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. ❤️

Good luck 🤞 for you xx

Ah I had that problem with my little girl then eventually found a preschool which was part of a nursery school who accepted her. She’s started school this week but on half days, see how she copes/more how they cope with her needs

Mines 13th july, the wait is awful x

Mines the 13th the wait is awful x

13th July here to

I got a text on 29th July saying they had received the claim.
The confirmation letter was dated 6th August. So I'm similar timeline to you. Keeping fingers crossed for you!

I called yesterday and couldnt give me any info apart from no decision has been made yet. Didnt even say if it was with a DM xx

My scan date is 3rd August. So not expecting to hear just yet but I'm so nervous! My son is nearly 13 but never claimed before as he was my first and I just never realised how much more care he needs compared to another child of his age but as he's gotten older this has become more apparent as the gap between him and his peers is becoming more and more bless him. He is awaiting ASD and DCD diagnosis but has a support plan at school and his referral from his primary school is so detailed so I sent that off too.

I hope he gets awarded as the finances would really help him as I want to look at OT input for him and some neurodivergent affirming therapy to support him to understand his emotions better and other people's too.

Hope everyone hears soon. I don't dare call up yet as hasn't even been 6 weeks yet since scan date lol x

Just spoke to a lovely lady and it's still in the queue for a DM said to give them a couple more weeks

Hopefully that helps a little and puts your mind at ease about calling xx

My son is 13 he has just got his ASD diagnosis.
He was my first and I didnt realise how much extra I was doing.
I never knew I could make a claim for DLA. The waiting to find out if we get awarded is killing me.
I didnt have much evidence as I just adapt life to fit around his ways and needs. I only sent ASD diagnosis, SALT report, pupil plan from school (they are not very goid with SEN needs😔)
I did add alot of detail about needs.

I just hope he is awarded as the extra money would make a big difference to his life.

Aw I feel you completely! Exactly the same with me...I didn't ever think to apply before and also i've also just adapted that much to fit his needs same as you...I didn't realise how much extra I am doing than a 'typical' child his age. My son is 13 in a month. It's only since my youngest is getting older (he's 7) that I've realised my 12 year old actually needs more than my 7yo...nevermind another 12yo.

What is your scan date?

But yes mines school isn't great either ...they do have a support plan so I included that, I also printed emails where learning support team at school have confirmed his place on interventions for gross motor skills, and workshops for confidence and social skills. But whether that will make any difference who knows 🤷🏻‍♀️ he does mask at school as much as he can. At home is another story lol.

Fingers crossed for us (and everyone else of course). Xx

Hi me again, currently on hold because the “it’s being processed” update i got yesterday has done nothing but play on my mind all day, hoping to find out what it actually means🤣 or wether I’ve got a decision either or would be helpful, 5:02 and I haven’t been cut off yet so hoping I get through

What i dont understand is why some people who applied in august are getting their decisions and I've been waiting since June lol Xx

Wondering if they are under special circumstances xx

Unfortunately I’m starting to believe it’s luck of the draw 🤷🏻‍♀️

I’ve noticed a lot on this chat seem to be going in a pattern for decisions. Seems they are on around 10th July for decisions this week as a few have been decided over the week.

I do wonder as well if some of the posts on Facebook are even genuine with their timeline of being approved etc, especially the anonymous ones. Maybe I’m just a suspicious person 😂 xx

I wonder if it’s secretly the decision makers or members of staff writing them to wind us all up🤣🤣xx

It does I'm glad I called and the lady was so nice, hopefully we all get some good news soon

Imagine that.. decision makers wanting to wind us all up for ringing daily lol

its so hard just sitting and waiting for a stranger to decide what needs our kids need, that’s what gets to me lol xx

My scan date is 16th July I have called a couple of times and been told different this, i think know its in the que for decisions maker. 🤔

I feel like we are living the same life. 😁 I have a 8 year old and she was the reason I started noticing a difference In how my older on communicated and how he need certain rituals around things.

I hope we all get the outcome we need and deserve. Life is already hard enough for our children. ❤️💙

There secret little way of winding us up🤣 that’s exactly what gets me, someone who’s never met my child, never will meet my child, gets to decide what they deserve? My scan date is the 17th so I don’t think I’ll have a decision soon but they told me yesterday it was being processed and I didn’t think to ask what that meant and it’s been bugging me so hoping I get through even though they closed 20 mins ago, still on hold though🤣

Oh my, definitely sounds like the same life 🤣 haha

I hope so too ❤️ keep us updated how you get on... hopefully you will hear soon 🤞🏻 x

Did you manage to get through? xx

It took 7 weeks from my friend sending the forms to having a payment put in her bank account which I thought was really quick lol! I wish every single one of you all the luck and hope you get the outcome you are all hoping for, I will definitely keep updating on the page! Coming across this post has made me feel that bit more sane speaking to people who are in a similar position x