Age 18: Age of Majority
When your child with a disability turns 18, they reach the “age of majority.” This means they are now legally considered an adult and can make their own decisions. At this point, you no longer have the legal right to make choices for them or sign papers like IEP forms or medical consent. This change is often called the “transfer of rights.”
This can feel surprising or even stressful, especially when your child has a disability and still needs more care, supervision, or support than other teens their age. Use the tips and resources on this page to help you and your child get ready for this important change!
Apply for Medicaid & Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
In New Jersey, it’s important to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) at age 18 if you have an intellectual or developmental disability (I/DD). SSI helps you get Medicaid, which you need in order to stay eligible for services from the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD).
NJ.gov Factsheet - Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
The ARC of NJ - Medicaid Resources
Social Security offers youth friendly resources to help young people with disabilities get the information they need to reach their education, career, and life goals. These resources are made for youth who are getting ready for adulthood, as well as for their parents, teachers, health providers, caregivers, and representatives, to help support a smooth and successful transition.
Apply for Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) Services
Even though services from the Division don’t start until age 21, some people choose to apply when they turn 18 so they can find out early if they qualify for services. Others prefer to wait until they are 19 or 20, since the services won’t begin until age 21 anyway. No matter what you choose, make sure you learn about the process, so you know what to expect and don’t run into surprises later.
- Apply for DDD Services
- Community Care Program Waiting List
- Self-Directed Services/ Self-Direction
- Support Coordination (Care Management)
A Quick Guide for Families (linked below) explains the important information from DDD’s Supports Program and Community Care Program Manuals. The manual contains the rules about who can get services and how the process works. The guide shares this information in a way that is complete but still easy for individuals and families to understand.
- A Quick Guide for Families: Support Program and Community Care Program Policies and Procedures: English OR Spanish
If your child is part of the Children's System of Care (CSOC) and has obtained DD Eligibility there is a SHORT Application for individuals 18 years or older to apply for DDD services!
The NJCAT (New Jersey Comprehensive Assessment Tool) helps decide if a person can get services funded by the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). It also helps show how much support the person needs in their daily life. It’s very important to be prepared because the NJCAT is a key tool that helps make sure people with developmental disabilities get the right services and funding for the support they truly need.
DDD NJ CAT: What you need to know
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At age 18, young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in New Jersey gain full legal rights. This means they can make their own decisions, sign contracts, and manage their personal affairs. Some people choose to use supports like guardianship, a power of attorney, or a medical proxy, but these are optional.
Understanding and using these rights is important because it helps protect your independence, safety, and access to services.
Legal Rights
Organizations in New Jersey work to defend the human, civil, and legal rights of people with disabilities, especially those who are most vulnerable. They offer services like legal help, advocacy, training, and education so people can understand their rights and speak up for themselves. By staying informed and connected through events and learning opportunities, people with disabilities can make stronger choices, stay safe, and be more included in their communities.
Find more information about Legal Rights HERE
Supported Decision-Making
Not every person with a disability needs a legal guardian. Many people with disabilities can make their own choices. Studies show that when people with disabilities have more control over their lives, they often have a better quality of life. They tend to be more independent, more likely to have a job, and more involved in their community. Find out more about Supported Decision-Making and if this could be the best option for your child:
Find more information about Supported Decision-Making HERE
Guardianship
A guardian is someone a court chooses to help an adult with a developmental disability make important decisions when they cannot do so on their own. The guardian may help with things like medical care, where the person lives, and how their money is managed, and this only happens after the court carefully considers all other options. A judge might appoint a guardian if the person cannot make safe choices about their care, is at risk of being harmed or taken advantage of, or has a serious, long-term condition that makes daily life difficult to manage. In New Jersey, guardianship does not happen automatically at age 18 — families must ask the court for it — and starting the process around age 16 can help ensure the right support is ready when needed.
Voting
In New Jersey, people with intellectual or developmental disabilities still have the right to vote as long as they can show they understand what voting means. A person can only lose this right if a judge clearly decides they cannot understand the act of voting. This means most people with disabilities can choose their leaders, fill out a ballot, and take part in elections just like anyone else. Knowing this helps people speak up for themselves and stay involved in their community. Always double check voting rules with a trusted source to stay up to date.
NDRN Member Agencies - P&A - CAP | NDRN
https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/vote.shtml
Healthcare Decision
People with intellectual or developmental disabilities in New Jersey can make their own healthcare decisions as long as they can understand the choices being made. They have the right to say yes or no to medical care, ask questions, and be part of decisions about their bodies. If a person cannot safely make these decisions on their own, a court may appoint a guardian to help. The goal is always to keep the person safe, respect their wishes as much as possible, and make sure they get the care they need.