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. ❤️

I finally plucked up the courage to call today, the lady was so so lovely and my claim is in the que waiting for a DM to pick it up😃
Thanks all! X

Yay! Hopefully not long now! What’s your scan date again? X

My scan is the 23rd of July so not expecting anything anytime soon, I only called just to make sure it was heading in the right direction to ease the anxiety 🤦🏻‍♀️

I don't do well with not knowing things - I'm sure many of us are the same.

I called for the form last year and gave up with it and finally decided to do it this year, good luck to everyone waiting xx

Awww at least you know it’s going where it needs to be. I’m desperate to call but I find that more anxiety fuelling sometimes! Good luck to you too x

I’m calling now 😩

Scan Date- 01.07 for a MR anyone have a rough idea what date they’re currently on for these?

I just called to ask if I can receive a text when a decision is made (chickened out of asking where it is in the queue!) he was lovely and said he would do that. He said the decision maker will send a text once a decision is made. Didn’t say once it gets to a DM, but that he’s made a note for the DM to text me. I’m wondering if that means that’s it’s already with a DM 🤔

Yay well done. I’m 30/7 and glad I called today as mines with a caseworker to be registered so hasn’t entered the DM queue yet x

I’m 6/7 called today and was told it’s in a queue for decision maker x

He also said he’s asked the DM to send me a text but it won’t say if it’s successful or not, but I can call after the text to get the details of the decision. Who knows!

I’d give them a quick call back and just ask what stage it’s at. No harm in saving yourself wondering for 3 days and not being able to ask x

Oh amazing! She did say mine had been registered but I thought she meant as in scanned in so it's nice to know it's been through that part. Hopefully it won't be much longer for all of us! Keeping my fingers crossed for all of us! I will keep you all updated too xx

This is true. I don’t know if I’ve got the energy though 🤣. I have tie dye paint to get off my little ones feet at the moment 🙄 x

Oh dear 😅 Well at least you could stick it on loudspeaker and have a distraction from that hold music 🤣 x

That’s brilliant 🤞 it’ll be soon. Dates do seem to jump about and it can move fast. I put in a claim in May for my other child that was only 4 weeks. I called and they said with a decision maker, when the letter came through it had been decided that same day x

🤣🤣

Another week over then! X

Indeed! Now all I keep thinking is how long will it be in the qué for 🤣🤣

They received my daughter’s forms on the 27th July. It was scanned on 6th August. Apparently a case worker has done what they need to do and it’s in a queue for the decision maker but unsure how long that will take. Imagine will be a while yet . The wait feels forever and it hasn’t been long at all.

I wish they were there today when I had to take my almost 3 year old out in the reception of the swimming pool in my costume soaking wet after she got dressed to stop her from running from the changing cubicle and straight into the pool 😩. Whilst my 6 year old was having a screaming tantrum because she couldn’t understand that our session was over. My husband and I were like a tag team!

🤣

Another update!! Scan date 01/07

decision was made on 25th August (no text) and payment received today 28th.

I wasn’t happy with the rate (worked out from back payment) so called up this afternoon.

for context, my 2 year old son was diagnosed with cancer in May and I called for a form mid June.

I spoke to a really lovely lady and she said because he was only two he was awarded middle rate for the time which his form was in a queue and then once a decision was made on Tuesday they awarded HRC as he is 3 in a couple of weeks.
I didn’t think age would be a factor in it as his care remains the same no matter how old he is. I thought mobility would be the only thing affected.

I know some ladies on here have applied for their 2 year olds so I’m hoping this all makes sense!

Did they pay you from the 1st of July or different date? Happy for you as it didn’t take long

@koalaaaglad the decision didn’t take too long. All the best with your little one. Can’t imagine what you’re going through so at least this is one less stress that you have a decision. X

no, from the date I called up in mid June.

It seemed to take forever but actually it was quite quick considering we’re told a decision can take up to 25 weeks.