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. ❤️

@Hmcc123Aww thank you, that’s really reassuring to hear ❤️.

I think what’s making me so nervous is that with my eldest son’s first claim, although the overall wait for the decision was quite long, I had a letter within a few days of it being signed for to confirm they’d received it. I sent my youngest son’s exactly the same way, first class and signed for, so because I haven’t had that confirmation this time my brain keeps convincing me something has gone wrong 🙈.

Realistically I know it’s probably sitting somewhere waiting to be scanned and processed, but it’s amazing how much you can overthink these things when it’s your child and there’s nothing else you can do but wait 😂.

Thank you for being so kind though. It genuinely helps hearing from people who have been through it and hearing positive outcomes. Hopefully I’ll be able to come back with an update soon 🤞❤️ xxxx

Just a quick update, I got a payment last night, it looks like it's 9 weeks worth of High rate care, low rate mobility.

I had an extension on filling out my renewal, so only sent it on the 27th May. So it's taken exactly 3 weeks from sending to payment x

Just adding my timeline here
Sent off forms to the free post address at start of April, had a text saying forms received (is this the scan date?) 28th April. Text received 15th June saying 'a decision has been made' so now just waiting for the letter or a payment to see if it's been awarded....fun times 🫠

@Vjjeiknmiw6377Thank you for sharing your timeline ❤️ That does make me feel a little better. My son’s form was signed for by Royal Mail on 28th May, but I still haven’t had a text, letter or scan date confirming they’ve received it. I’m probably worrying unnecessarily, but it’s hard not to when you’re waiting! 🤞🏼Hope you get good news when your letter arrives ❤️

It's definitely hard not to worry, just seems like you spend so much time in the dark. I've, not very sensibly, linked this in my mind with failure or success in all areas so feels like a bigger deal than it should lol

@Vjjeiknmiw6377I completely understand what you mean. I think I’ve done exactly the same thing. I’ve somehow tied it to whether I’ve done a good enough job explaining my son’s needs rather than just letting the decision process happen. The waiting and not knowing anything is definitely the hardest part. I’m constantly second-guessing things I wrote and worrying I’ve forgotten something important❤️

Hi, I sent off my DLA form for my DS on 13th May, I received a text message to confirm receipt and the wait time of 25 weeks on 29th May.
Waiting on a decision, not sure how long it will take but the waiting around for a decision is not fun!

@MustysMamaThank you for sharing your timeline ❤️. My son’s form was signed for on 28th May, but I still haven’t had a text, scan date or confirmation they’ve received it, so I’m starting to wonder where it is 😩. The waiting is definitely the worst part! I really really hope we both get good news soon 🤞❤️

Ive just received post today requesting my sons birth certificate, which i hadn't sent off with the initial application. At least I know there's some movement with it.

renewal due September this year
sent forms scanned & registered has anyone had forms for renewal for same time 😊

Was a no for us 😭

@HRM22My eldest son’s renewal was sent in December 2025 and awarded in January 2026, but my youngest son’s is a first claim so I’m currently waiting too 😊. Hopefully someone with a September renewal can share their timeline. Fingers crossed it’s a smooth renewal for you 🤞🏼❤️

@MustysMamaAt least you know there’s some movement on your claim now ❤️. Hopefully once they’ve received the birth certificate they’ll be able to carry on processing it without too much delay. Wishing you lots of luck and hopefully a decision soon🤞🏼❤️

I’m so sorry 😭❤️. I know how much time, effort and emotion goes into these forms, so that must be really difficult to receive. Be kind to yourself for a few days and make sure you read the decision letter carefully. Sending lots of love ❤️

@Vjjeiknmiw6377i’m so sorry 😭❤️. I know how much time, effort and emotion goes into these forms, so that must be really difficult to receive. Be kind to yourself for a few days and make sure you read the decision letter. Sending lots of love ❤️❤️

Thank you! Feels like a huge kick in the teeth tbh and not sure I've got the energy to fight it