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SEN

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

DLA WAIT TIMES 2026

577 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:
MrsW1212 · 25/08/2026 20:36

NewBlueOP · 25/08/2026 19:51

I sent extra evidence so maybe that is making it slower! Her teacher was so slow to fill the form out so I had to send it after I’d sent the form 😬 then she was accepted for an assessment so had to send that in too. At least posting on here has given me a place to moan haha !

It might not be the case for you but I think it was for me. It’s nice to come on here and share experiences and see where everyone else is at and not feel so alone x

Leannelln · 26/08/2026 09:14

Good morning all. Not the full news I wanted when I called up this morning but my daughter as only been awarded the lower rate mobility no care as been awarded. But have back paid me from 03 of June

MrsW1212 · 26/08/2026 09:16

Leannelln · 26/08/2026 09:14

Good morning all. Not the full news I wanted when I called up this morning but my daughter as only been awarded the lower rate mobility no care as been awarded. But have back paid me from 03 of June

Awww I’m so glad you’ve been awarded. Are you going to do an MR? I’m 7 weeks today x

MrsW1212 · 26/08/2026 09:16

Why no care? I’ve never heard of that before x

Leannelln · 26/08/2026 09:17

Do you think it will affect it if I do mr as il wait for the letter and then call.

i currently claim uc do i need to inform them?

MrsW1212 · 26/08/2026 09:21

Leannelln · 26/08/2026 09:17

Do you think it will affect it if I do mr as il wait for the letter and then call.

i currently claim uc do i need to inform them?

I don’t think it will. No, you only need to contact UC if you get middle or high rate care x

MrsW1212 · 26/08/2026 09:22

MrsW1212 · 26/08/2026 09:21

I don’t think it will. No, you only need to contact UC if you get middle or high rate care x

I think whoever told you got that wrong. Have you had the backpay yet? X

Eqh1993 · 26/08/2026 09:24

I’d call again and ask them to confirm you heard correct. It seems very odd that that’d acknowledge significant care needs to award low rate mobility and then say there’s no additional care needs. Very odd if that’s what they have truly done

Leannelln · 26/08/2026 09:28

She said I didn't get awarded for a care and told me how much would be back dated il call again as I don't think it's right

MrsW1212 · 26/08/2026 09:34

Leannelln · 26/08/2026 09:28

She said I didn't get awarded for a care and told me how much would be back dated il call again as I don't think it's right

No that doesn’t seem right to me at all x

Leannelln · 26/08/2026 09:35

Strange but she did tell me how much I was getting aswell but I am currently waiting for someone to answer again

Amyd35 · 26/08/2026 09:37

Leannelln · 26/08/2026 09:28

She said I didn't get awarded for a care and told me how much would be back dated il call again as I don't think it's right

Did they say when they awarded you?

Leannelln · 26/08/2026 09:38

Yesterday from the 03.06.2026

MrsW1212 · 26/08/2026 09:39

Leannelln · 26/08/2026 09:38

Yesterday from the 03.06.2026

What was your scan date again? X

Leannelln · 26/08/2026 09:41

30th June x

Leannelln · 26/08/2026 09:45

She said she can't tell me anything lol I'm going out my mind here lol x

MrsW1212 · 26/08/2026 09:49

Leannelln · 26/08/2026 09:45

She said she can't tell me anything lol I'm going out my mind here lol x

I don’t understand why they do that x

Leannelln · 26/08/2026 09:50

I'm calling again lol. If nothing then I will re call tomorrow or later

MrsW1212 · 26/08/2026 09:53

I’m currently waiting as I didn’t take a copy of my form for my records, so asking for them to send me a copy x

Leannelln · 26/08/2026 09:54

When was your scan date again

MrsW1212 · 26/08/2026 10:02

7th July. They are sending me a copy but refused to give me anymore information regarding where we are in the queue or anything x

MrsW1212 · 26/08/2026 10:02

Sorry 8th July x

Leannelln · 26/08/2026 10:10

Always press option 4 and they tell you more just I just did option 4 and they said it's just lower rate mobility but a letter is in the post for reasons why she didn't get care but I can do a MR once letter comes so I will be doing that

MrsW1212 · 26/08/2026 10:14

Yeah I did option 4. He didn’t sound very happy as soon as he picked up the phone. That’s so odd! X

Eqh1993 · 26/08/2026 10:16

I’ve just been annoying and rang up again. Scan date 3rd July. Decision has been made for middle rate care. So relieved I know before I go on holiday on Thursday night