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. ❤️

@Mumto4and5 hes only just over 2 so I’ve read it’s very likely he will get declined. I was so hesitant about sending the forms but got advised to by a health care professional. It’s the wait that’s the worst isn’t it.

Same position as my! My girl is 2.5 years and was 2 years 3 months when I applied xx

I was the same. The incontinence team told me I should be applying, I felt nervous ringing even asking for the forms lol
The wait really is hard, people don’t realise the affect it has on us. I’ve been struggling to sleep because it’s been on my mind. I’m so impatient as well though so like to know what’s happening lol

@Mummyof2under4 have you heard anything back yet? It’s agonising the wait and it gives me anxiety! I’m prepared for the knock back now though x

Nothing yet, scan date 22nd July, request for birth certificate sent out the 7th along with another letter dated 29th July saying they’re looking at my claim. I sent a peads report, salt report, early support report saying she has 1:1 in her playgroup, audiology report and Soggs assessment from 15 months along with a 15 page description of her needs from me. But the longer it goes on the less hopeful I get 🥲 what’s your scan date? X

@Mumto4and5 me too! And it seems like forever doesn’t it lol. My friend applied in June they received her forms the 24th and she got payment 12th August for her little one he’s 3 x

@Mummyof2under4 im not too sure I got a text to say they’d received the forms the 29th July and then a letter requesting birth certificate dated 4th August so I’m not sure which one it will be? I can’t currently get my little boy into a nursery or playgroup cos them all round my area are too busy and can’t meet his needs as he gets frustrated a lot and bangs his head of the floor. So it’s really upsetting aswell xx

do you have flying start around by you? That’s how I got my little girl in and they have to meet her needs so got her a 1:1 x

I just got of the phone and my child's claim is still in the queue 😔 it's really frustrating when others with same scan date or further are getting their decisions. Nvm, we'll keep on waiting xx

Renewal date 7th July also had text and letter to confirm they received forms on this date my sons current claim ends 27 October how does renewals work can someone help as new to all this thank you in advance 😊xxx

I’ve never done a renewal so someone might know more or different however I have read on the dla group on Facebook that they try and get them done the week before the award ends at the very latest x

Aw I know it’s agonising isn’t it x

Thank you so much I’m thinking the same maybe they will do it both closer maybe to end date of current claim ends thank you again 😊xxxx

Yeah that’s what I’d assume as they will be prioritising renewals that are up in September! Hopefully you hear soon ❤️xxx

The post just came today so no rejection letter yet! 🤣

Thank you everyone for your lovely messages i was told by health visitor and portage worker to apply as little one doesn't even recognise when he's hungry or thirsty and doesn't talk at all as well lots of other things going on. Think I'm going to call and get some peace of mind xx

I hope you get the award your little one deserves, it’s never easy having a child with additional needs ❤️ x

Hi.
I put in my son's renewal- recieved confirmation on 3rd June. Current claim runs out 23rd September. Had 2 weeks of no post and today recieved a letter saying my carers will stop 29th September. So panicking I've rang dla and he said yeah recieved and still no decision. How long will this wait be? The anxiety is so much. Im so worred that this will take me over my claim date and all my money will be affected.

Hi, they should try and make a decision the week before the date the claim ends at the latest! Hope this helps and hope you’re not waiting too much longer x

Hi, new poster here just keep checking for dates. My scan date was the 13th July (new child claim) and I called for an update today as Ive seen similar dates have a decision already, I've been told it's still in a holding queue and hasn't gone to a decision maker yet.. hopefully it won't be too long now

txt 1st July
scan date 7th July
rang last week and Monday this week sed it was in a queue
rang today and they sed it's with a decision maker
not hopefull as she is only 3,
if it's with a decision maker when should I expect to hear?

Thank you so much and hope you get some good news too if your still waiting 😊

@ShyRedCrow did you call? xx

Just going to try calling now fingers crossed I get some nice.

Think most people find out by calling or payment in the bank 3-5 days later if awarded. The letter can take a while. It can be anytime a decision is made could be today 🤞 for you xx