How long does DLA take?

veryunsure

A friend of mine has DLA mobility but now needs to ask for DLA care.

He sent the forms in with letters from his specialist at the start of April but other than confirmation letter from them has not heard anything.

Why does it take so long? Is this period normal? Obviously it is adding to his stress and making him feel like a fraud when I can see he has no need to.

The IB people and the Industrial Accident people have all given benefit to him - we wonder why the DLA is taking so long esp as he has the full mobility bit already.

healy

It does vary depending on whether they need to get additional information, write to people or arrange a medical. I think the average waiting time is about 12 weeks so it could be a while yet.

[Deleted User]

As Healy says 12 weeks is not uncommon,in fact in my experience its the norm,i`d leave it till at least until the end of june before contacting them for an update

lil_me

Average they state is 12 weeks, my sons first application took about 24 weeks, mainly because they were waiting for reports to be filled in etc. They do say not to call to ask what is happening until 12 weeks have passed, you will usually receive a letter at this time saying we're sorry it's taking a little longer etc if it hasn't been dealt with.

cifpower

Both my original and renewal applications took in excess of 3 months. But do remember that you will be backpaid.

nm8553

12 weeks is the target time although in my experience they are usually much quicker especially if it is just an internal assessment. If they neeed to contact your GP or whatever you will experience a delay while they wait for the response. We would all like instant answers but for once I have to stick up for a government department and say DWP are about as good as it gets