Just to raise this as many are facing a renewal.

Whereas the first source of information should be your local council.

You may be interested in the Freedom Pass website run on behalf of all local councils

There are some "dead links" on this site and I have emailed them. Also I found myself being cut off before I could get to talk to someone. Just be aware if you call them.

It is worth noting that

"Q. I have a disability, can I apply for a freedom pass?

A. Disabled freedom passes are issued through your local borough council - contact them to apply. The councils follow the criteria set out by the Transport Act 2000 which outlines the 7 catagories of disability used to assess eligibility for a freedom pass.

Local councils may at their discretion issue passes to disabled people that do not meet these criteria. For further details see the Department for Transport website."

this found on this website by clicking here.

Some are concerned that they might loose there entitlement to their Freedom Passes if they face a change to there Disability Living / Mobility Allowance.

Some councils do award Freedom Passes to those who may not be eligible for DLA. Doing so depending on the circumstances of individual concerned & at the discretion of the Local Council.

Check with your own Local Council if you have any concerns.

If you have any concerns about a car or vehicle you have under the Motability Scheme please call them on : 0845 456 4566 (8.30am till 5.30pm Monday to Friday).

However, as many comments & emails I have received mention worries about Motability Cars. I called them today to get some general advice. Please email me if you need any clarification.

There are two components to the Disability Living Allowance. Disability Living Allowance is awarded at three rates for personal care.

The other component is , the Mobility component also awarded at three rates. Where you are awarded the "Higher Rate". You can use your allowance to take part in the Motability Car Scheme.

I do not know how the review is impacting the Mobility component. Please email me if you have any experience to share.

If your Mobility component is reviewed. And you awarded the "medium" or "lower rate". The DWP will inform you & Motability of the case.
You then have the right to appeal that decision. An appeal can take up to three months. Inform Motability that you have made an appeal. During the appeal period you retain your car. The cost is met by Motability. You incur no extra charge.
The DWP will write to you & Motability with the decision of the appeal.
If your appeal is successful. You continue your contract with your car as normal.
If your appeal is not successful. Motability will make arrangements with you to collect your car. You contract for your car ends. You will not be charged for any period of your contract that is outstanding.

This came in the email recently. Sorry its a long post but is complete. I have edited it to maintain confidentiality. Thanks for taking the time to email & sharing your experience & views.

Initial email :

"Thank so much for the HIV & DLA review forum. A “close relative” has had his forms hidden away for three weeks to scared to open them. A friend tidying up for him found them recently & acted quickly within the time frame allowed, we now wait anxiously for the outcome. My “close relative” understandably has an ostrich approach to life. Doesn't see it wont happen.

AT least I know what to expect when its my turn on hearing the post hits MY floor everyday............

The whole thing has become a nightmare as I am having to do all the research myself for both my “close relative” & myself. The forum has been extremely informative & so glad I found it, BUT I am still extremely anxious, having sleepless nights worrying about the outcome. Being ** y/o & diagnosed 17 years ago, 'made redundant' two weeks later?? Very suspicious but hey it was a big American take over & I suspect related.
I'm apprehensive about the future. My “close relative” has been positive for 12 years. The whole situation has had an almighty effect on all our family.

If ever there was a call for an experiment on how HIV can differently affect siblings, we will be ideal guinea pigs. My brother has had every opportunistic infection going, for ever having adverse reactions to medications, KS, PCP, to name a few. I on the other hand suffer no more serious than the occasional pneumonia or viral meningitis. Living with HIV has been more a problem for me than the physicality of the disease. I'm now diazepam dependant because of it. Oh & how my GP hates giving me repeat prescriptions for it, deal with your issues is a common response. How & with who? I've not been told despite asking.

Some may have a car provided by the Motability Scheme as they receive the High Rate of the Mobility Component of DLA.

I have searched the website and have found no information on the process or what happens if this review impacts the rate you receive should it fall.

If you have any concerns call Motability and ask their advice. I have added "getting this information" to my to list and write it up when I have it.

For many the use of car allows them to attend medical appointments, get out of the house, encourage independence & live as normal a life as possible.