I have been receiving DLA for the past three years and was intially awarded both higher rate care and higher rate mobility components.  However, even three years ago the process was somewhat overwhelming and daunting. Especially, when I had never claimed any benefits before and never had contact with the DWP.  However, after numerous lengthy telephone calls, and appeals proceedure and the acquring of evidence for the process in hand my claim was awarded for a three year period.  Three years down the line I knew that my claim would be reviewed and this was always somewhere in the back of my mind, and indeed six months before the end of the intial claim I received the dreaded letter from the DWP and the gastly forms to fill. 

I was very fortunate enough to have a supportive and pro-active multi-disciplinary team around me as well as the support of family and friends.  It took nearly two hours to fill in those gastly forms and then to contact my hospital consultants, general practitioner, and social worker for evidence based reports.  I was adviced by my social worker to enclose the reports with the DLA renewal form and get further statements from those involved with my care including my partner, and friends who have supprted me stating what supprt they give, how often and the effect my diagnosis and illness has had upon my life and everyday activities.