DLA WAIT TIMES 2026

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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. ❤️

I sent evidence but I didn't know my daughter had already had decision day before I sent so it didn't count. She got what she needed anyways so was lucky as I literallyonly had her asd adhd referral at the time x

I called today as my daughter was offered a speech and language appointment today for Thursday. I asked if I should send that as evidence and was told yes as no decision been made yet x

What date was yours sent / acknowledged

Does anyone know approx how long decision makers usually take? I don't think they've contacted anyone for extra evidence

Mine was acknowledged on 08/07/26 x

I need to do a mandatory reconsideration for my daughter i don’t believe she got what she deserves My daughter is having a PEG to feed her she as low blood sugars Seizure’s plus GDD and Asd and a lot of other things i sent so much evidence

Can I just send something on a slightly different subject. We went to see Bluey’s live show on Saturday and it was amazing! No loud noises, no bright lights and only an hour, with a lovely bit at the end to help with dysregulation . I highly recommend it x

NC scan date 22/06 had payment in my account tonight so been awarded. Just waiting on letter now but I’ve worked out the rates based on payment. Best of luck to everyone waiting

Mine was acknowledged on 01-07. So quite close to yours, how long is the phone call wait times ? That puts me off calling 😭

Mine was scanned just over a week after yours so hopefully not too much longer for a decision for us. We are also waiting for adhd asd assessment appointment so things are feeling stressful just waiting

I was waiting for about 15 minutes, but I just put it on speaker phone and carried on with that I was doing. Hopefully not much longer now x

So my extra evidence was delivered this morning at 6:00am signed for by DWP but shows it was received at the north West Midlands mall centre so I pray it is at the right place. I'm gonna give it until Friday and call again to see if the extra evidence has been scanned onto my claim

Fingers crossed for you. Keep us updated x

My scan date is 6th August bit late as sending in 2 forms for twins, renewal ends on 28th August. Had a text "We have received your request to renew your DLA Child claim. We aim to tell you our decision before your current award ends. You only need to contact us if your circumstances change"
Hopefully hear something by next week, anyone received a text like that before?

Hi ladies.. I rang for my daughter forms today. How long are new claims roughly now?
when I did my sons late 2024 I waited 7 months for a decision
thanks in advance

Would like to share my experience with anyone going through same process.

we requested a form in 2024 for my DS . He has diagnosed ASD and he was awarded HRC but no mobility he was 3 years old at that time.

With the encouragement of CAB we asked for a MR for mobility and it came back negative and his award was reduced to MRC and still no mobility ,
we then appealed the case.

During the waiting time for a hearing date, we got another form as DS turned 5 for mobility to be added which we completed and sent back.
son was granted low mobility and same middle rate care.
we requested for MR on the mobility and it came back yesterday.
DS was finally granted HRC and HRM. We are so happy.
it is been over 2 years all these process .

Will the appeal be cancel now that we got what we were asking for or it will be treated differently.

The Award letter I got yesterday,didn’t mention anything about the appeal and the backdated payment we got was from the date we received the mobility form(second form) at the beginning of this year,2026

Am sorry this is a long post but I wanted to encourage anyone going through the same process as it was mentally exhausting…

if anyone has gone through the same experience
many thanks

I remember you from 2024. Aww I’m sorry you’re going through all of this x

I couldn’t log into my account so I had to create a new one. We used to private message if you remember. You were awarded just before me. I’m glad you got there in the end.

Yes I remember u too.how have you been. So nice to hear from you again.
Yes it has been really hard but we got there at d end.
I am only confused about the appeal been cancelled.
I really don't want all the waiting gone for nothing you know xx

Yes I did sent you some messages but no response. Are you on a new claim or same as me

Awww I’m so sorry. I don’t know what happened to my old account. I’ve never done an appeal, so I can’t help you I’m afraid. This is a new one. My youngest is on the pathway too now. I got HRC for the other one a while back when I did a CoC form for mobility when she turned 5. The waiting times seem to have significantly reduced since last time we were on here! I hope you are well x

Fingers crossed for your little one and yes I am fine too thanks 😊 x

Hi, just jumping on! Forms sent 21st July, special delivery received and scanned onto the system next day 22nd July. Letters received August dated from 29th, one saying they’re looking into her claim and another requesting birth certificate. Birth certificate sent 7th of August, received by them the 11th and I received it back the 15th the Saturday just gone! Been really fast so far but anxious as my daughter is 2, suspected ASD and high needs. Sent a peads report documenting global developmental delay, speech and language report, soggs assessment from 15 months documenting the delays and a email from early support showing she was approved for a 1:1 in her playgroup setting and then a detailed account documenting our day to day life! Hope everyone hears soon! ❤️

Hi! 👋. You sound in the same position as me. Same age, suspected ASD and request of birth certificate my SD is 8 June. Good luck and hope you hear soon x

Hi! It’s such an anxious wait isn’t it especially as it is harder to prove our children have additional care needs compared to peers their age as most 2 year olds need a lot of care as is😭! Good luck to you too! X