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. ❤️

I think I will try again as I was calling to ask if I still had time to send more evidence but don't wanna waste my time if it's now with a decision maker but she was just so rude as just said I can't tell you anything so now I'm like has it been declined? Don't know why they have to be rude

I've heard if u call and press option 4 they more helpful so that's what I do c

My Scan date is the 26th June i called yesterday and was told it was still in a queue.

Just a little update because I’m still waiting and starting to really worry now 😞 I posted this originally because my youngest son’s first DLA claim was received and signed for on 28th May. I rang DLA on 1st July and the lady told me they did have his claim, but it still hadn’t been scanned onto the system. It’s now 16th August and I’ve still had absolutely nothing — no text, letter, scan date or any other confirmation. With my eldest, his first claim took around 17 weeks from them receiving it to being awarded, so I completely understand these things take time and I’m not expecting an instant decision. It’s more the fact that I have no idea what’s actually happening with my youngest’s claim that’s getting to me. Has anybody here ever had an award/decision come through without ever being given a scan date or receiving any confirmation beforehand? I keep worrying that something has gone wrong or it’s somehow been lost, even though they told me on the phone that they had it. I also have an electrical short circuit in my heart which causes palpitations, so the constant worrying, checking and not knowing really isn’t helping and I’m struggling with the wait at the moment. 😞 I’d honestly really appreciate hearing from anyone who’s been in the same position, especially anyone with a new claim in 2026. ❤️

Ring them in the morning and demand to know what's going on. They should have a scan date to tell you

When I rang up as I hadn’t heard anything for a month the person who I spoke to scanned them in for me while I was on the phone. So get them to do scan it if they say it’s not scanned yet.

I wish I had the confidence to demand that’s the only thing 🤦🏼‍♀️😞

Hi all Just an update on my Daughters claim scan date 26th June. A decision was made 16.08.2026. It was accepted but i believe the rates are wrong so now need to do a mandatory reconsideration.

Hi,

I was in a very similar position to you - could confirm received and scanned 04/06 (NC), but no acknowledgement.

After multiple calls for updates I eventually spoke to a lovely lady on option 4 and explained that between mixed messages, and things I was seeing on forums, I just needed to understand how their process worked.

She told me that my application had been placed in to a “white queue” after scanning, which is essentially a holding queue, but it hadn’t been registered yet, which was holding up the acknowledgement. She offered to get it registered for me and it would then go in to the next queue (which is awaiting being picked up by a decision maker). After she did this I received an acknowledgement a week later.

I’m still waiting for a decision (my acknowledgement was 06/08) but she assured me this won’t cause delays as they work in date order (though we all know different processing centres have different turn around times). Also confirmed if I’m awarded it will be backdated to the scan date of 04/06 and not the acknowledgement date.

It sounds like yours possibly hasn’t been registered, so it may be worth phoning up on option four and asking them that directly, and asking if they can register it so you have your ack and ref number (in case you need to send further evidence) and for your own peace of mind.

Hey twin! I have the same scan date for a new claim but I’m London based. I called just now using option 4 and was told it’s with a decision maker so hopefully not much longer now!

Hey!! I might try give them a call to see if mine has any update. I also sent off some more evidence but looks like Royal Mail has lost it as it's doesn't even say delivered yet still says it's at the North West Midlands MC so i don't seem to be having any luck atm.

I sent my new claim on 29 June. I had a text on 1st July as I sent it signed for. I have had a letter dated 24 July that says they are looking at the evidence and may need more / talk to her gp etc. should I call them to see what’s going on? It’s nearly 13 weeks since I first called them for the paperwork

Any news on renewal dates I think the last I saw was renewal end date July 26

So So work Sundays? That's interesting

Just called them to be told mine is still in a queue and no decision has been made yet as no one has looked at it. Really was hoping it was being looked at by now

My scan date is 30th June and I've called them and mine is still in a Que

Fingers crossed ours with move to a caseworker this week.

What date was your scan date

my scan date is 29th June

Im waiting for a renewal my scan date is 13th June , current award ended 31st july and heard nothing as of yet

My scan date was 8th July. I received a letter on 10th August which was dated 31st July, requesting my son’s birth certificate. I sent it off and it’s been returned to me on 14th August with a letter saying thanks they’ve added it to the system. Does anyone know where about in the process I might be? New claim. Thanks

I had to do all this with my son's new claim. My scan date is 29th June and it still in a queue. The birth certificate is show to go on file so verify child so that's done already for when someone does look at it

Hopefully yours will be looked at soon my scan date was the 26th June and my decision was made yesterday xx

@Smeb123Update — I finally rang DLA today after still having no acknowledgement or scan date. My son’s new claim was received on 28th May, so I’ve been waiting nearly 12 weeks. They told me the form hadn’t been lost, but it had been sitting in what he called a “white queue” waiting to be registered. The man I spoke to has now done something to get it registered and said I should receive a letter within a week. I’m relieved it hasn’t been lost, but honestly feel a bit sick knowing I’ve waited nearly 12 weeks just for it to get to this point 😭 I’m really hoping this doesn’t mean the decision wait now starts from the beginning again. Has anyone else had their claim stuck in the white queue and know what happened after it was registered?

I will call up tomorrow morning too as I also haven't heard back yet, I got acknowledgement text on 29th May and have seen June cases been decided, so it can't be date order.