Hi STEVO,
I'm sorry no one can answer this! No one knows as it varies. Just make sure that if you have an end date on your previous claim that this doesn't arrive and get overlooked hence benefit is cancelled. Best to check with DWP in this case. Yes it is very tedious to ring DWP, but often if you can get through this can serve to remind them your case has been hanging around for a while and it might chivvy them up!
Good luck.
LL26
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems