DLA Wait Times 81

[Princessmom222]

MR- Mandatory Reconsideration
NC- New Claim
COC- Change of Circumstances
SD- Scan Date
LRC- Low Rate Care
MRC- Middle Rate Care
HRC- High Rate Care
LRM- Lower Rate Mobility
HRM- Higher Rate Mobility

NC sent in mid-Nov. Received a letter the other day saying they need more info and want me to send in evidence of my identity. The letter says "original documents" not copies. I feel nervous sending in my passport. Has anyone had to do this and how long did it take to get it back?

A claim for my other child went through without an ID request, so I guess it just depends who handles the case.

Did anyone have to send their child's birth certificate? My SC date was the 22nd December and got 2 letters on the 2nd January asking for birth certificate and saying they had received the forms.

I received back payment this morning. I phoned DLA using the option 4 and was confirmed middle rate care, low rate mobility awarded for 2 years.
very very happy for my son.

Getting ahead of myself here but can anyone advise at what point I should prepare for renewal? As in how far advance of the renewal date? Thanks x

My sons renewal is due to end 12/02/2026 they sent renewal pack out start of October so 4/5months before end date. X

Just called for update NC SD 01/10 (14weeks) still not been looked at but in que 🙄. Also other sons renewal due to end 12/02 sent forms back october SD 07/10 and she said renewals at moment are going to last minute so if not heard by 11/02 to call for an update

Congratulations! 🙌
I’m in the same boat you were (before your back payment today). Our daughter’s decision was made yesterday, but the man couldn’t confirm the outcome. Can I please ask, did you send in a lot of evidence with your claim? I wrote everything from our point of view as parents and wrote about the support she has in school, in different settings, in public etc but didn’t have reports from the school at that point so it’s all written from me.

Our SD is 02.12.2025 and decision made 05.01.2026.
Also, when you say you clicked option 4 on the phone, do you remember what they said that option was?

I read an old post from last month where someone said click options 1-5-1-4 I think 4 is for ‘other queries’. The man was very helpful.

To be honest I don’t think I sent in a lot of evidence as such, compared to what I’ve seen others say they sent in. I submitted my sons ADHD diagnosis letter, the SENCO care plan from school highlighting the support moving forward for the term (check ins after lunch for emotional support, sensory room access, fidget toys, time out cards etc). He also attends a school counsellor so I submitted her paperwork to me saying she’d like to keep seeing him. That was it. Was 3 separate pieces of paper.
I did try and write as much information as possible however regarding his daily routines and struggles. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you, please update if you feel up to it xx

Hi I’m new here I already get HRC for one child and I’ve applied for my teenager.
NC sent 24/12 and haven’t heard anything at all yet.

TRIGGER WARNING (self harm)
has anyone got any experience with claiming for mental health and suicidal ideations? My child has previously self harmed and we have had mental health crisis teams involved and says they want to harm themselves and they want to die. They have used headbanging cutting strangulation and suffocation to harm. They have also tried leaving a moving car at 60mph. Has support at school and through camhs and been seen by psychiatry but I have loads of reports that I’ve sent. I’m really nervous that they won’t take my timings at night seriously because other than reports of bad sleep I have no other proof. I have to sit over my child and watch them go to sleep due to previous self harm, they will then often wake through the night in states of distress and anxiety and have panic attacks this could take 1.5-2 hours to calm them down each time. I spend a lot of time keeping them safe. The care needs are a lot more than that of a ‘typical’ 14 year old. Will not carry out basic personal hygiene alone/without help.

Does anyone have any positive dla claim stories? I’ve put off applying for so long but finally bit the bullet
sorry for the ramble thanks in advance x

MR 24/6, just rang for an update and still not with anyone yet. I’m so fed up of this whole situation

NC 27/08 20 weeks and counting. Was made a priority two weeks ago and still no decision has been made and still not with a dm. Annoyed is an understatement!

Ring back up and ask for it to be made a priority. I didnt have to ask they just did it for me but have been told when its made a priority it should be done within a few days. X

MR 02/06 just had a call today now it’s with decision maker finally. Told them to make it priority last week

Do I have to give reasons for wanting it to be made a priority. It’s starting to really affect my mental health as I’m constantly worrying about it. I know this may sound daft but I feel like if I ring and ask for it to be made a priority it’ll go against me. Xx

Oh thats great, im glad yours is finally with a DM! Mines for my NCs was made a priority on the 23rd but when i rang yesterday wasnt with a DM. But the guy who made it a priority was lovely, he didnt understand why ive been waiting since august when they were on November/December x

I fully understand why you think like that. Im completely the same i overthink everything and worry too much. I also suffer really bad with my mental health, but the outcome will still be the same and they should not penalise you for asking to be made a priority. Mine was made a priority as i explained how much i was getting stressed and that i have adhd so waiting is very hard for me. I also explained id seen loads of people three/four months after me getting awarded and it was affecting me. I did ring back yesterday and explained that i need the dla to provide safe sleeping arrangements for my twins as they need specialist cots etc. And the dla will help ensuring i can provide the correct care for them. I hope this helps xx

Thank you so much. I’m just a worrier all the time and I struggle to manage my MH. I hate the unknown and can’t settle. I’m struggling financially with my 13 year old as she has to wear pull ups at bedtime still and we get through loads a night and constantly having to buy new bedding etc. I just wish they’d give me an answer and if it’s declined even after MR then I’ll really. My form filling wasn’t the best as I’d just been in hospital and still very unwell but just hoping they ring me about it all as I feel like it’s my own fault for not filling the form better. Sorry for moaning on xx

Its fine dont worry about it. Ring them and explain everthing you have just said to me. And tell them how much its affecting your mental health and if your mental health isnt right you will struggle to provide the right care for your daughter and dont worry about it xx

2x NC posted together end of October

First payment for one came through early Dec and paperwork a few days later. First payment for the other today (no paperwork as yet)

Why don’t they tell decision on phone my decision is made today how shal I get them to tell me on phone

I spoke to them after we chatted and they have put it down as a priority, he said it could still be 1-2 weeks (I’m hoping not though) xx

NC Scan date 2/12

Son is 21 months, suspected autism and developmental delay. Could only send health visitor report and ASQ scores from each development review from birth as evidence. Has been referred for GDA and health visitor has evidenced this. Must admit I’m not entirely hopeful given his age and not much evidence! Seeing lots of awards from around our date so fingers crossed we hear something soon.

My 4 year old son currently receives HRC for same care needs, but had nursery reports etc to evidence this! Has anybody had similar and been awarded around 21months old?

That great im glad they did it for you, you will have to let me know. My twins were made priority on the 23rd so im hoping i hear this week or next at latest.xx

Thank you, I hoped I’d wake one day and it’d all be sorted without keep ringing and being told the same. I will do, thank you so much. I hope you hear asap xx

Thank you! I hope i do, ive just had my COC kept the same but im going to do a MR because not all children at 9 year old are up all night attacking their sisters, breaking things, turning cookers on, sliding down banister rails, looking for food and jumping from worktops or trying to leave the house. I just dont know how to evidence it xx

I really don’t know how you can evidence it. Could you get the citizens advice to help you with it as it’s wrong your having to fight so hard but clearly deserve the award. It’s all so wrong isn’t it xx