DLA WAITING TIMES THREAD 64

[zoeybrooks45]

Please feel free to add your scan date and whether it's a new claim/mandatory reconsideration/change of circumstances or renewal.
New claims (NC) - people are being told the wait time has increased to 25 weeks! I would say most are done before this though around the 20 week mark?
Mandatory reconsideration (MC) and Change of circumstances (COC) is around 20-25 weeks.
Renewals tend to be between 15-20 weeks.
If you disagree with the outcome of an MR you can appeal and go to court (tribunal)
Scan date is the date DLA scan your application forms on to their system, if you downloaded your application forms then this will be from when your award will be backdated from. If you called up for forms then the date on those is the date yours will be backdated from.
If successful and claiming universal credit (UC) please update them as this will entitle you to disabled child element adding extra to your award.

Did they text you a decision? X

No I rang to chase some more evidence that I sent but they told me a decision had already been made. X

With my other sons claim I had money in my bank account before reviving a decision letter. My other son’s scan date is 31/10 so a long wait ahead still. Was 20 weeks for my other sons claim to process last year.

That's what I done today, rang to chase evidence, the system was down so he couldn't tell me but said you'll be happy to know its with a DM so 🤞 he said to call back in a few days to chase the evidence so will be cheeky and ask if any more updates then too x

@zoeybrooks45 I don't agree that dla contacting the school for HRM is completely irrelevant.. Infact it supports the claim in nearly every single award... There's no other professional really that knows the child enough to say what care and help and support they need and who witness the extreme behaviour and have safety plans in place for the child.. What i do believe needs to happen is the claim form needs a complete overhaul so it has a section that if you feel your child qualifies for HRM there are specific questions the school could answer to support this.. On the actual claim form so parents can take this direct to senco and have an actual conversation with the teacher and both agree the child meets criteria... I also think schools should be required by law to support and help the child disability claims because i know alot of families where the school either refuse to write a supporting letter or say they aren't allowed or fobb it off on another teacher.
Alot of school input doesn't matter in the slightest for LRM or the care side of things because they are aware of masking but HRM if the child qualifies these behaviors would be clear in school they would be wrote down and their would be plans and safety in place but it's usually the school failing the child and parent and before applying for HRM the claimant should already know what's in place at school and that they can get evidence to support this.. A risk assessment is a simple document any parent can ask a school to do one and that alone can support everything the parent says on the form for HRM.. Extreme behaviours risk of physical violence towards self and others including staff and peers, positive handling they have to use ect ect..
The school don't always offer this assessment but if you ask for it they can not refuse if it's for the child's own safety and the safety of staff and peers xx

Hi everyone! Just on the phone now to ask for an update - NC SD 25/10 🤞🏽

Hi again ladies, been on the line for 27minutes, a lovely guy picked up the call and he said is on the queue for a decision to be made. No idea of how long this will be.. let’s wait and see 🙏🏽 xx

I'm 29/10 NC we've probably got about another 4-5 weeks left to wait I'd say

@Frankadoodle this wait it’s a disaster 😭😭 how you’re coping? xx

@Bel1234 @Frankadoodle id say about another 2 weeks for end of October new claims 🤞🏼

@PositivityRipples as soon as I’ve got an update will let you all know.. when is your scan date? x

@Bel1234 mines 22/11 so about another 4 week wait for my child's decision 🤞🏼

@PositivityRipples Let’s pray that everything will be dealt as soon as possible :(

Thank you ☺️. Il keep in my mind 4 weeks and then anything earlier is a bonus 😂😂

My SD is 28.10 still waiting hopefully won’t be much longer

29/10 new claim hoping not much longer

@Frankadoodle That's the best way to be to be honest expect longer and then if it's done quicker that's a bonus 🤞🏼 we can all keep each other updated on how long it's taking for each of us so we kinda get a rough idea anyway but obviously more complicated claims take a little longer.. They do seem to have speeded through Aug Sept and Oct since Christmas seems to be catching up a little with wait times now.. Hopefully it continues the wait should not be longer than 12 weeks they need to keep pushing to reduce the wait xx

I know , the wait is crazy currently . I remember years ago doing my older son's DLA claim and it took less than 6 weeks . I think it was closer to the four week mark to be honest . And it was a lot more straight forward as well .

My little one's claim shouldn't be too complicated . Everything I have said in my form is backed up by the evidence I sent and I've given phone numbers for everyone involved too so they can always double double check what I've said

@Frankadoodle yeah that's the thing they don't understand the effect the wait time has not only on the child but also on the parent because we know we've filled in the form properly and given evidence to the best of our knowledge but the more weeks that go by we question ourselves like did I answer that question properly, should I have said more, is my evidence enough or shall I get more and post it and it's the questioning yourself that's difficult.. If it was just a few weeks nobody would be anxious we would just think whatever happens happens but 18 weeks later we've thought about this stupid form 670 times 😩😩🤗🤣 and then if it is declined it's another 22 weeks for MR and in the meantime the child doesn't get what it needs and deserves... And the parents are now insane 🤷🏻‍♀️😂🤣
I know I have a wait to go and I'm fine with that it doesn't bother me but I think that's only because I'm trained in case law and legislation so I know I won't be declined and I know what my child is entitled to and I know I'll get it but although I've sent the evidence needed I have questioned myself twice and then thought why am I questioning myself, why am I being silly 🫠 so I can only have empathy for others who are worried and questioning themselves too 🤍

Anyone know what dates they are doing for MR? Original scan date 23/5/24, MR 04/10/24. Getting fed up now

You start doubting have you don't enough for the form etc as the time goes on don't you. Even though I know I've done everything I can !

I've decided it's easier for me to expect a decline and the fact I may have to do a MR . That way it won't be a shock if it does happen.

But if it doesn't I was prepared anyway for all eventualities 😂

@Frankadoodle you'll be fine honestly, positive mental attitude 🤞🏼 you shouldn't have much longer to wait now.. Keep us all posted

Just to sort of mirror other mums feelings im anxious and I'm feeling quite low today, with everything going on at home too and I'm the only person who can deal with it all.
Nc Sd 21/10
Because I'm feeling so negative I'm expecting a decline, which would feel like the final nail right now. I'm in so much debt, unbelievable debt, trying to sort things myself for my daughter with zero help from anywhere.

The debt is small in comparison to others but it is massive to me

New claim - SD 26/10 hoping not too much longer to wait.