Chris
Welcome to the forum, you might want to have a look at the following FAQ which explain where everything is
Welcome to Benefits and Work I am afraid it is standard for the DWP to carry out a reassessment of a claim a year in advance of it actually ending, the process takes around 13-15 weeks.
Although we are aware of members that have had long term awards for mental health issues the majority of awards tend to be around 3-4 years.
You mention an appeal form, do you mean the reassessment form?
If you will struggle to return the form on time you can ask the DWP for an extension, just phone the number on the letter that came with the form.
Please make use of our PIP Claim guide to help you complete the form. See
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants/pip If you have further questions then please reply to this post and we will do our best to help.
Gordon