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

DLA WAIT TIMES 2026

1000 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. ❤️

OP posts:
S4m96 · 08/09/2026 11:26

Mumto4and5 · 07/09/2026 18:55

I got a text on the 28th July to say my forms had been received . A letter dated the 6th August to say they needed my daughter’s birth certificate, so I was told 6th August is my scan date. Still waiting for a decision and was told it’s in a queue for the DM.

Very close to ours. Text was 21/07, letter for birth certificate sent 03/08. Still no update

Mummyof2under4 · 08/09/2026 11:29

mammyoflilyandluca · 08/09/2026 11:19

Currently on hold to DLA, new claim, scan date 17th July but I can’t handle the not knowing and the staying up till past 1am to see if I get a random backdated payment, will update when I know😵‍💫

Aw it’s horrible isn’t it! Let us know how you got on x

mammyoflilyandluca · 08/09/2026 11:31

Mummyof2under4 · 08/09/2026 11:29

Aw it’s horrible isn’t it! Let us know how you got on x

Currently 23 mins waiting on hold as I write this 😵‍💫 I might have a nap and tell my partner to wake me up when they answer 🤨x

mammyoflilyandluca · 08/09/2026 11:48

Mummyof2under4 · 08/09/2026 11:29

Aw it’s horrible isn’t it! Let us know how you got on x

She said it was being processed, not a clue what that means but at least I tried🤷🏻‍♀️x

Friends94 · 08/09/2026 11:53

mammyoflilyandluca · 08/09/2026 11:48

She said it was being processed, not a clue what that means but at least I tried🤷🏻‍♀️x

Do you know if your claim has been registered? I've seen from FB group that processing means they're registering it - but that could be wrong. Why can't they be more helpful, it's really frustrating x

mammyoflilyandluca · 08/09/2026 11:57

Friends94 · 08/09/2026 11:53

Do you know if your claim has been registered? I've seen from FB group that processing means they're registering it - but that could be wrong. Why can't they be more helpful, it's really frustrating x

She said they received it on the 17th July which is when I got the text, she didn’t sound very happy so I didn’t ask anything else🤦🏻‍♀️ I really think they should have an online tracking system where you can put the ref number in and see where it’s at! It would save them so much time and energy rather than answering phone calls! 7 weeks 2 days now and I’ve seen that the average is around 8 so can only hope x

NewBlueOP · 08/09/2026 11:58

mammyoflilyandluca · 08/09/2026 11:19

Currently on hold to DLA, new claim, scan date 17th July but I can’t handle the not knowing and the staying up till past 1am to see if I get a random backdated payment, will update when I know😵‍💫

Good luck how did it go ?

mammyoflilyandluca · 08/09/2026 12:00

NewBlueOP · 08/09/2026 11:58

Good luck how did it go ?

She said they received it on the 17th July which is when I got the text, and said it’s being processed, whatever that means🤷🏻‍♀️ she didn’t sound very happy so I didn’t ask anything else🤦🏻‍♀️ 7 weeks 2 days now and I’ve seen that the average is around 8 so can only hope x

Friends94 · 08/09/2026 12:01

mammyoflilyandluca · 08/09/2026 11:57

She said they received it on the 17th July which is when I got the text, she didn’t sound very happy so I didn’t ask anything else🤦🏻‍♀️ I really think they should have an online tracking system where you can put the ref number in and see where it’s at! It would save them so much time and energy rather than answering phone calls! 7 weeks 2 days now and I’ve seen that the average is around 8 so can only hope x

I completely agree and would be a lot helpful and less stressful for everyone involved and free up the phone lines for them, how they haven't thought or done this already is beyond me. Good luck and I hope you hear soon. Mines been registered and in a queue for a few weeks now, my SC is 23rd of July, think I've still got a while yet xx

mammyoflilyandluca · 08/09/2026 12:04

Friends94 · 08/09/2026 12:01

I completely agree and would be a lot helpful and less stressful for everyone involved and free up the phone lines for them, how they haven't thought or done this already is beyond me. Good luck and I hope you hear soon. Mines been registered and in a queue for a few weeks now, my SC is 23rd of July, think I've still got a while yet xx

I think I’ll leave it now and ring up Friday which takes me to 8 weeks exactly, I just hate the not knowing it stresses me out so much🤯 let us know if you do hear anything lovely xx

Friends94 · 08/09/2026 12:11

mammyoflilyandluca · 08/09/2026 12:04

I think I’ll leave it now and ring up Friday which takes me to 8 weeks exactly, I just hate the not knowing it stresses me out so much🤯 let us know if you do hear anything lovely xx

Yes absolutely - I'll keep updating and you as well! Keeping my fingers crossed for all of us! 🤞🏻 Xx

Littlemissgrace · 08/09/2026 12:34

Positive update!!

Money in bank this morning! Am so shocked and so happy with the outcome. Such a weight lifted! Good luck to everyone waiting xx

Friends94 · 08/09/2026 12:36

Littlemissgrace · 08/09/2026 12:34

Positive update!!

Money in bank this morning! Am so shocked and so happy with the outcome. Such a weight lifted! Good luck to everyone waiting xx

That's amazing, congratulations 🎉 🎉 pleased for you and your family!!🎉

What was your SC lovely? Xx

Littlemissgrace · 08/09/2026 13:06

Friends94 · 08/09/2026 12:36

That's amazing, congratulations 🎉 🎉 pleased for you and your family!!🎉

What was your SC lovely? Xx

Thank you so much. Very kind. Whats an SC do you mean my scan date? That was the 7th July xx

Friends94 · 08/09/2026 13:08

Littlemissgrace · 08/09/2026 13:06

Thank you so much. Very kind. Whats an SC do you mean my scan date? That was the 7th July xx

Yeah sorry 🙈 lack of sleep!

Aww that's wonderful! Happy for you! Xx

Emz73 · 08/09/2026 13:31

Friends94 · 08/09/2026 12:01

I completely agree and would be a lot helpful and less stressful for everyone involved and free up the phone lines for them, how they haven't thought or done this already is beyond me. Good luck and I hope you hear soon. Mines been registered and in a queue for a few weeks now, my SC is 23rd of July, think I've still got a while yet xx

Not necessarily, looks like dates are all over the place. I saw someone on facebook had payment this morning from 20/8 scan! x

Friends94 · 08/09/2026 13:35

Emz73 · 08/09/2026 13:31

Not necessarily, looks like dates are all over the place. I saw someone on facebook had payment this morning from 20/8 scan! x

Really! Wow that's super quick for them! Slightly jealous 🤣😫 I am tempted to call but I'll see how I feel🤦🏻‍♀️
How are you getting on with yours, the 30/7? Xx

Emz73 · 08/09/2026 14:17

Friends94 · 08/09/2026 13:35

Really! Wow that's super quick for them! Slightly jealous 🤣😫 I am tempted to call but I'll see how I feel🤦🏻‍♀️
How are you getting on with yours, the 30/7? Xx

Yes 30th I called yesterday, it was finally registered on the 2nd, so now just waiting to be picked up by a DM. I know some speed through and others takes ages, so could literally be any day something changes. I was debating whether to call glad I did as at least I know it’s not stuck now Xx

Friends94 · 08/09/2026 14:25

Emz73 · 08/09/2026 14:17

Yes 30th I called yesterday, it was finally registered on the 2nd, so now just waiting to be picked up by a DM. I know some speed through and others takes ages, so could literally be any day something changes. I was debating whether to call glad I did as at least I know it’s not stuck now Xx

Oh that's good, glad it's moving in the right direction and hasn't been stuck somewhere, as one of yours previously did? Xx

abcflower · 08/09/2026 14:29

is anyone still waiting on a renewal? Scanned July 6th?

Emz73 · 08/09/2026 14:34

Friends94 · 08/09/2026 14:25

Oh that's good, glad it's moving in the right direction and hasn't been stuck somewhere, as one of yours previously did? Xx

Thank you. I’ve got the MR for my other child too which is also waiting for decision so it’s a waiting game x2 😩 xx

Leannelln · 08/09/2026 14:47

When did you do your mr xx

Hanskie · 08/09/2026 15:07

abcflower · 08/09/2026 14:29

is anyone still waiting on a renewal? Scanned July 6th?

I’m still waiting to hear scanned 7 July xx

Lynseyxx · 08/09/2026 15:20

VanillaTonka · 08/09/2026 09:51

Does anyone know how long it takes from being registered and sent to a DM for a decision? Thank you

It’s different for everyone. Dunno if it goes on area etc. mine took 4/5 weeks for both mine in dec/jan but my nephew who I did form for (he’s 2) was 18 days from scan date until payment date! Was shocked. I’m currently on 4 weeks 5 days with latest application x

Emz73 · 08/09/2026 15:26

Leannelln · 08/09/2026 14:47

When did you do your mr xx

I submitted it 6th July x

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