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. ❤️

Call back and try and speak to someone different. Good luck 🤞🏻 x

Was this a new claim or MR please?
What I’m gathering they tell you more information going through option 4 x

I rang back and not been awarded. Really surprised as school were on board and wrote supporting evidence and I believe I sent enough medical evidence aswell. Very strange they've also not tried to contact anyone for more information. So I can only assume I made a mistake on the forms 🙄

Oh I’m so sorry. Did you keep a copy of your form? X

How old is little one? Is it for a physical condition or autism etc? I find that they rarely award for physical conditions which is so wrong.

No I didn't but I may ask them for a copy as someone did that on here. She is 15 i think that may be why it was declined

Make sure you copy the additional documents just in case they go missing

Yes that was me. It’s so handy to have a copy. You can read back what you’ve written. I was told you can send extra evidence up until 30 days after a decision is made too. Aww maybe as she’s close to PIP age x

It’s horrible we put so much faith into strangers reading what we go through every single day and night and hoping that they can understand what we’re doing and going through

Sorry to hear that

I think what's confusing is how she would not even get the low rate. When teachers have wrote down she needs more care than her peers ect. I sent things like proof of extra time given in mock tests ect details of her assessment it's just strange

I also have applied for my son with tic disorder/ torrettes and I'm even less hopeful for his now as out of the 2 cases hers was definitely the strongest as less is known about tics.

I just rang up!
Scan date July 10th.
He said it hasn't reached a decision maker yet, and that i should wait another month or two before calling up. He said if it gets picked up early thats a plus but highly unlikely at the moment 😫

Oh no, that's so annoying! I know they get lots of calls but they should understand how daunting it is not to know anything. I wanted to call as I'm very anxious and suffer intrusive thoughts and even though I know they've received it I can't help but think it might still get lost of forgotten. I just can't deal with people being rude to me :(

I hope you get a decision soon and good luck!

Thank you, yes I wrote all of my written evidence/experience out in a Word document so that's all saved, and I've been collecting physical copies of every appointment, report etc as I've gone so I only sent copies of my copies. And then I took a photo/scan of every single page of the form and evidence and saved it all in a folder - I might be a bit much but it took me so long to fill it all out I wasn't taking any chances!

I would just give them a call for your own sanity, even if you just get confirmation it’s all in the system it may help a little. I’d go with option 4 rather than new claims update they seem a lot nicer. I spoke to a lady with my first claim and said I didn’t want a pest, and she said call as many times as you like, it’s what we are here for. x

That’s the best way to be, it’s also a plus for when renewal time comes around and having all previous information handy together

I'm so sorry you've not been successful. Hopefully they will explain why they made the decision and you can appeal or send more evidence. Did you keep a diary of the care she needed? I found that bit so hard to keep on top of and to recognise all of the ways my daughter needed extra support, but it was really helpful to have when completing the forms.

I read that where many claims fall down is that they're not detailed and specific with what the conditions actually mean for you in practical terms - the level of supervision, care and input you have to give and how long you spend each day giving this care and support.

I found this really helpful - I printed it and went through it with a highlighter before I tackled the form: https://www.familiesinfocusessex.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/DLA-Helpful-Phrases-0824.pdf

That can’t be right. I’d take no notice of that.

I received a letter for my son's application today saying it was received August 14th. I haven't receive anything for my daughter's claim since a text on July 6th. Have you heard any more about yours? I'm hoping this means his is moving but not sure what's going on with my daughter's now.

I am so worried, I've been trying to pull myself together to do it all day, I don't want to jeopardise anything or be had a go at😔 I feel so stupid, I generally don't mind how long it takes just want to know it's going in the right direction xx

Bless you, I was the same when I first called. Honestly, it won’t jeopardise anything your only asking a question, your not phoning kicking off. If people didn’t call with questions the call handlers wouldn’t have a job, think of it that way and they expect it. Hopefully you’ll make the call and that’ll stop the anxiety of making the call because you’ve done it. If your like me then your imagination is running wild and you’ll most likely find it was nothing like you were thinking and 🤞 you will feel much better x

My scan date was 1st July and I was told the same when I rang a little while ago- they said it could be weeks yet and that it wasn’t with a case worker yet

@ShinyBeans No, nothing yet. I know it’s only been 4 weeks but somehow feels like forever and got carried away as they had text and sent the letter so quickly. Patience is not my strong point 🤣

I feel this lol. Because I sent my docs the 21st of July and was text the 22nd and then had a letter dated the 29th saying they were looking into my claim I had so much hope but since hearing people from the beginning of July are still waiting I’ve just given up lol! Trying not to think about it🤣xx