Transition
Transition to Adulthood
Planning for adult services, benefits, education, work, decision-making and greater independence in New Jersey.
Planning can start before age 21
The transition from children's systems to adult systems involves several separate processes. Families may need to think about school transition planning, DDD, Medicaid, SSI, decision-making, employment, transportation and adult services at different times. You do not have to complete everything at once.
Transition guides
- NJ Transition Timeline: Ages 14–21What families may want to work on at different ages.Open
- Applying for DDDUnderstand DDD eligibility, when to apply and what happens before adult services begin.Open
- Medicaid & DDDWhy Medicaid becomes important for many adults receiving DDD-funded services.Open
- SSI at Age 18Learn what SSI is and where to start when considering eligibility.Open
- What Happens to the IEP at 18–21?Understand transition planning and the move from school to adult life.Open
- Guardianship & Supported Decision-MakingLearn about decision-making options without assuming guardianship is necessary.Open
- Adult Services Through DDDUnderstand Support Coordination and the types of supports that may be available.Open
- Employment, Day Programs & Community LifeExplore different possibilities for life after school.Open
- Transportation for Adults With DisabilitiesLearn about transportation programs and options that may support greater independence.Open
- Transition Documents ChecklistKnow which evaluations, records and documents to start organizing.Open
More transition guides
- Transition PlanningTransition to Adult Services in New JerseyHow New Jersey families plan the move to adult services: IEP transition planning, DDD, Medicaid, Support Coordination, DVRS and SSI.Open
- Developmental Disability EligibilityDevelopmental Disability Services in New Jersey: DD vs. DDD and How to ApplyA simple guide to understanding developmental disability services for children, teens, and adults in New Jersey.Open
How to read this section
Most of what you will find here is general planning guidance to help families think ahead. Legal requirements, eligibility rules and deadlines are set by the programs themselves, so we link to the official source instead of describing requirements we cannot verify.
Last reviewed: August 28, 2026
Vicabell provides general educational information and is not legal, medical or benefits advice. Vicabell is not affiliated with the State of New Jersey, the Division of Developmental Disabilities, the Children's System of Care, PerformCare, NJ FamilyCare or the Social Security Administration.