Resources

Guides for the transition years

These guides are written in plain language for families, not professionals. They explain what each program and tool does, who it is for, and where people usually get stuck. We update them as policies change. Nothing here is legal advice; for decisions about trusts, benefits, or court orders, talk to a qualified attorney.

Special needs trusts (SNTs)

A special needs trust holds money for a disabled person without disqualifying them from needs-based benefits like SSI and Medi-Cal. There are two main kinds:

First-party SNTs are funded with the disabled person’s own assets, such as a back payment, a settlement, or child support paid directly to them. Federal law requires specific language, and when the beneficiary dies, remaining funds generally must reimburse the state for Medi-Cal costs.

Pooled SNTs are run by nonprofit organizations. Families “join” the trust rather than creating their own. They are often simpler and cheaper to set up, which makes them a good fit for modest amounts.

Key questions to ask any attorney before signing: What are the total setup and annual fees? What happens to remaining funds when the trust ends? Who serves as trustee, and can that change? How do distributions work day to day? Never fund or sign an irrevocable trust solely because of a legal case without understanding the benefit consequences first.

VA resources for disabled dependent adults

If your child is the dependent of a veteran with a qualifying disability rating, several VA programs may apply in adulthood:

VA Chapter 35 (Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance). Monthly education payments for the spouse or child of a veteran who is permanently and totally disabled, or who died in service. Note the gap our campaign is fighting: it generally does not cover non-degree programs.

CHAMPVA. Health coverage for dependents in many of the same qualifying situations. It works alongside, not instead of, other insurance.

VA caregiver and dependent benefits. The VA’s website (va.gov) maintains current eligibility rules; they change, so verify against the official source before you plan around them.

Family Code section 3910: adult disabled child support

Many California parents do not know this law exists. In plain terms: under California Family Code section 3910, a court can order a parent to continue supporting a disabled adult child past age eighteen. Since January 1, 2025, courts can also direct that support into a qualifying special needs trust in appropriate cases.

This matters enormously for transition planning. If you are going through a divorce or support case involving a disabled child approaching adulthood, ask your attorney about section 3910 early. Do not assume support automatically ends at eighteen; for disabled adult children, the law says otherwise.

Transition planning checklist

A starting framework for ages fourteen through twenty-six. Adapt it to your state and your child’s needs.

Ages 14 to 16: Make sure the IEP includes transition goals. Start learning what adult services exist in your county. Open conversations with your regional center if you have not already.

Ages 16 to 18: Apply for SSI (you can apply before eighteen so benefits can start on time). Research conservatorship and its alternatives, like supported decision-making. Begin special needs trust planning.

Ages 18 to 22: Confirm benefit eligibility as an adult. Connect with the Department of Rehabilitation for employment services. Visit college disability support offices with specific questions, not general ones. Address health care decision-making documents.

Ages 22 to 26: Revisit the plan yearly. Benefits, programs, and your young adult’s goals all change. Keep the trust funded appropriately and the paperwork current.

Official sources we trust

When you need the authoritative version, go to the source: the Social Security Administration (ssa.gov) for SSI; the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (va.gov) for VA benefits; the California Department of Rehabilitation (dor.ca.gov); your local regional center; and the Think College national directory (thinkcollege.net) for inclusive college programs. We link only to official sources here, never to commercial or affiliate content.

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