17/08/2026 18:04

I will call up tomorrow morning too as I also haven't heard back yet, I got acknowledgement text on 29th May and have seen June cases been decided, so it can't be date order.

They made my daughter’s decision yesterday hun her scan date was acknowledgment was the 26th of June xx

Sal1712 · 17/08/2026 18:43

Sal1712 · 17/08/2026 18:27

They made my daughter’s decision yesterday hun her scan date was acknowledgment was the 26th of June xx

Sorry hun it wouldn’t let me Edit i ment my daughters Claim was Acknowledged on the 26th June and her decision was made yesterday 16.08.2026

NewBlueOP · 18/08/2026 07:52

Sal1712 · 17/08/2026 18:43

Sorry hun it wouldn’t let me Edit i ment my daughters Claim was Acknowledged on the 26th June and her decision was made yesterday 16.08.2026

Have you called to check this or have they contacted you? My daughter’s claim was acknowledged on the 1st July- I’m wondering if I should contact them to see what’s going on?

MrsW1212 · 18/08/2026 08:30

Yellowflower34 · 17/08/2026 15:54

My scan date was 8th July. I received a letter on 10th August which was dated 31st July, requesting my son’s birth certificate. I sent it off and it’s been returned to me on 14th August with a letter saying thanks they’ve added it to the system. Does anyone know where about in the process I might be? New claim. Thanks

Hey! Pretty much the same here. This is my 3rd claim as I have 3 autistic children. My worry is that this child is only 2 and will be 3 in november. I sent of a referral the family support worker, a copy of the support plan from pre school and a photo of her disabled children’s register card. I also filled in the form in great detail. I hope this is enough. This is the first time I’ve ever been asked for a birth certificate though. I’m so surprised at how quickly people are getting decisions! My first which was about 3 years ago was about 18 weeks and my second which was about 18 months ago was well over 20 weeks.

Sal1712 · 18/08/2026 08:53

NewBlueOP · 18/08/2026 07:52

Have you called to check this or have they contacted you? My daughter’s claim was acknowledged on the 1st July- I’m wondering if I should contact them to see what’s going on?

I contacted them yesterday as I had more evidence to send and they said the decision was made on 16.08.2026 and the back pay will be in between Wednesday and Friday.

Leahjk1991 · 18/08/2026 09:04

Has anyone sent more evidence at all and how quick was this added to the claim? I sent more evidence which looks like Royal Mail has lost as it should have been delivered Friday and hasn't so I'm going to resend it today but wondering how long it took for the DLA to add to your claim

Leannelln · 18/08/2026 09:05

I've just called again as my scan date was 30th of June and no decision as been made yet

Leahjk1991 · 18/08/2026 09:14

Leannelln · 18/08/2026 09:05

I've just called again as my scan date was 30th of June and no decision as been made yet

Did they if it was with anyone or just still in the queue

Leannelln · 18/08/2026 09:16

Still said it was in a Que and don't know how long it will take. When did you last call

NewBlueOP · 18/08/2026 09:25

Leahjk1991 · 18/08/2026 09:04

Has anyone sent more evidence at all and how quick was this added to the claim? I sent more evidence which looks like Royal Mail has lost as it should have been delivered Friday and hasn't so I'm going to resend it today but wondering how long it took for the DLA to add to your claim

I was going to send more evidence but maybe I’ll call first to see if it’s pointless!

NewBlueOP · 18/08/2026 09:27

MrsW1212 · 18/08/2026 08:30

Hey! Pretty much the same here. This is my 3rd claim as I have 3 autistic children. My worry is that this child is only 2 and will be 3 in november. I sent of a referral the family support worker, a copy of the support plan from pre school and a photo of her disabled children’s register card. I also filled in the form in great detail. I hope this is enough. This is the first time I’ve ever been asked for a birth certificate though. I’m so surprised at how quickly people are getting decisions! My first which was about 3 years ago was about 18 weeks and my second which was about 18 months ago was well over 20 weeks.

If I haven’t been asked for her birth certificate does this mean she has been rejected ? Hmm 🤔

MrsW1212 · 18/08/2026 09:30

NewBlueOP · 18/08/2026 09:27

If I haven’t been asked for her birth certificate does this mean she has been rejected ? Hmm 🤔

No definitely not! I was awarded with my other 2 and wasn’t asked for a birth certificate at all. I don’t know why I was asked this time.

Leahjk1991 · 18/08/2026 09:41

Leannelln · 18/08/2026 09:16

Still said it was in a Que and don't know how long it will take. When did you last call

I called yesterday and they said the same to me

Lynseyxx · 18/08/2026 10:57

MrsW1212 · 18/08/2026 08:30

Hey! Pretty much the same here. This is my 3rd claim as I have 3 autistic children. My worry is that this child is only 2 and will be 3 in november. I sent of a referral the family support worker, a copy of the support plan from pre school and a photo of her disabled children’s register card. I also filled in the form in great detail. I hope this is enough. This is the first time I’ve ever been asked for a birth certificate though. I’m so surprised at how quickly people are getting decisions! My first which was about 3 years ago was about 18 weeks and my second which was about 18 months ago was well over 20 weeks.

I did my sisters for little ones for him who's under the path way for asd and he got awarded. Had paediatrician report, letter from senco lead at school and a copy of his milestones from health visitor cx

MrsW1212 · 18/08/2026 10:59

Lynseyxx · 18/08/2026 10:57

I did my sisters for little ones for him who's under the path way for asd and he got awarded. Had paediatrician report, letter from senco lead at school and a copy of his milestones from health visitor cx

Aww that’s really reassuring thank you. I’ve not done the ASD referral yet, but there’s lots of evidence to prove that she is on the pathway. I’ve only just received the diagnosis for my other 2 and I’m mentally exhausted x

Lynseyxx · 18/08/2026 11:03

MrsW1212 · 18/08/2026 10:59

Aww that’s really reassuring thank you. I’ve not done the ASD referral yet, but there’s lots of evidence to prove that she is on the pathway. I’ve only just received the diagnosis for my other 2 and I’m mentally exhausted x

I've got 5, 2 diagnosed, 3 on pathway! I have a diagnosis myself for adhd. It's so draining and mentally draining when household full. Hers only took 18 days too! My last claim was 4 weeks so I'm hoping the one I've did got my daughter is just as quick xx

MrsW1212 · 18/08/2026 11:12

Lynseyxx · 18/08/2026 11:03

I've got 5, 2 diagnosed, 3 on pathway! I have a diagnosis myself for adhd. It's so draining and mentally draining when household full. Hers only took 18 days too! My last claim was 4 weeks so I'm hoping the one I've did got my daughter is just as quick xx

Aww bless you. I know how you feel. I have adhd too and my 16 year old is just getting onto the pathway too. It’s so hard isn’t it x

MrsW1212 · 18/08/2026 11:13

Wow!! When was this? Mine have always taken ages!! My scan date is 8/7/26, so hoping it won’t be long.

Lynseyxx · 18/08/2026 11:13

MrsW1212 · 18/08/2026 11:13

Wow!! When was this? Mine have always taken ages!! My scan date is 8/7/26, so hoping it won’t be long.

6/8 for us x

MrsW1212 · 18/08/2026 11:48

Lynseyxx · 18/08/2026 11:13

6/8 for us x

Oooh good luck! When were your previous ones? X

Lynseyxx · 18/08/2026 11:49

MrsW1212 · 18/08/2026 11:48

Oooh good luck! When were your previous ones? X

December and Jan was last ones took 4 weeks and just over 4 weeks! Both awarded but I appealed my sons and got changed to HR xx

MrsW1212 · 18/08/2026 11:52

Lynseyxx · 18/08/2026 11:49

December and Jan was last ones took 4 weeks and just over 4 weeks! Both awarded but I appealed my sons and got changed to HR xx

Oh wow! Thats amazing! I wonder why they’re so much quicker lately. I was waiting so long for my others. X

Lynseyxx · 18/08/2026 11:56

MrsW1212 · 18/08/2026 11:52

Oh wow! Thats amazing! I wonder why they’re so much quicker lately. I was waiting so long for my others. X

My sons years ago was over 4 months!! X

Sal1712 · 18/08/2026 12:14

Leahjk1991 · 18/08/2026 09:04

Has anyone sent more evidence at all and how quick was this added to the claim? I sent more evidence which looks like Royal Mail has lost as it should have been delivered Friday and hasn't so I'm going to resend it today but wondering how long it took for the DLA to add to your claim

I sent further evidence special delivery it was scanned the next day.

Leahjk1991 · 18/08/2026 12:33

Sal1712 · 18/08/2026 12:14

I sent further evidence special delivery it was scanned the next day.

Thank you I really sent it this morning again special delivery 1pm so hopefully this lot won't go missing