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Transition to Adult Social Care

Disabled children who have had an assessment of their social care needs and receive support from Children’s Services transition to adult social care when they are 18. The transition process starts at the Year 9 review. The actual transition between Children’s and Adult Services will start after their 17th birthday. The Care Act 2014 states that there should be no gap in services. If a child is receiving social care support this continues until Adult Social Care completes its own assessment. It is especially Important for those young people who will move to supported living in the future.

You can find information on processes in your LA by searching: Your LA name + SEND Local Offer + Social Care

See some useful links below: 

Benefits for adults

If a parent is claiming benefits and some of the elements are related to children/disabled children, it is important to understand the changes which occur when they become adults or when they leave education. If a parent/carer is designated as a Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) appointee, they can make the claim on the young person’s behalf. If a parent/carer is claiming benefits to support their child (under age 20) including legacy benefits such as Child Tax Credits or the child and/or disabled child elements of Universal Credit, the young person would not apply for Universal Credit in their own right. If they did, the parent/carer would lose Child Benefit, Child and Disabled Child elements of Universal Credit.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

This is a benefit paid to a person with a disability at age 16. If they are already in receipt of Disability Living Allowance – Child (DLA), this will change at or soon after their 16th Birthday.

Universal Credit

There are different elements of this benefit. If the young person moves into supported independent living, they would claim full Universal Credit to cover housing, council tax etc. Universal Credit: Limited Capacity for Work Related Activity. There are rules which apply to young people still in education. Follow the links for more information.

Continuing Health Care Funding

Adults with complex needs may be eligible for Continuing Health Care funding. Access to this funding means that your child can continue to access therapies as required as they transition to adulthood. The referral for assessment for CHC funding is usually undertaken by an adult social worker or a health professional. They will complete an initial checklist. Once this is completed, the decision will be made as to whether your young person meets the criteria for a full assessment. For young people with complex needs, Continuing Healthcare Funding can contribute in full or in part to supporting appropriate placements at Post 19.