Transition to Adulthood (UK) – Complete Guide for Disabled Young People, Families & Carers
Moving from childhood to adulthood can be exciting, but it can also be one of the most confusing periods for disabled young people, people with long-term health conditions, neurodivergent young people, young carers, and families.
The transition often involves changes to:
- Education
- Healthcare
- Social care
- Benefits
- Housing
- Employment support
- Independent living
- Legal rights and decision-making
Planning early can help make the transition smoother.
What Is Transition to Adulthood?
Transition is the process of moving from children's services into adult services.
This can include:
- Leaving school
- Starting college or university
- Moving into employment
- Accessing adult healthcare services
- Moving into adult social care
- Managing benefits independently
- Exploring independent living
Transition planning often starts during the teenage years and may continue into the early twenties.
Your Rights During Transition
Young disabled people have rights to:
- Education
- Healthcare
- Social care support
- Accessible information
- Reasonable adjustments
- Participation in decisions
- Advocacy support
Relevant information:
Leaving School
Leaving school may involve:
- Further education
- Sixth form
- College
- Apprenticeships
- Employment
- Supported internships
- Training programmes
Planning ahead can help identify support needs before leaving school.
Questions to Ask Before Leaving School
What support will continue after I leave school?
Will my education, health and care support continue?
What adult services should I be referred to?
What benefits may I qualify for?
What employment support is available?
Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) can continue beyond school in some circumstances.
EHCPs may continue up to age 25 if the young person remains in education or training and still requires support.
Information:
College Support
Colleges should make reasonable adjustments for disabled students.
Support may include:
- Learning support assistants
- Note-taking support
- Assistive technology
- Exam adjustments
- Accessible materials
- Communication support
What to Say
I have a disability/health condition and would like information about support and reasonable adjustments available at your college.
University Support
Universities have responsibilities under equality legislation.
Support can include:
- Disability services
- Assistive technology
- Study support
- Accessible accommodation
- Exam arrangements
- Mental health support
Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)
DSA may help with:
- Specialist equipment
- Software
- Non-medical helpers
- Study support
Information:
What to Ask a University
What disability support services are available?
How do I apply for reasonable adjustments?
Is accessible accommodation available?
Employment Support
Many disabled young people move into employment, apprenticeships, supported internships, or training.
Access to Work
Access to Work may help with:
- Specialist equipment
- Support workers
- Travel costs
- Communication support
- Workplace adjustments
Official information:
Telephone:
- 0800 121 7479
Textphone:
- 0800 121 7579
Supported Internships
Supported internships help young people with additional needs gain work experience and skills.
Information:
Apprenticeships
Disabled people can apply for apprenticeships and request reasonable adjustments.
Information:
Adult Social Care
Transition may involve moving from children's social care services to adult social care services.
This process should be planned.
Support may include:
- Personal care
- Equipment
- Home adaptations
- Community support
- Independent living assistance
Transition Assessments
Local authorities may carry out transition assessments before adult services begin.
Information:
- Transition Assessments (GOV.UK)
What to Say
I would like information about my transition into adult social care services.
What support will be available when children's services end?
Benefits Transition
Benefits often change when a young person reaches adulthood.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to PIP
Young people receiving DLA may be invited to claim PIP.
Information:
Universal Credit
Some young adults may become eligible for Universal Credit.
Information:
Benefits Calculators
Useful for checking entitlement:
What to Ask
Which benefits will change when I turn 18?
Do I need to make a new claim?
What evidence should I provide?
Independent Living
Independent living does not always mean living alone.
It means having choice, control, and support where needed.
Support for Independent Living
May include:
- Supported housing
- Personal assistants
- Direct payments
- Social care support
- Assistive technology
- Community support
Direct Payments
Some people receive direct payments to arrange their own support.
Information:
- Direct Payments (NHS)
Housing Support
Disabled young adults may need support with:
- Accessible housing
- Adaptations
- Supported accommodation
- Social housing
Information:
Healthcare Transition
Young people may move from children's healthcare services to adult healthcare services.
Examples:
- Paediatric services to adult specialists
- Child mental health services to adult services
- Children's therapy services to adult services
Questions to Ask
When will my healthcare transfer to adult services?
Who will become responsible for my care?
What support will continue?
Mental Capacity & Decision Making
As young people become adults, they usually make their own decisions.
Support should be provided wherever possible.
Information:
Advocacy Support
Advocates can help young people understand:
- Education decisions
- Care plans
- Benefits
- Housing options
- Healthcare services
VoiceAbility
Website:
Telephone:
- 0300 303 1660
POhWER
Website:
Telephone:
- 0300 456 2370
Accessible Information & Communication
You can ask for:
- Easy Read
- Large print
- Braille
- Audio formats
- British Sign Language support
- Communication support
- Alternative formats
Information:
Useful Organisations
Contact
Website:
- Contact
Helpline:
- 0808 808 3555
Scope
Website:
Helpline:
- 0808 800 3333
Disability Rights UK
Website:
Citizens Advice
Website:
Useful Phrases
Requesting Support
I would like information about support available as I transition into adult services.
Education
What reasonable adjustments are available?
Social Care
How will my support change when I move into adult services?
Benefits
What benefits should I apply for when I become an adult?
Employment
What workplace support and adjustments are available?
Housing
What independent living options are available in my area?
Transition to Adulthood Checklist
✓ Review EHCP support before leaving school
✓ Contact college or university disability services early
✓ Learn about Disabled Students' Allowance
✓ Explore Access to Work support
✓ Check benefits before turning 18
✓ Request a transition assessment from social care if appropriate
✓ Ask healthcare providers about adult service transfers
✓ Explore independent living options
✓ Use advocacy support if needed
✓ Request accessible information and communication support
Key Contacts
Contact
- Helpline: 0808 808 3555
- Website: Contact
Scope
- Helpline: 0808 800 3333
- Website: Scope
Access to Work
- Telephone: 0800 121 7479
- Textphone: 0800 121 7579
- Website: Access to Work (GOV.UK)
VoiceAbility
- Telephone: 0300 303 1660
- Website: VoiceAbility
Citizens Advice
- Website: Citizens Advice
Transition to adulthood is not a single event but a process. Planning early, asking questions, keeping records, and accessing support can help young disabled people and their families navigate education, employment, healthcare, social care, benefits, and independent living with greater confidence and control.