TRANSITION INTO ADULTHOOD

Transitioning a child with disabilities into adulthood is a big, multi-layered journey. It touches nearly every part of life at once — education and the shift out of the school system, employment and vocational training, health care, government benefits like SSI and Medicaid waivers, financial planning, and legal decision-making such as guardianship or its alternatives. It's a lot to navigate, and no family should have to figure it out alone. The Georgia Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce (GANCC) is here to help you understand your options and connect with the right Georgia professionals and specialists in this process. 

Please see our MEMBERS to connect with professionals and specialists to assist you with this process. 

See Disclaimer at the bottom of this page. 

TRANSITION TO ADULTHOOD: BEFORE TURNING 18 YEARS OLD

Request High School for a strong transition plan their the IEP

Start at age 14-16 years old

Under IDEA, transition planning must be in the IEP by age 16 (many teams start at 14). Georgia DOE special education: 

Set up a Special Needs Trust

Start at 17 years old

Find a Georgia special-needs / estate attorney create an Special Needs Trust so gifts or inheritance don't disqualify your child from benefits once they are approved and receive SSI or SSDI, Medicaid, Medicare, etc.

Guardianship / Conservator

In Georgia, a guardianship/conservatorship petition can be filed once the proposed ward turns 17½, after which the probate court appoints an attorney for them, schedules an evaluation, and holds a hearing.

You can find these the Georgia Probate Court Standard Forms (GPSCF) for Petition for the Appointment of a Guardian and/or Conservator for a Proposed Ward is Form 12. Be sure to file in your county's probate court.

It is highly recommended to consult with a specialized special needs attorney for advisement prior to submitting forms. Many will assist you with filling out the forms.  

Schedule Evaluations

Guardianship, SSI, and waiver eligibility all rely on recent documentation, and DBHDD's process includes a psychologist's review and possible face-to-face interview. Getting a current neuropsychological/psychological evaluation done before 18 saves time across all three.

Prepare the SSI application and apply after 18th birthday

At 18, parents' income is no longer counted, so many children newly qualify, and SSA re-reviews eligibility under adult rules. In Georgia, SSI eligibility generally opens the door to Medicaid. Apply: https://www.ssa.gov/ssi

Register for Selective Services (if male)

All individuals born male must register at 18 regardless of disability; failure can block federal student aid and some benefits. (Noted: A new bill passed that all 18 year old men will be registered automatically in late 2026. Check to make sure.) Register: https://www.sss.gov

Application to GVRA: Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency

Start application as early as age 14 years old

Georgia students with disabilities ages 14–21 can get GVRA Transition Services and Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) to move from high school toward work or further training. Submit a referral at https://referral.gvs.ga.gov or call 1-844-367-4872. They will already be in the GVRA system when they are ready for further employment support and placement. 

TRANSITION TO ADULTHOOD: AFTER AGE 18 YEARS OLD

Open an ABLE Account

If your child is approved for SSI / SSDI open a ABLE (Achieve a Better Life) account lets a person with a disability save and invest money without losing eligibility for Medicaid or SSI, and earnings are federal-tax-free when spent on qualified disability expenses. To enroll in the Georgia STABLE program site: Georgia STABLE website  Note: You can choose any state's ABLE account. 

Learn More Information About ABLE Accounts, please see the National Resource Center for ongoing and updated information for all ABLE accounts offered.  

Healthcare Transition

Identify adult medical providers before your child ages out of pediatric care at age 18 or 21.

1) Medicaid: If your child is approved and received SSI, they automatically receive Medicaid. Here is where you sign in to create an account. Georgia Gateway

2) Parent's Company Insurance Policy

Parent’s private insurance covers children to 26, and with proof of disability the adult children can stay on the parent's healthcare policy past 26 if the company offers the option. Parents must inquire about extending company healthcare benefits after ager 26 for their disabled adult child BEFORE they turn 26 or 27. So the sooner the parent inquires with their employer benefits specialists, the better.  

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Disclaimer. The information provided by the Georgia Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce (GANCC) is offered strictly for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute, and should not be relied upon as, legal, financial, tax, accounting, or medical advice. No attorney-client, fiduciary, or other professional relationship is formed by your use of or reliance on this information. Laws, government programs, benefits, and eligibility criteria change frequently and apply differently to each person's circumstances. GANCC makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or current applicability of any information provided, and disclaims any liability for actions taken or not taken based on it. You should not act, or refrain from acting, on the basis of this information without first seeking guidance from an appropriately licensed professional. Please consult your own attorney, financial planner, accountant, or medical provider regarding your specific legal, financial, tax, or medical needs before making any decisions.

Effective January 6, 2026
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