For many young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), turning 25 marks a significant transition – the end of their Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). This can bring uncertainty, as the legal entitlement to an EHCP ends, and the support landscape shifts dramatically. If you or someone you care for is approaching this milestone, understanding what comes next is crucial to making the best of available support and planning a fulfilling future.

What is an EHCP and Why Does It End at 25?

An EHCP is a legally binding document in England that sets out the education, health, and social care supp`ort a young person with SEND should receive. It is designed to ensure that children and young adults up to the age of 25 get the help they need to access education or training, and meet their individual needs.

However, the Children and Families Act 2014 specifies that EHCPs are maintained only until the young person turns 25. After this, the local authority is no longer required to provide the same level of education-related support through an EHCP. This legal cutoff can feel abrupt and disorienting.

What Happens After 25?

Once an EHCP ceases at 25, support may continue, but often in a very different form. The responsibility for services typically shifts from education to adult social care, health services, and employment support. But unlike the EHCP system, adult services are not guaranteed by law in the same way, and eligibility criteria can be more stringent.

Local authorities are required to carry out an adult care assessment (also called a needs assessment) to identify what social care support is needed, but the level and type of support varies widely. NHS continuing healthcare may also be an option for some individuals with complex health needs.

The National Disability Strategy (2021) commits to improving transitions and outcomes for disabled adults, but the reality is that many face gaps in support and struggle to navigate the adult system.

The Challenges of Transition

Research from the National Deaf Children’s Society and the National Autistic Society highlights that many young adults lose vital support after their EHCP ends, contributing to increased isolation, mental health challenges, and barriers to employment.

In particular, the transition from child-focused education and care to adult services can be difficult because adult social care has limited budgets and different priorities. There’s often a “cliff edge” effect where support abruptly drops off.

So, What Are Your Options Now?

1. Request an Adult Care Assessment
   Contact your local authority’s adult social care department to request a needs assessment. This assessment will determine if you are eligible for adult social care support such as personal care, help with daily living, or housing support.

2. Explore Health and Disability Benefits
   Some young adults may qualify for disability benefits like Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Employment Support Allowance (ESA), which can provide financial support and access to employment schemes.

3. Access Voluntary and Community Services
   Many charities and voluntary organisations offer vital support, including skills training, social opportunities, and advocacy. Organisations like Mencap, Scope, and local disability groups can provide advice and programmes tailored to adults with SEND.

4. Look into Further Education or Training
   While EHCPs end, many further education colleges and training providers offer support for disabled adults. Disability support services in adult education are available, though it may require self-advocacy to access.

5. Plan for Employment Support
   Government schemes such as Access to Work and supported internships can help bridge the gap to paid employment. Local Job Centres may also offer specialised support for disabled job seekers.

What’s Next? A Call for Better Transitions

The transition from EHCP to adult life is a critical time. Research from the Transition Information Network shows that early planning, starting well before 25, can ease the process and improve outcomes. Yet many young people report feeling unprepared and unsupported.

At SupportHub Tools, we believe this transition should be smoother, more person-centred, and better funded. This means:

• Starting Transition Planning Early: Ideally by age 16, with involvement from education, health, and social care professionals.

• Better Coordination Between Services: So adult services understand individual needs well before the EHCP ends.

• Greater Transparency and Communication: Young people and families must know their rights, options, and how to access support.

• More Investment in Adult SEND Services: To close the support gap and avoid the cliff edge

   

Moving Forward Together

If you’re 25 and coming off your EHCP, or supporting someone who is, remember you’re not alone. While the system changes, there are still pathways to support and a future that works for you.

At SupportHub Tools, we are committed to developing clear, practical guides, resources, and advocacy tools to help young adults and families navigate this complex stage. These resources are currently in development, and because real-life experiences matter most, we invite you to follow us on Threads to stay updated on our conversations and upcoming resources.

Join the community, follow our journey, and be the first to hear when new support tools become available.