Page 32 - FamilyGuidetoTransitionServices-English

Adult Services: Entitlement vs. Eligibility

What Is the Difference between Entitlement to Special Education
Services and Adult Eligibility for Services?

ntitlement is a guarantee of access to services for everyone who qualifies.
E Under state and federal law, special education services are an entitlement. This
entitlement to special education services in New Jersey terminates when a student
graduates with a high school diploma or completes the school year during which
they turn 21, whichever comes first.
When students receiving special education services in New Jersey graduate from
high school and/or turn 21, their entitlement to special education ends. They may
then be eligible for adult services if they meet the eligibility criteria for adult
agencies and programs. It is important to understand the difference between
entitlement to special education services and eligibility for adult services.

Adult eligibility for services is not necessarily an entitlement, so youth and young
adults who are eligible for services from an adult agency are not guaranteed access
to services. Unlike special education, human services for adults with disabilities are
contingent upon program availability and funding, and there may be waiting lists
for services. That is why it is important to start the application process for agency
eligibility early.

(Note: If your child has been receiving children’s services from an agency such as
Division of Disability Services or Division of Children and Families, you will need
to reapply because the criteria for adult services can be different from the criteria
for children’s services.)
32