Legal & Support Resources

Important Information for Families

Essential guidance on benefits, legal rights, and support services for young people transitioning to adult care in the UK

Every Family's Journey is Different

Not all the information on this page will apply to your situation, and that's completely normal. Many young people transition to adult care without needing benefits, legal capacity arrangements, or education support plans.

Read through the sections to identify what's relevant to your family. When in doubt, your GP is always there to help guide you.

For Parents, Guardians & Carers

This section contains important information about legal and financial matters. Please discuss relevant topics with your GP, who can provide guidance and help coordinate support tailored to your family's needs.

Action Timeline for Parents & Carers

Key actions organized by what applies to everyone and what's situation-specific

Discuss with Your GP

Keep your GP informed at each stage. They can provide medical evidence, coordinate services, and help navigate the transition process. They're your constant throughout this journey.

For Everyone

Ages 13-14 (Year 9)

Start Conversations: Begin talking with your GP and healthcare team about transition planning
Health Summary: Work with your young person to create a summary of their health condition and medications. Parents, guardians, and carers should all be involved where appropriate.

Ages 16-17

Healthcare Handover Planning: Coordinate with GP about transfer to adult healthcare services
Build Independence: Encourage your young person to gradually take more responsibility for their healthcare. All family members and carers can support this process.

Age 18 and Beyond

First Adult Appointments: Attend initial appointments with adult healthcare team
Continue GP Relationship: Maintain regular GP contact as your constant healthcare anchor

If Applicable to Your Situation

These actions only apply if your child receives certain benefits or has specific needs

Ages 13-14 (Year 9)

If your child has an EHCP: Annual reviews must now include preparing for adulthood
If your child has complex care needs: Request a Child's Needs Assessment from your local authority

Ages 15-16

If your child receives DLA: Watch for DWP letter around 16th birthday and apply for PIP within 28 days
If you are a DLA appointee: Reapply to be appointee for PIP
For PIP applications: Ask GP to provide supporting medical evidence

Ages 16-17

If your young person may lack capacity to make decisions: Talk to GP and legal advisors about mental capacity and decision-making arrangements
If legal arrangements needed: Decide whether LPA or Court of Protection deputyship is appropriate (see Legal Capacity section below)

6 Months Before 18th Birthday

Only if legal capacity arrangements are needed:

If young person has capacity: Begin LPA application process
If young person lacks capacity: Apply for Court of Protection deputyship
For legal applications: Request GP to provide capacity assessments and supporting documentation

Before 18th Birthday (If arrangements started)

If using LPA: Ensure LPA is fully registered with Office of Public Guardian
If using deputyship: Ensure court order is granted and active

Age 18 and Beyond

If your young person has an EHCP: Continue annual reviews if in education/training (support can continue until age 25)
If receiving adult social care: Monitor that services are meeting assessed needs

Benefits & Financial Support

Understanding Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and the transition from DLA

Only if your child receives DLA

Legal Capacity & Decision-Making

Understanding Lasting Power of Attorney and Court of Protection

Education & Training Support

Understanding Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and support until age 25

Legal Framework

Understanding the Care Act 2014 and Children and Families Act 2014