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Sponsored by: Autism Community in Christ, Inc. - a NJ 501(c)(3) -UNDER CONSTRUCTION-
the serious stuff
the serious stuff
Pre‑21 Considerations
Pre‑21 Considerations
Early Intervention (birth–age 3): Contact the NJ Early Intervention System for therapies such as speech, OT, PT, and developmental supports.
Child Study Team Evaluation (school years): Register with the local school district for IEP services tailored to educational, behavioral, and social needs.
Medical and Diagnostic Records: Keep updated evaluations from physicians/psychologists; critical for school, state, SSI, and DDD eligibility.
Transition Planning (starts at age 14 in the IEP): Ensure post‑secondary goals are included for independence, vocational skills, and community living.
Special Needs Trust / Third‑Party Trust: Establish early so relatives and parents don’t accidentally leave assets directly to the child.
OBRA/NJ ABLE Account: Open to save for qualified expenses without affecting SSI/Medicaid; can be useful for younger years as well.
Guardianship Planning (ages 16–18): Decide whether to pursue guardianship, power of attorney, or supported decision‑making when the child approaches legal adulthood.
SSI and Medicaid Application (at age 18): Apply for SSI benefits and Medicaid eligibility, which also begins the pathway to adult services.
DDD Intake (18–21): Submit intake application to the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities; formal eligibility is required for services once the individual exits the school system at 21.
Letter of Intent: Document routines, preferences, medications, and hopes for the future for caregivers and trustees.
Family Estate Planning: Review wills, life insurance, and make sure all family members direct assets to a trust, not to the child individually.
Post‑21 Considerations
Post‑21 Considerations
Guardianship / Alternatives (by age 21): Ensure legal guardianship or alternative arrangements are finalized for decision‑making if needed.
Secure DDD Services (from 21+): These may include day programs, employment supports, residential services, and transportation assistance.
Benefit Maintenance: Continue SSI and Medicaid eligibility; ensure reporting requirements are up to date.
Long‑Term Financial Planning: Keep funding trusts, life insurance, or ABLE accounts to ensure sustained quality of life.
Adult Service Transition Plan: Work with DDD support coordinators to implement individualized service plans (ISP) tailored to needs and abilities.
Emergency & Safety Planning: Update local police, EMS, and designated caregivers with adult care plans and personal safety information.
Ongoing Estate Review: Revisit trusts, guardianship, and insurance arrangements periodically as laws and family circumstances change.
Pre‑21 Considerations
Pre‑21 Considerations
Early Intervention (birth–age 3): Contact the NJ Early Intervention System for therapies such as speech, OT, PT, and developmental supports.
Child Study Team Evaluation (school years): Register with the local school district for IEP services tailored to educational, behavioral, and social needs.
Medical and Diagnostic Records: Keep updated evaluations from physicians/psychologists; critical for school, state, SSI, and DDD eligibility.
Transition Planning (starts at age 14 in the IEP): Ensure post‑secondary goals are included for independence, vocational skills, and community living.
Special Needs Trust / Third‑Party Trust: Establish early so relatives and parents don’t accidentally leave assets directly to the child.
OBRA/NJ ABLE Account: Open to save for qualified expenses without affecting SSI/Medicaid; can be useful for younger years as well.
Guardianship Planning (ages 16–18): Decide whether to pursue guardianship, power of attorney, or supported decision‑making when the child approaches legal adulthood.
SSI and Medicaid Application (at age 18): Apply for SSI benefits and Medicaid eligibility, which also begins the pathway to adult services.
DDD Intake (18–21): Submit intake application to the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities; formal eligibility is required for services once the individual exits the school system at 21.
Letter of Intent: Document routines, preferences, medications, and hopes for the future for caregivers and trustees.
Family Estate Planning: Review wills, life insurance, and make sure all family members direct assets to a trust, not to the child individually.
Post‑21 Considerations
Post‑21 Considerations
Guardianship / Alternatives (by age 21): Ensure legal guardianship or alternative arrangements are finalized for decision‑making if needed.
Secure DDD Services (from 21+): These may include day programs, employment supports, residential services, and transportation assistance.
Benefit Maintenance: Continue SSI and Medicaid eligibility; ensure reporting requirements are up to date.
Long‑Term Financial Planning: Keep funding trusts, life insurance, or ABLE accounts to ensure sustained quality of life.
Adult Service Transition Plan: Work with DDD support coordinators to implement individualized service plans (ISP) tailored to needs and abilities.
Emergency & Safety Planning: Update local police, EMS, and designated caregivers with adult care plans and personal safety information.
Ongoing Estate Review: Revisit trusts, guardianship, and insurance arrangements periodically as laws and family circumstances change.
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