DLA WAIT TIMES 2026

[Emssxo]

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. ❤️

Really anxious. We’d get an instant decision if they were flies on the wall in our daily lives! Thank you. 6 weeks today for me x

Definitely! I have a son who’s 4 and neurotypical and she has so many more needs than he did at this age! And hopefully not much longer. I’m not sure how it all works though as my friend sent her forms off May 12th if I remember correctly and had payment 16th of June so wait times seem so variable. X

Bless you. I have 4 children. 13 and 5 year old diagnosed ASD and then the almost 3 year old on the pathway. Pretty sure the 17 year old is ADHD like me! It’s a very interesting household! X

Wow that was so quick! I waited about 25 weeks in 2024 for my 5 year old x

I can imagine!😅 my brother is ASD aged 19, diagnosed at 14. He is a character 😅. If you don’t mind me asking, did you ever worry about your older children’s future when they were younger? I worry myself sick all the time of what life will look like for my daughter 😢 and it was a fast turnaround! I’m honestly not sure how it works and if it varies by area or whatnot! X

🤣. I try not to because they can surprise you. My 13 and 5 year old are very academically switched on and they seem happy a lot of the time. Not that it will ever go away obviously, but things do change as they get older and they learn new things etc. she will be ok. There’s so much more support and understanding these days x

Thank you! That’s reassuring! We’re in the trenches at the moment as she has massive meltdowns about not being able to get her point across and if i don’t understand it’s a nuclear war in this house🤣 and she gets very overwhelmed around other children. She acknowledges them but has a meltdown! And can only attend her playgroup for 1 hour and 30 minutes 😅 x

I completely get you!! It does get easier. You always have your challenges of course, but different ones and on a lesser scale x

Thank you it’s nice to talk to someone who understands ❤️x

❤️

My claim has been awarded! Scan date was 29th June and I’m in London.

Good Luck to everyone still waiting x

Congratulations! That’s amazing news! Hope to hear of more awards soon x

Hi all, I sent my sons renewal off and it was scanned July 6th 2026. How long has everyone been waiting. And I’ve also had a phone call stating the outcome of his autism assessment and which confirms he does have autism. Should I send a letter to Dwp stating this? Thanks all

Did you get a message to say it's been sorted? X

Brilliant news mine was 30th June so I'm hoping not long now xx

10th of June still waiting. I really don't understand how it works

This is what confuses me🙃! I’ve seen some people from early July get decisions 🤷🏼‍♀️ x

15th of June scan date for a new claim and we are still waiting. I rang yesterday and was told it has been registered and waiting for a case manager to take a look.

I rang today to ask if I can still send evidence - he said it hasn’t been allocated to a worker yet so yes can still send it.

We got the text on 01-07 - so I assume we still have a long wait to go. 🤦🏽‍♀️🤣

we are in Warwickshire midlands- maybe the area makes a difference ?

That fab news.

I did the same. I’m 8/7 though. She said you can send evidence up until 30 days after a decision and it will still count. I guess that’s more for rejections x

It feels like it’s taking ages 🤦🏽‍♀️

Have you called up to check up yourself in the last few days? Wondering if I should call or not

Hi! NC here. Scan date July 10th. Just called them, to confirm if they received my extra evidence, and she said yes, and its now waiting for a decision maker.
Im in eastbourne east sussex... feels like forever 😫

I called yesterday and nothing maybe you call as your scan date was a day before mine x