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

DLA WAIT TIMES 2026

148 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:
Hopeing · 06/08/2026 21:16

Mummyof3safire · 03/08/2026 01:21

Nothing 😔x

There must be a long wait x

Devilsmommy · 06/08/2026 22:53

@Emssxo I did exactly what you did and called them up a few weeks after I'd sent it. Royal mail said it had been signed for on 28/04 but I hadn't heard anything for a few weeks. When I called I thankfully got told that they had got it and it was on the system. I just got DS's awarded on 03/08. Though I'm still waiting for the decision letter. The only reason I knew was because of a payment to my account 😅 called them but the woman wouldn't tell me exactly what he'd been awarded. She said I have to wait for the letter 🙄. I really hope yours gets sorted soon🤞

Emssxo · Yesterday 00:06

@DevilsmommyThank you so much for messaging me 💗 It honestly means a lot, because the waiting has been really difficult and quite lonely at times. I’m so glad you’ve had some good news😀 — congratulations on their award 💙 That must be such a relief after the wait, even if it’s frustrating you’re still waiting for the letter and they couldn’t tell you over the phone 🙄😅
I really appreciate you sharing your experience with me, it’s reassuring to hear from someone who has been through it. I’m just hoping mine gets picked up soon and I hear something 🤞🏻I’ve been waiting since 28th May and when I rang on 1st July they said they had received it but it hadn’t even been scanned onto the system yet, I haven’t rang since so I’ve just been waiting and wondering🩷

OP posts:
Slwelford25 · Yesterday 12:12

Just an update. My scan date was 17th june and called today to check. A decision was made yesterday for mrc and lmr, didn't recieve a text yesterday even though the file had a note to do so. Fingers crossed for you all still waiting.

sltnx · Yesterday 13:07

I also just called and have been awarded, scan date was 24th June :)

Leannelln · Yesterday 14:32

Was this for a new claim? Thank you

Slwelford25 · Yesterday 14:36

Leannelln · Yesterday 14:32

Was this for a new claim? Thank you

Yes this was for a new claim. 7 weeks and 1 day waiting, very anxious waiting though. Hope you get some new soon.

Leannelln · Yesterday 14:48

What area you from ? My scan date was 31st

Lifeisendlessx · Yesterday 15:17

sltnx · Yesterday 13:07

I also just called and have been awarded, scan date was 24th June :)

Great news! Happy for you 🥹 did they tell you their decision over the phone?

Myboysaremylife · Yesterday 15:42

Update Ive rang again today to see if things are moving and apparently mine is in a queue even though I was told it was with the case manager on Monday and i told it will be a few more weeks. X

Leannelln · Yesterday 15:50

When was your scan date?

Motherlysweet · Yesterday 16:16

hi everyone
any one waiting for MR please
what date are they looking at the moment

Many thanks

sltnx · Yesterday 16:19

Lifeisendlessx · Yesterday 15:17

Great news! Happy for you 🥹 did they tell you their decision over the phone?

Yes I called for an update and he said a decision had been made then proceeded to tell me the award and when to expect the money in my account :) was for new claim also x

Leannelln · Yesterday 16:29

I'm from Birmingham scan date 31st June where's you location

JAZ44004 · Yesterday 17:14

Hiya! I’m a July submitter - Posted 23/7 and scanned in 28/7 so hopefully it’ll go a lot faster however just waiting for an update.

Hopeing · Yesterday 17:29

Has anyone heard from coc from June xx

BLLT · Yesterday 17:32

Hi, my SD was also the 24th June.
Do you get an update when you have been awarded by text? Or is it by post?
Thanks

sltnx · Yesterday 19:39

BLLT · Yesterday 17:32

Hi, my SD was also the 24th June.
Do you get an update when you have been awarded by text? Or is it by post?
Thanks

Hi, I had a text to say it had been scanned to the system but never got one for the decision, I just called for an update and he told me I had been awarded.. I did actually Monday too and they said it wasn’t even with decision maker, so it moved really quick

Leannelln · Yesterday 20:28

Have you called for an update

Tiredmum1223 · Yesterday 21:17

JAZ44004 · Yesterday 17:14

Hiya! I’m a July submitter - Posted 23/7 and scanned in 28/7 so hopefully it’ll go a lot faster however just waiting for an update.

My scan date is 27/7 so very close to yours. Hope we dont have to wait too long! I called today to make sure they got the evidence which they did but not been looked at yet. X

Slwelford25 · Yesterday 21:19

BLLT · Yesterday 17:32

Hi, my SD was also the 24th June.
Do you get an update when you have been awarded by text? Or is it by post?
Thanks

Last time I called them, the lady said she put a note to text me when a decision was made. It didn't come through, so a bit inconsistent. I only found out by ringing today out of curiosity, and a letter should be with me by next week. So the letter could be the only way to find out if no text.

Slwelford25 · Yesterday 21:20

Leannelln · Yesterday 14:48

What area you from ? My scan date was 31st

Leicestershire area. :)

Lynseyxx · Today 10:07

Leannelln · Yesterday 16:29

I'm from Birmingham scan date 31st June where's you location

We live in north east I did my daughter December took just under 4 weeks my sister did her son and it took 9 days from the scan date!! I’m not sure why I’ve never heard it be this fast. Hopefully yours is quick

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