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Here you'll find advice from parents and teachers on special needs education.

DLA WAIT TIMES 2026

60 replies

Emssxo · 06/06/2026 22:14

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. ❤️

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NoWordForFluffy · 06/07/2026 12:51

HRM22 · 06/07/2026 10:23

so forms where scanned and registered on 8th June and on Friday I rang to ask about sending extra evidence and man on phone said it with a decision maker

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.

Evecob · 06/07/2026 14:13

HRM22 · 19/06/2026 18:08

renewal due September this year
sent forms scanned & registered has anyone had forms for renewal for same time 😊

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

Chloe1233 · 08/07/2026 17:41

Nc scan date 12th June anyone heard anything yet

TooBusyGazingAtStarss · 09/07/2026 13:00

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?

NoWordForFluffy · 09/07/2026 14:54

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!

Emssxo · 09/07/2026 15:06

@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! 🤞🏻

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Emssxo · 09/07/2026 15:08

@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. 😊

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Emssxo · 09/07/2026 15:10

@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 🤞🏻

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Lifeisendlessx · 12/07/2026 20:44

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

Emssxo · 12/07/2026 22:34

@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.🤞🏻💖

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