The 2025-2026 High Cost Funds (HCF) application will open on March 2nd and close on May 4th. HCF helps offset the financial impact on Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) that provide educational services to high need children with disabilities. The qualifying cost amount for 2025-2026 HCF is $40,926.
LEA participation eligibility criteria that had been on hold for several years due to stimulus funding will be reinstated and become effective along with the 2025-2026 HCF application. For an LEA to meet the LEA Participation Eligibility Criteria, the LEA must not have carried forward 60% or more of its IDEA-B Formula funds from the previous grant year. When the LEA initiates a HCF application, the system will determine if the LEA exceeds the Carryover Limitation percentage. If the LEA exceeds the Carryover Limitation, the LEA will not be able to proceed with their HCF application that year and will see an ineligible message.
To request an HCF, LEAs must submit their 2025-2026 High Cost Fund APEX application through the Texas Education Agency Login (TEAL). Awards are not guaranteed and subject to the availability of funds.
More information can be found on the High Cost Funds webpage.
