Texas Parent-Directed Special Education Services
We do not administer or manage any programs. For help or official support, visit the state’s program website. Program information verified using official state information.
How does this program work?
The Texas Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES) Program is a first-come, first-served one-time grant program that provides online accounts to eligible families of students receiving special education services in Texas public schools. This program aims to assist families in obtaining additional educational materials, resources, and services to support their child’s unique learning needs.
Why this matters to families in Texas:
Some students require specialized services or therapies that are easier to access with additional educational resources outside their school environment. The PDSES One-Time Grant program helps families access these additional resources to better support their child’s learning.
Award amounts for 2025-2026
One-time Grant
Grant Amount: $1500
Under the Texas PDSES program, eligible families can receive this one-time grant for each eligible student in their household. A ClassWallet online account processes the funds received.
Who is eligible for this program?
PreK to 12th grade students qualify for the PDSES grant if they are currently enrolled in a Texas public school and receive services for a disability through Special Education.
The program encourages families with more than one eligible student to apply for each student, which they can do using the same application. Only one grant per student is available.
How can families use the funds?
ClassWallet, an online educational marketplace, will make funds available for you to pay the service providers you select.
Parents/guardians of eligible students can use the funds to shop the online marketplace for educational materials and resources, including:
- textbooks
- curriculum
- technology devices
- services such as additional speech therapy, tutoring
- or, other specific services as approved by the state
If a family is awarded funds for multiple students, funds may not be combined and are to be used separately to provide the $1,500 benefit to each eligible PDSES student. You will set up a primary ClassWallet account and link another account for your additional student to manage the funds for each student and switch between your students.
What are the program rules and requirements?
- Residency: Applicants must be residents of Texas.
- Educational Status: Students PreK – 12th grade must be currently enrolled in a Texas public school (district or charter school). The student must also have a disability served through Special Education.
- One-time Grant: Students who received a prior PDSES/SSES Grant are not eligible for another grant.
- School Requirements: The student’s school must still meet all federal and state special education requirements to provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to the student.
- Application Window: Applications generally open in spring prior to the upcoming school year. Check the PDSES site for specific timeframes.
How do families apply?
- Check Eligibility: Ensure the student meets the requirements on the PDSES Student Application and Criteria page for the Texas PDSES site.
- Review Program Information: Review the Texas PDSES program information to understand the application process.
- Complete the Application: Follow the application process on the Texas PDSES site during the open enrollment period.
- Submit: Review and submit the application along with any necessary documentation.
- Grant Status: You will receive a notice of eligibility or denial. Once you received your notice, for more information on next steps, refer to the PDSES Student Application & Parent Portal Instructions.
Where can families learn more?
For other Texas School Choice Programs: Refer to our Texas State Summary.