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. ❤️

No that’s what I’m abit hesitant about ringing over. I’d lose my absolute mind 🤣

Similar to me!
sent - 21/07/26
received and scanned 22/07/26
letter requesting birth certificate and letter saying they’re looking into it dated 29/07/26 but received on 07/08/26
birth certificate received by them 11/08/26 and sent back then and received by me 16/08/26! Hopefully we hear within the next few weeks!

When I rang last week I was just double checking there hadnt been any issues (as I'd seen other people getting their answers back even though scanned much later dates). Honestly, I was pathetic - apologising about checking up and hoping I wouldnt get in trouble 🙃thankfully the lady was lovely and I got off the phone feeling ridiculous for being so nervous. Id rather wait a little longer before doing that again though😬

Mine was sent on 30-06, got the text on 01-07 got the letter end of July- called last week as we had new evidence to send and it still was waiting in a queue so could be a while yet 😭

When I rang he did say he would put a note on but only to say that I was sending more evidence and what the evidence was. He was really helpful tbf.

I’ve heard most of them are lovely! It’s probably just the odd few but you get them everywhere I think. And yeah I can’t imagine it’ll be soon for me I haven’t seen any getting decisions from mid July onwards! Hopefully you’ll heard this week x

i was the same as you, worried every day as my son is 2 nearly 3 September and I honestly thought they didn't award him but I'm so pleased he has got it. I'm keeping everything crossed for you

Awww I’m over the moon for you 🥰. My daughter is verbal, but very limited. Can’t tell me her basic wants or needs. She is not interested in using a potty, is so accident prone that we can’t get rid of the cot or stair gate yet. She’s obsessed with water and is so impulsive. She climbs everything, trips over fresh air and has cried every day of her life so far. I sent a support plan from preschool and a referral to the family support worker x

My scan date was the 30/6/26 - No texts to say scanned or awarded.

Payment due to clear into account tomorrow.

Amazing! Congratulations! X

Did you call up to be told the payment is on the way or did you find out through your bank?
I ticked the box on the form to notify me by text and I got a text to say they had received the application so wondering if we will be notified of a decision that way also...?

Hi,

No, I didn’t call. I can just see the payment pending to clear into my account tomorrow as my bank shows pending payments.

I also ticked the box for updates, but did not receive any.

Thank you.
its frustrating not knowing when or even if they’re going to get in touch!x

I know! It’s so frustrating. It appears the text messaging is very hit and miss!

They would probably save a lot of time, and ease people’s stress if they had online award notices!

What’s your scan date?

100%. Some kind of online tracking would save them a load of trouble with people calling.
Our scan date is June 15th. I called for the forms May 19th so it feels like we’ve been waiting ages!

Sometimes they do write to the school for extra evidence. They did that with my 5 year old. I saw loads of people getting awarded before me with later scan dates. When I called for the millionth time over the October half term, that’s when they told me x

Oh that’s incredibly frustrating! The fact people with later dates are being awarded!

Hope you hear soon x

How do you know the payment is due to clear tomorrow?

HSBC bank shows pending payments the day before they are due to credit.

Same as my scan date but still no news. What are are you from please

I've called again today and mine as been allocated with a decision maker since the 20th

Oooh today could be the day!! 🤞🏻

I was told mine was with one on the 14th. Still nothing East Midlands area

Shouldn’t be long now then hopefully ? Mine was scanned the day after yours so hopefully we will both know soon 😬😭 the waiting is just unbearable

Thanks for replying - Ive just called them again now and have been told that it has been with a case manager and "brought forward" (whatever that means) but they have written to his school for a statement.
So it'll still be a while yet for us as its still summer holidays for another week here. Nightmare! We have a full NHS assessment report and they interviewed his teacher then, I'd have thought that would have been enough 😩