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. ❤️

Since it's been in a queue for DM? Or from the scan date? It's awful isn't it😬 x

Since the scan date. I’m sure they just tell us anything to get us off the phone. I am checking this thread like gospel for dates around my scan date for an inkling of when it might be 😂 it’s such a frustrating wait!

I can’t cope with this much longer 😩. I will be 8 weeks on Wednesday x

I just assumed the date they received my forms was my scan date but apparently it’s not. It’s when the case worker looks over the claim and checks things are all completed before going in the queue for the decision maker. My scan date was 1 week after the date they got my forms. They sent a letter on that date saying they had the forms and also requesting my child’s birth certificate. Just glad there wasn’t a long wait between receiving and scanning

SD 6th August. I rang Friday to see if could send extra evidence and was told was with case worker already? I really do think they tell use what we want to hear.

@Lynseyxx that’s was confused me. They told me mine has been with the case worker but now in a queue for a decision maker. I didn’t realise there was two different processes, unless they like you say just say anything lol

Update - NC - scan date 04/06.

just checked my bank account and the money has dropped in. Not sure on rates as I’ve got to work that out.

@Smeb123amazing news ❤️

Just did the maths, and it looks to be mid rate care, low rate mobility. Finally got his ehcp granted this summer too, so things are finally coming together.

I have heard that some calls handlers just saying anything 😔 I was also told and not sure if it's true at all but if you send quite a bit of evidence and they don't need to contact anyone it can move through quicker but if you have less or no evidence or they need more it takes longer as they write to GPs and school and out your claim on hold while they get back to them. I hate this whole process doesn't do well for my anxiety and intrusive thoughts 😔

Hoping you guys receive good news today🤞🏻

That’s amazing news! Congratulations. Good luck to everyone else waiting x

Another long week! I’m exhausted!

Good luck to @NewBlueOP for your call this morning x

ah thanks - still waiting !

I think it depends on the DM too !!

I completely agree - good luck today lovely, keeping my fingers crossed for you🤞🏻 x

Hi Everyone

New Claim
Sent forms back 7th July
Scan date 16th July.
Called today I very helpful lady said form hadn't been registered. She registered it while I waiting on the line.
I also explained that the scan date was 2 days past the return date but I have proof of postage from the 7th July. She made a not and asked me to send this in.

Has this happened to anyone where there claim was unregistered? Will the waiting time start from now?

Any advice is great fully received.
Thank you.

Im calling them as I type (in the queue)
I sent my forms off on the 8th of July, received a letter on the 16th saying they received the form on the 10th of July. I dont know if this is a scan date? Im so anxious about this every day, my child is home educated because his autism means he struggles massively in crowds and loud noises, so I took him out. Having dla help would be such a massive help to home educate him. Provide things he needs.
I was hoping to hear before return to school for my other boys, but still no news.
Ill update if they give me any details. Fingers crossed.
Im east sussex.

I have no experience of this so I’m unable to help sorry. I hope you get some answers though 🥰

Oooh good luck! Keep us posted! I’m 8th July and still waiting x

As I understand it, they scan them on, then when they’re registered they get the acknowledgement sent out. If there is a wait between them scanning and registering acknowledging, this won’t affect back payment, as they will still go from the scan date.

in respect of queues, they technically are supposed to be done in date order, so once your has been registered, but your scan date will give it the place in the queue. A late registration won’t mean your wait times start from then.

for example, my nc was scanned 04/06, but wasn’t registered until 06/08 - it then went in a queue for a decision maker and a decision was made last week (so the time between registering and decision was only a couple of weeks because my much earlier scan date pushed it to the top of the pile).

Hope that makes sense

@Smeb123

yeah that makes a lot of sense. This is why people’s time that it is in a decision maker queue varies so much .

How do you do a MR has I was only awarded lrm thank you

This is so helpful thank you. 😁

After 45 minute wait in the queue, I spoke to a lovely lady. She said when I received the letter stating, 'we received your dla forms on the 10th of july' she said that it was scanned and registered then.
She said it will be up to the decision maker if a claim is awarded, whether or not they backdate it, to the day you call for the form, or the scan date.
So I believe im almost 8 weeks past scan date..