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. ❤️

Did they tell you where you are regarding your claim considering its been past 8 weeks already and I have seen others from around 7-8 weeks getting theirs. I hope it gets backdated for you and keeping everything crossed xx

I’ve asked for a text message but doubt I’ll get one. I’m 8 weeks tomorrow. It’s torture but I’m not going to call this week. Hoping I might just see a payment in my bank at the end of the week! 🤞🏻

I have never sent much with my children. I find it can take longer and professionals can contradict each other, mine have took 16 weeks (2023).. December last year 4 weeks 5 days. January this year 5 weeks 2 days. Im now on week 4 so I will wait and see how long it takes this time xx

That is true but it also goes on each CW/DM case load. So one could be sent to someone with only 5 forms on desk and another could go to someone with 20! This is why I think also think it’s quicker for some, I’m also starting to think area is a big factor too xx

You’re the lady with the 2 year old nephew aren’t you? May I ask what difficulties he has and what evidence you sent in for him please? I think I’ve done everything right, but am questioning myself x

Wow all different verities of times! I sent quite a bit of evidence, ehcp, combined ADHD assessment report, EP report, Peads report, sendco reports teachers report, provision maps and some other bits and I've been told (Friday 28th) mine is in a queue for a DM, my SC - 23rd of July.

Keeping fingers crossed for you!! Xx

my application is for a 4 year old and I feel like I’ve not explained or expressed her needs good enough. It’s such a hard time which I never expected it to be. I feel like I’m second guessing everything I’ve put etc x

My child was 4 when I applied 2 years ago. I didn’t have as much evidence as you, so they wrote to the school and I got awarded. Good luck x

My little girl doesn’t start school until next week ( possibly if they accept her full time ) . So it feels like such bad timing if they contact the school as they won’t really know her. I think that’s on my mind too. I’ve literally sent everything we have so fingers crossed it’s enough.

Thank you, same to you ❤️

crazy to think we are relying on strangers to judge how much care our children need, yet we do it day in day out regardless .

Aww it sounds like you sent more than enough evidence though. I think it’ll be fine. I know exactly what you mean. I wish they were a fly on the wall sometimes x

I think it depends on the DM work load.
I am new to this didnt know I could claim, my son is 13 and only just been diagnosed with Autism in June.
Fingers crossed he is accepted as the extra money would make a big difference to mine and his life. 🤞

I was meant to have a call this morning but had nothing 🤣🫣

Ohh no!! If you can, I'd personally call them and find out what's going on xx

Yeh I will do when we get back to the air b&b x

How frustrating - hope it gets sorted x

Do I call back the number they called on, or the normal number 🤔

I did try to call them but I was on hold and my daughter wants to go swimming 🤣 so we will have to wait for a different day to update them. It’s frustrating but not much I can do when we’re on holiday- hopefully dm will understand as he knew we are on holiday at the moment. He was the one who was meant to call me so I’ll just wait and see- we are back on Saturday so if I haven’t heard by then I will call next week when she back to school and I have some spare time to be on hold 🫣🤦🏽‍♀️

Hmm, I'm not actually sure maybe you could try the one they called and if not do the original number xx

Aww that’s so naughty. Especially as they know you’re on holiday. You’re doing so well x

8 weeks got me today. I’m really hoping this is my week

Hi. Im new to all of this, I sent my forms on the 9th and they text to say they had received on the 10th. Is this my scan date? If not does anybody know how I can find out what my date is please? I’ve not had a letter or anything else, just the text.
Does anybody know what dates they are working on currently? Good luck to everybody waiting 🤞 x

I don’t think the received text necessarily means that’s your scan/registration date. I found out with mine that it had been received and scanned but still hadn’t actually been fully registered. Once registered it then goes into the queue for a decision maker. If you call, I’d ask them specifically if it’s been registered yet and whether it’s waiting for a decision maker. There doesn’t seem to be one particular date they’re working on as later ones seem to be overtaking earlier ones x

Thank you so much for explaining. I tried to google some of my questions but it was all contradictory and ended up confusing me even more 😩 I’ll try to give them a call once my youngest is napping to find out if it’s been registered etc. I know they say 25 weeks waiting times but I’m only approaching week 8 since they’ve received it and I’m stressing I’ve not put enough or explained her needs as much so the next couple of months I’ll be an anxious wreck waiting for a decision 😩x

Hello
I am on my 7th week of waiting got a text 17th July to say recieved.
I call yesterday and the lady on the phone said it hadn't be registered and she done it while I waited. She said it is now in the que for the decision Maker.

I caved in and called. Spoke to a lovely lady. She said it’s been assigned to a caseworker ready for a decision to be made. She made another note for them to text me 🤞🏻