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. ❤️

That gives me hope as I think they try to
do renewals in expiry date order, rather than arrival order. So maybe ours will be looked at before it ends.

My 2 renew in october... sent forms end of May, got a text to say received mid june, letter to say scan date for both was 22/06. Now waiting.

I think its random honestly. Some peoples seem to get done within a week, some take months..i think i have seen quite a few only find out the same month as the renewal date

Nc scan date 12th June anyone heard anything yet

Does anyone know if the DLA auto send anything about mobility part once child reaches 5? Or are we
supposed to get in touch with them?

I had a strange call today from the DWP (well, missed calls and I rang back).

All they wanted was to ID check me, so asked me about my NI no, a previous address and whether I personally get any benefits. Has anyone had to do this before (and is it good or bad)?! I'm paranoid now, as I've not had to do that before, and I've been through 2 new claims, an MR and a renewal!

@NoWordForFluffyI wouldn’t read too much into it. 💖 It sounds like they just needed to verify your identity before carrying on with the claim. I’d actually take it as a sign that someone’s actively looking at your file rather than it sitting in a pile. Hopefully that’s a good sign you’ll have a decision soon! 🤞🏻

@TooBusyGazingAtStarssI could be wrong, but I think DLA usually contact you shortly before your child turns 5 if they’re already getting DLA and may be eligible for the mobility component. If you haven’t had anything though, I’d definitely give them a ring just to check. 😊

@Chloe1233Mine hasn’t even got a scan date yet 😩 arrived with them 28th May Royal Mail signed for. DWP confirmed last Friday they physically have my son’s claim, but they said it’s still waiting to be scanned onto the system. Hopefully we’ll both hear something soon 🤞🏻

Ive sent my sons form at the end of May and received the decision few day ago. My friend sent hers on the 30th of April and decision came on the 16th of June

@Lifeisendlessx Thank you ❤️ I’m really pleased your son’s decision came through. Mine was delivered and signed for on 28th May, but when I rang DWP on Friday 3rd July they said they physically had it, it just still hadn’t been scanned onto the system yet 😩 I’m really hoping I’ll hear something soon.🤞🏻💖

Good news!

I got the letter confirming DS' successful renewal at the same rates (MRC/LRM) today. Dated 9 July (the day I had to call them).

5 year award to 2031, taking us to PIP, so that's a relief. I've done both kids' renewals this year. I'm done in!

Are these for new claims? X

Hi was this a coc xx

NC scan date 22 June. Haven’t heard anything since the text to say form has been received.

That’s amazing. Can I ask if you live in London? Just wondering if the quicker ones are out of London claims.

I’m in Southampton

I’m really pleased to see so many people getting their decisions! I won’t lie, I’m feeling quite defeated now🫩 My eldest son’s first DLA claim took 17 weeks, and I really hoped this one would be quicker. They received my new claim for my youngest son on 28th May, and I’m still waiting with no decision. Every day I keep hoping today will be the day, but it’s so hard seeing later claims being processed. I’m honestly not sure I can cope with another 17+ week wait. Fingers crossed everyone who’s still waiting hears something soon!🤞🏻❤️

I have scan date 15th June for new claim. No news yet.

Thanks have you heard anything yet it's the waiting that I don't like good luck to you aswell x

Scan date 11th June and not heard anything. This is so stressful.

Was that a coc x

Hope you get a decision soon

Initially started the whole process and got declined at MR so going through tribunal. Under CAMHS for DSH, ideation. ASC, anxiety, depression, dissociating etc
I’ve had to reduce working hours as a result.
I put in a new claim on top. I guess it could be seen as change in circumstances, I think it comes under new claim though. When I read their report through it was so inaccurate and they’d copied and pasted another child’s name in when justifying their choice for mobility.
I’ve been spoken to in the most despicable way by staff there. The initial claim after MR took 6 months to send through to saying it was refused. Got the appeal running in the background for the initial period and had to start again. I’ve had to raise it with the Independent Case Examiner after not being happy with the response from the DWP. It’s been an awful experience.

Hi everyone, I posted my DD DLA form off on Saturday and had a message today saying they have recieved it. I need to send evidence as well to go with that claim. When I send it do I just put DD name and DOB or do I need a special ref number as I couldn't get the evidence in time but wanted to make sure form was sent off and would send evidence later. I hope that makes sense! Thank you

Was this new claim x