Coming of age with challenges: Ben's path into adulthood

Coming of age with challenges: Ben's path into adulthood

Today 18-year-old Ben Oke from Neumünster is celebrating his special birthday. He has developed bravely after being born extremely premature and struggling with various disabilities. Despite all of his challenges, Ben continues to require close support. However, growing up not only brings joy and gifts, but also bureaucratic hurdles, which often represent a real challenge for people with disabilities. SHZ reports that Ben's mother, Ines Unfug, has important tips for those affected.

In Germany, the 18th birthday is the point at which young people come of age. For most this means a sense of freedom, but for people with disabilities it can also mean the end of parental responsibility and the introduction of new regulations that need to be followed. On anwalt.de summarizes the most important points that need to be taken into account for parents and their children.

Bureaucratic hurdles and rights

So what does that mean specifically? On the one hand, authorities, schools and doctors now require express permission from parents when it comes to decisions that affect young adults. For example, if Ben can manage his own business, a power of attorney makes sense. Otherwise it may be necessary to apply for legal guardianship, which is the responsibility of the guardianship court Lebenshilfe.de explained. The application for legal guardianship can easily be submitted as a notice to the court and the procedure will be initiated.

Ben's decision-making power is crucial because his business capacity determines how and to what extent the parents still need to be involved. But financial support also plays a role: Parents continue to receive child benefit for their disabled children up to the age of 25, provided that they cannot support themselves due to their disability.

Practical tips for parents

But the topic doesn't end there - there are other aspects that parents should take into account. First of all, young adults under 25 cannot generally apply for basic security or ALG II, provided their disability does not prevent them from taking up work. Dealing with child benefit is also important, as it should not be transferred to the child's account in order to avoid financial deductions.

As far as the doctor is concerned, you need to think about switching to a family doctor at an early stage, because pediatricians are only allowed to care for disabled patients up to the age of 24 to 27. In addition, it is important to regularly check your health insurance classification in order to minimize additional payments and to apply for a personal budget from the integration authorities - as this can provide valuable support in everyday life to ensure participation and quality of life.

Creating a will for the disabled can protect the assets of the disabled heir from unwanted access by social welfare agencies. These points are worth being well thought out and roughly prepared if you want to give Ben and many other young people with disabilities the best possible start to the new phase of their lives.