How often is DLA renewed? Do you have to fill form in all over again?

[aSilverLining]

Have seen people mention DLA renewal time, and did ask a while back on another thread but got no reply.

How often is it renewed and does this entail filling in the whole form yet again?

Just so I can prepare myself really. FOund it heartbreaking filling in the form first time round and it literally took me months! I found it really hard focusing on all the negatives and what DS struggles with as usually try to focus on the opposite!

DS is ASD and currently receives the high rate of care which is a life saver as I am only on income support so makes a big difference to our budget.

It seems to vary. Three years, five years...some get it for life. There seems to be no rhyme or reason either. I know children who have been given life awards who have the same level of disability as my son. Life awards are rare I think

It'll tell you on his awards letter how long he was granted it for. They usually send you the packs before it is up, I think I was sent them 5 months before DS2's was up for renewal. If you can't find it, call DLA.

Agree it varies - not sure of the reasons - presumably if they suspect or hope things may change such as young children where it is difficult to forsee future needs.
Anyway it is very important to copy your replies as it reduces the work next time. Ds (LD/ASD now 10) was awarded till adulthood but I suppose they could see by 9 he was not suddenly going to grow out of his disabilities. The renewal date should be on the award certificate - bit of paper they sent you saying what DLA was awarded.
It took me ages to apply too - best part of a year!!

It does seem to vary - I have 2 renewal forms on my desk at the moment First awards were given in Septmeber 2007 and November 2008 so don't know wht they have both coem up at the same time.
They seem to give you 5-6 months to return the renewal.
It is upsetting - I think everyone finds it hard focussing on the negative things. Makes me cross as well, as DD2's condition is progressive - do they really think things will get better for her?

first time i got the CAB to fill in ds's form and got HR till his 5th birthday, last time i filled it in myself in my own words and got HR indefinitely but friends kids have had varying lengths of time awarded.

Thanks for your replies, I can't remember reading it on the letter I got back but it was about 4 pages long. Will dig it out later and have a look.

Yes DS won't receive higher rate of care forever I don't think, as the things he receives it for I am hoping he will manage at some point though when that will be I do not know. The help I got on here filling in the form was brilliant, I can safely say DS wuld not be receiving DLA i it wasn't for MN SN parents helping me out.

How bloody horrid that you have to renew your DD's when her condition is progressive bubble. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to it really does there.

DS1 had 4 years awarded last time,am hoping he willdrop toMR then but we will see what happens at transition in 2010. DS3 has his awarded until he is 16,no idea why although they dropped him fromHR to MR at the sametime so cynical old me
thinks I know why.....

I get mine in December for June renewal.

in 2012

Sent sons renewal forms back 4 weeks ago for dla. has adhd.will i hear back soon. should I give them a phone later today.

Yes, you do have to fill the form out again, so it's a good idea to photocopy it for next time - although DD got an indefinite award last time!