Transition Planning - Age 18 and Beyond

Now that your child is officially an adult, many things will change—transition planning will end and your role as a caregiver will evolve. Use this guide to help make sure your family is on track to get or keep the supports your child will need as they become an adult.

School / Education

Your child is now legally an adult and with that comes a new set of options and opportunities for their education.

Work Skills / Employment

This is a great time to explore working and the benefits of earning money, meeting new people, and building skills. Encourage your child to look for summer employment or after school jobs that match their interests.

Health

At age 18, your child is legally considered an adult for health decisions unless legal provisions have been put in place. Be aware that many physicians and specialists will need to shift from pediatric to adult. Even if a pediatric specialist is still willing to be the physician, insurance may not allow this.

Resource:

Supported Decision-Making for Transition-Age Youth

Long-Term Care Services and Medicaid Eligibility

Families with children aged 17 years 6 months or older with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) or physical disabilities (PD) should consider contacting your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). Ask about early screening for ADRC: Adult Functional Screen to assist planning for transition to the adult long-term care system.

Children’s waivers will end on the 22nd birthday for youth with mental health needs. Explore county-based mental health programs.

Social Security / Disability Determination

An adult disability determination can be started with Social Security starting at 17 years and 9 months. Once your child reaches 18 years of age, your (the parent’s) income and assets are no longer considered in eligibility determinations.

If your child was already getting Social Security Supplemental Security Income (SSI) before age 18 based on their own eligibility, they will want check to see if Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits may be payable based on your (their parent's) earnings record when they reach age 18.

If your child did not receive SSI before they were 18, they can now start an application.

Resources:

Disability Benefits 101

Community and Living Arrangement

Now may be the time to try out the independent community living arrangement options you and your child have been considering. Your child may want to consider living arrangements that are independent of the family home.

It is a big change, but there are many supports available for independent housing that can help make this transition easier for everyone.

Resources

Here are some more resources to help you with transition planning!

We hope you find this information helpful and come back to the Before Age 18 website as your child gets older to learn more transition planning tips.