Caregiver Toolkit

Transition Planning Guide — Quick Reference

Compact planning checklist: Know what to do at each age stage. Age 17-18 is critical — don't miss the DID evaluation before 18.

Age Stage Assessment & DID Benefits (SSI/Medicaid) Legal & Guardianship Employment & Skills Living & Independence
🌱 Age 14+
Start Early		 Understand IDD
  • Get school evaluations
  • Learn IQ/adaptive scores
  • Research local LIDDA
📝 Expand & Notes		 Benefits Basics
  • Attend SSI seminar
  • Gather financial docs
  • Learn work incentives
📝 Expand & Notes		 Explore Options
  • Consult attorney
  • Understand full vs limited
  • Document needs
📝 Expand & Notes		 Early Exploration
  • Vocational assessment
  • Try school programs
  • Document interests
📝 Expand & Notes		 Start Planning
  • Explore options
  • Visit programs
📝 Expand & Notes
⚡ Age 17-18
CRITICAL		 🔴 DID EVALUATION
  • Contact LIDDA NOW
  • Schedule evaluation
  • Results BEFORE 18
  • Get determination letter
 Register for Services
  • Submit LIDDA app
  • Get case number
  • Ask about waitlist
 Finalize Before 18
  • File petition
  • Court hearing
  • Get order signed
 Transition Planning
  • IEP work focus
  • Vocational goals
 Plan Ahead
  • Discuss options
🎓 Age 18
Adulthood		 Update Records
  • File DID results
  • Organize docs
 Apply for SSI
  • SSI application
  • My Social Security
  • Verify Medicaid
  • Set up ABLE account
 Legal Documents
  • Healthcare POA
  • Finalize guardianship
  • Start SNT planning
 Post-School Options
  • Explore VR services
  • Supported employment
 Independent Living
  • Assess readiness
  • Explore programs
💼 Age 18-21
Build Skills		 Monitor
  • Keep docs current
 Manage Benefits
  • Track SSI amount
  • Report changes
  • Maintain Medicaid
 Legal Check-in
  • Annual review
  • Update SNT
 Focus on Work
  • Build job skills
  • Get experience
  • Explore roles
 Try Living Options
  • Host homes
  • Semi-independent
🏠 Age 21-26
Independence		 Maintain
  • Keep records safe
 Plan for 26
  • Insurance cliff prep
  • Health plan choices
 Legal Updates
  • Review guardianship
  • Estate planning
 Strengthen Work
  • Sustainable job
  • Ongoing support
 Finalize Living
  • Stable housing
  • Safety net ready
📋 Age 26+
Long-Term		 Archive
  • Organize history
 Insurance Cliff
  • New health plan
  • Maintain coverage
  • ACA options
 Succession Plan
  • Review guardianship
  • Secondary trustee
  • Update will/trust
 Career Stability
  • Maintain role
  • Ongoing coaching
 Aging Plan
  • Long-term care
  • Accessibility plan
✅ Bookmark this page. Click "Expand & Notes" on any topic to add checkboxes and personal notes. The critical 17-18 window determines adult service eligibility—don't wait. Questions? Reach out to your local LIDDA or a special needs attorney.