Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

SEN

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

DLA WAIT TIMES 2026

581 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:
Leannelln · 09/08/2026 01:10

I was thinking this. Is yours for a new claim

Emssxo · 09/08/2026 01:17

@Leannellnyes brand new claim

OP posts:
Lynseyxx · 09/08/2026 08:07

My daughter scan date it’s the 9th so il let you know when I hear something. I always thought all claims go to the same address? Maybe not then! If they go to a local place, maybe it depends on the workload in that area x

Mumoftwinsplusone1 · 09/08/2026 08:08

@Leannelln New claim for me

Sal171285 · 09/08/2026 08:30

My scan date is the 26th June, I phoned on Friday to see if i could send further evidence and they said they was still working on the end of April beginning of May.

Leannelln · 09/08/2026 08:44

What are you from

Sal171285 · 09/08/2026 09:03

I’m South Yorkshire also a New claim

Lynseyxx · 09/08/2026 11:11

Sal171285 · 09/08/2026 08:30

My scan date is the 26th June, I phoned on Friday to see if i could send further evidence and they said they was still working on the end of April beginning of May.

I think it definitely must go on area I still can’t believe my nephew took 9 days from scan date xx

Sal171285 · 09/08/2026 11:43

Lynseyxx · 09/08/2026 11:11

I think it definitely must go on area I still can’t believe my nephew took 9 days from scan date xx

I have been told so Many different things though so you never know what to believe.

Lynseyxx · 09/08/2026 13:06

Sal171285 · 09/08/2026 11:43

I have been told so Many different things though so you never know what to believe.

Only the people who work there will know the definite answer. I can only let u know when I get an answer xx

Sal171285 · 09/08/2026 13:23

It’s DLA that have told me so many different things i will also let you know if i hear anything xx

Sal171285 · 09/08/2026 13:59

Lynseyxx · 09/08/2026 13:06

Only the people who work there will know the definite answer. I can only let u know when I get an answer xx

Sorry Hun i misread the last post i will also let you know if i hear anything xx

Lynseyxx · 09/08/2026 14:01

Sal171285 · 09/08/2026 13:23

It’s DLA that have told me so many different things i will also let you know if i hear anything xx

Oh ok! Thank you fingers crossed it’s not long for us xx

Emssxo · 09/08/2026 14:02

Waiting just over 10 weeks so far 😖

OP posts:
Lynseyxx · 09/08/2026 14:03

Emssxo · 09/08/2026 14:02

Waiting just over 10 weeks so far 😖

Both my children earlier this year was done before 4 weeks mark! It’s terrible how long some are waiting my eldest took 18 weeks years ago xxx

Emssxo · 09/08/2026 14:06

@Lynseyxxmy eldest sons claim took 17 weeks! It’s so crazy how everyone’s differs x

OP posts:
Sal171285 · 09/08/2026 14:49

Emssxo · 09/08/2026 14:02

Waiting just over 10 weeks so far 😖

I hope you have a decision soon if i hear anything i will let you know

Emssxo · 09/08/2026 14:52

Yes please I’d love for people to let me know! I made the post based on how lonely and stressful this whole process is and as a single mum with no support no parents or family or friends it’s really nice to be able to feel like I’m not alone going through the wait and second guessing and wondering etc! Really hoping everyone gets answers soon and awards they deserve xx

OP posts:
Sal171285 · 09/08/2026 15:16

Emssxo · 09/08/2026 14:52

Yes please I’d love for people to let me know! I made the post based on how lonely and stressful this whole process is and as a single mum with no support no parents or family or friends it’s really nice to be able to feel like I’m not alone going through the wait and second guessing and wondering etc! Really hoping everyone gets answers soon and awards they deserve xx

Hun you are not alone I also have no friends or no Family and I feel like a single mum to 5 children xx

SBAB19 · 11/08/2026 14:30

I have an update! Phoned today to see if there was an update, and apparently a decision was made on the 7th Aug for MRC and LM! Scan date 24th June, Kent based. I've been awarded until 2031, I cried at work when I got the news! Said my backdated pay would be in my account in the next couple of days

Hopeing · 11/08/2026 17:50

Was this a new claim x

Hopeing · 11/08/2026 17:53

Have you heard yet x

SBAB19 · 11/08/2026 20:52

Hopeing · 11/08/2026 17:50

Was this a new claim x

Yes this was a new claim x

HRM22 · 12/08/2026 12:12

Any news on reveiws
my award ends September

Madkitten5 · 12/08/2026 12:49

I put my new claim on the 24 June I have just rang and they said that its still in the queue a s they have no idea how long it will take to get too an agent