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 you do it over the phone or paper work? And did you send more evidence?

I did both, I did it on the phone then followed up with a 27 page long day and night diary for 4 days, more evidence and a 6 page letter of why I disagreed to each point. I got them to tell me the reasons over the phone, glad I did as I’ve only received it in writing today after asking 3 times! I found out once you submit, it goes onto a hold for a month to allow you to send evidence etc. x

Update on my 10 July scan date new claim, I just rang and the lady said a decision had been made today. She said I’d receive a letter in the post in 10 working days and I had to wait for that.. I’m feeling like it’s declined due to her not mentioning any outstanding money due in my bank or telling me the decision ☹️

If you do a MR, do the payments continue if you’ve been awarded?

I think one of the options on there will let you know if you’ve been awarded or not. I’m sure I’ve read other people have pressed a specific option and then been told the award. Fingers crossed for you. If you have been awarded you will have a payment soon

I think it’s option 4 which is who I spoke with. Thank you, hopefully everybody on here hears back with good news soon x

Oh that’s a shame. It seems to be hit and miss depending who you speak to on the day. What evidence did you send over?

As far as I’ve seen you do. My 4 year old didn’t get awarded anything so I can’t be 100% sure but it’s unlikely they would stop payments. x

Does seem there’s the occasional unhelpful person, could also be possible that she couldn’t see all of the info as the decision was only today. I’d give them a call back in the morning and speak to someone else x

Hello! Your scan date is the same as mine. I asked for a text to say it had been done, and every day I get no text 😒
It doesn't mean you havent been awarded...check your bank over the coming days, you'll receive payment before a letter if it is awarded. Fingers crossed for you!!! Xx

I haven’t received a text or a letter, if I didn’t call to check on it I would never have known it was decided. If your scan date is the same as mine I’d give them a call tomorrow because yours may have been decided too, good luck x

Fingers crossed that you have been awarded what you’ve been hoping for

Sorry for the later reply, I must’ve missed this comment. I didn’t have a lot as were awaiting SALT, occupational therapy and her autism and SPD diagnosis. I sent a letter from her GP stating she has been diagnosed with PICA and ARFID, about her eczema being severe she has been hospitalised with it and about her medication due to her long term iron deficiency. Her nursery senco sent a letter expressing her behavioural concerns at nursery and how she isn’t sure exactly how much she understands etc. her health visitor done an in nursery assessment so included that which is 3 pages of bullet point concerns she has regarding her behaviour which was basically everything I put into the form. If I’m declined it would definitely be because I didn’t know what other evidence to send 😩x

Seems like you sent loads of evidence from different professionals !

I’d be so surprised if you haven’t been awarded based off that! I’ve heard a hack is to phone and ask for the next payment date and the amount! That should be a more concrete answer x

Thank you both for the reassurance ❤️ I keep reading about how people have pages and page of evidence and my little pile looked and felt so small. I’ll definitely keep you all updated if I am awarded when I know x

hope you get a positive outcome with the decision. It sounds like you have a good range of evidence to support the claim xx

Question! I opened a request on 26th June and sent them back before their cut off which was 7th August. But they scanned the forms on 10th August. Even though I sent before 7th. I did just sent on the tree post so no proof.. do you think they'll accept claim from 26th June if successful or do from 10th August? I also haven't been asked for birth certificate but been given reference letter of confirmation on 17th August

Omg my little one has been awarded. Scan date 7th July and I have a pending payment for £856 in my bank no idea What's rate or anything yet but I'm just so happy. I was so worry they would say No

I’ve still no payment for the 8th July so it’s not looking good is it 😭🤣 xxx

oh so pleased for you! 🫶🏼

Amazing news, so please for you all!! 🎉

I bit the bullet and rang again today to see if they would tell me their decision. They’ve awarded her high rate care for 2 years, no mobility but I think that’s because of her age. I actually cannot believe. Im still shaking! Good luck to all of you waiting and thank you so much for easing a brutal time waiting ❤️

That's amazing! So please for you and your daughter! 🎉

Congratulations x