"What will happen to the services I'm currently using when I turn 18?"
"Can I continue using the after-school day service as is?"
"What kinds of social services can I use when I become an adult?"
For families raising children with disabilities,The age of 18 is a major milestone for thinking about one's future.This is how it works. At age 18, there is a transition from the support received during childhood to support that helps sustain life as an adult.
However, not all services will change all at once the moment you turn 18. The important thing is to view turning 18 as a milestone,Think early on about “what kind of life you want to lead from now on” and “what kind of support you’ll need to make that happen.”It is.
In this article, we’ll explain how disability welfare services change when you turn 18 and what preparations you should make as you transition to adulthood.
1. When you turn 18, the welfare programs you are eligible for will change.
Support for children with disabilities is primarily provided throughChild Welfare Actis carried out based on this. On the other hand, once adulthood is reached,Comprehensive Support Act for Persons with DisabilitiesYou will primarily use disability welfare services based on this framework to support your life as an adult.
For example, the following services are available for adults.
- care for the aged
- Labor Transition Support
- Continuing Employment Support
- independent training (e.g. of athletes working without a coach)
- In-home care
- Short-Term Stay
- Supported Living (Group Homes)
- Consultation Support
Of course, the services available depend on the nature of the disability, the individual’s preferences, and their living situation. Therefore, there is no one-size-fits-all rule stating, “You’ll be eligible for this service once you turn 18.”
The key is for the individual to think about what kind of life they want to lead as an adult and then seek out the support that fits those goals.
2. It’s not true that “all of your current services will disappear once you turn 18.”
When a child turns 18, one of the main concerns families often have is, “Will the services we’ve been using suddenly disappear?”
In reality, since the eligible age ranges and transfer procedures vary by service,Not all services will end at once just because you turn 18.. In addition, in some cases, certain transitional measures have been established to facilitate the transition from support for children with disabilities to support for adults.
That’s why it’s important to check what services will be available to you well in advance, rather than waiting until just before you turn 18 and then panicking.
- "How long will the current service be available?"
- "What other services can I choose from after that?"
- "When do I need to start applying or going through the procedures?"
If there’s anything you’re unsure about—such as this—be sure to ask for advice as soon as possible.
3. “Life Afterward”: Things to Think About Before You Turn 18
Turning 18 doesn’t just mean changes to the welfare service system. It also affects life after graduating from school, employment, how you spend your days, housing, and more,A time to think about the rest of my lifeThat's also true. For example, let's think about the following points, one by one.
Where will you live after graduation?
After graduating from school, where will they spend their days—in daily living support programs, employment-related services, or other settings?
What kind of work style do you want?
Are you aiming for general employment, or will you use services such as transitional employment support or ongoing employment support?
Where would you like to live in the future?
Will they continue to live with their family, or will they move into a group home or similar facility in the future?
What kind of support is needed?
What kind of support is needed in daily life—such as with mobility, meals, bathing, taking medication, and managing finances?
You don’t have to decide everything all at once. Let’s take it step by step, sorting through your preferences, strengths, weaknesses, and any current challenges you’re facing.
Instead of asking, “What are you going to do when you turn 18?”,"What kind of life do you want to lead after you turn 18?"The key is to try thinking about it this way.
4. Start thinking little by little not only about social welfare but also about “health care”
As you approach your 18th birthday, it’s important to think not only about social welfare services but also about your future healthcare needs. If you’ve been seeing a pediatrician up until now, you might find yourself wondering, “Where should I go for medical care once I become an adult?”
The transition from pediatrics to adult medicine should not be made abruptly, but rather,It’s reassuring to consult with a professional early on, taking into account the patient’s condition and previous treatment history.It is.
If you’re thinking, “I’d like to discuss medical care for adults” or “I’m not sure which department to consult,” try talking to the healthcare provider you’re currently seeing. Uchida Hospital also offers consultations in the pediatric department, including those regarding developmental issues.
Just as with social welfare, when it comes to healthcare, it’s important to prepare little by little with an eye toward your future, rather than waiting until you turn 18 and then panicking.
5. Make age 18 a time to “think about the next phase of life” rather than “the year when support changes”
When you turn 18, there may be some gradual changes to welfare programs and the services you use. However, this doesn’t mean that the support you’ve been receiving will suddenly stop the moment you turn 18, or that you’ll have to start from scratch.
The key is to reflect on the support provided so far and gradually transition to the support needed for life as an adult.To that end, let’s start preparing by doing what we can even before we turn 18.
- Check the services you're currently using
- Thinking About Career Paths After Graduation
- Find out about services available to adults
- Consult with a support specialist or relevant organizations
- Reviewing Healthcare Options for Adults
6. If you're wondering, "Where should I start?", start by asking for advice.
When it comes to the transition of children with disabilities into adulthood, there are many things that families cannot figure out on their own.
- "What will happen to this service for people 18 and older?"
- "What options do I have after graduation?"
- "What kinds of social services can I use?"
- "What should I do about healthcare after I become an adult?"
If you have any such questions, please seek advice as soon as possible. You can also consult with support specialists, social service agencies, schools, medical institutions, or other support providers you’ve worked with in the past.
Eighteen is not an age at which support suddenly ends.From the support we’ve provided so far to support that will sustain your future life.It is important to connect individuals with various social welfare, medical, and community support services in a way that aligns with their wishes and lifestyle.
As you gradually begin to envision your life as an adult, let’s work together to figure out how we can provide support that will help you lead a life that’s true to who you are.
＼ Please feel free to contact us if you have any problems ／.
Medical Corporation Daiseikai, Uchida Hospital, Community Healthcare Coordination Office
(TEL) 0278-24-5329
Disability Support Center for Everyone
Specialists provide free consultation and service utilization planning regarding welfare of persons with disabilities.
Phone: 0278-25-8311
Mail）minnanotameno@kyujinkai.com
*Consultation support (planning consultation support) is a benefit provided under the Comprehensive Support Act for Persons with Disabilities, and there is no out-of-pocket cost for users (as of September 2026). This is subject to change due to revisions to the system.
▶ Click here for details on the Disability Support Center for Everyone
