Coming of age with obstacles: Tips for Ben's new phase of life

Coming of age with obstacles: Tips for Ben's new phase of life

On June 16, 2025, the young Neumünster resident Ben Oke will celebrate his 18th birthday. Born extremely premature and with multiple disabilities, he lives under special conditions and continues to require comprehensive care. This day not only marks his coming of age, but also brings with it a number of bureaucratic challenges, as his mother Ines Unfug explains. “It is important to be well prepared and to understand the new legal circumstances,” she emphasizes.

In Germany, when you reach the age of 18, your adulthood becomes legally effective and your parents' custody rights end. This also applies to people with disabilities, for whom turning 18 brings significant changes. Ines Unfug provides valuable information on how parents can adapt to these changes.

Three important steps after coming of age

One of the first and most important measures is to have a Power of attorney or legal support to regulate. Parents need explicit permission to continue making decisions for their children if they do not have the necessary legal capacity. It is important to understand that incapacity occurs in people who cannot understand the significance of their decisions. Nevertheless, everyday business can be carried out independently.

Another important aspect is that Continued payment of child benefit. Child benefit is paid for disabled children up to the age of 25, provided they cannot cover their own maintenance due to their disability. Proof of disability is important, for example through a disability certificate.

Legal aspects and support

The Legal situation The matter regarding the appointment of legal guardianship lies with the guardianship court. A corresponding procedure can be initiated through a request from the person concerned or ex officio. According to the experts, it is crucial that the person concerned can exercise their rights and submit applications, even if they do not have legal capacity.

The information from the court must be communicated in a way that is understandable to the person concerned. The family, trusted people or a lawyer are usually involved in the process. “This calls for open discussions and good cooperation so that everyone involved is on the same page,” explains Ines Unfug.

Other important regulations

In addition, there are some other aspects that should be taken into account after the 18th birthday. These include, among others, the Family insurance check for health insurance companies and other insurance companies, any necessary changes to doctors and the application for a personal budget to the integration authority. These services can help young adults with disabilities to be better integrated into society and to shape their participation.

Ben Oke and his family are now facing these important changes. Despite the challenges, Ines Unfug remains optimistic: “It is a new phase of life and we are ready to master it together.”