Ages 14–21
The NJ disability transition timeline
Turning 21 is a cliff for many families. Start early, one age at a time, and the cliff becomes a bridge.
The golden rule: Start DDD paperwork at 18, not 21. Everything below age 21 is school and IEP driven. At 21, school stops and DDD picks up — only if you've applied.
14
Transition planning starts in the IEP
- Ask the school to add Transition Services to the IEP.
- Set post-school goals: employment, further education, community living.
- Introduce person-centered thinking at IEP meetings.
16
Add real-world experiences
- Request community-based instruction and work experiences in the IEP.
- Explore volunteering, job shadows, summer programs.
- Open a NJ ABLE account (from age 0, but useful once earning).
18
Legal + financial adulthood
- Decide on guardianship, power of attorney, or supported decision-making.
- Apply for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) — now judged on the young adult's income only.
- Register young men for Selective Service (required even with a disability).
- Update the IEP with the young adult as the decision-maker (or their guardian).
20
Apply to NJ DDD
- Submit the DDD Intake Packet (see our Apply guide).
- Request Community Medicaid transition from your County Board of Social Services.
- Attend DDD orientation and NJCAT assessment.
- Tour day programs and supported employment agencies.
21
Exit school, enter adult services
- Choose a Support Coordination Agency (SCA).
- Build the first Individual Service Plan (ISP).
- Enroll with day, employment, or self-direction providers.
- Continue any medical therapies through Medicaid (OT, PT, speech).
Bookmark these next
Sources & last verified
Last verified: July 2026
- NJ Department of Education — Transition— NJDOE
- NJ DVRS — Pre-Employment Transition Services— NJ DVRS
- NJ ABLE— NJ ABLE
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