Texas PDSES program (formerly SSES): how to use your $1,500 grant for online classes

If your child receives special education services through a Texas public school, you may already have $1,500 sitting in a ClassWallet account — ready to use for tutoring, online classes, and educational resources.

The Texas PDSES (Parent-Directed Special Education Services) program — formerly known as SSES (Supplemental Special Education Services) — puts that money directly in parents' hands. You decide how to use it.

Here's what the program covers, who's eligible, and how to book classes with your funds before the current spending window closes.

What is the Texas PDSES program?

PDSES is a one-time $1,500 grant from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for families of students who receive special education services through a Texas public school. The program was previously called Supplemental Special Education Services (SSES) — same program, updated name.

The idea is simple: your child's school provides services through their IEP, but there's often more your kid needs. PDSES funds let you fill those gaps yourself, on your terms.

A separate track called SSES+ Medically Fragile provides a one-time $5,000 grant for students identified as "medically fragile" who receive special education services at home or in a care facility. These funds cover the same categories as PDSES, plus health-related services that help the student access public school.

Who is eligible?

To qualify for a PDSES grant, your child must:

• Be enrolled in a Texas public school (PreK through 12th grade)
• Receive special education services through an individualized education program (IEP)
• Have not previously received a PDSES or SSES grant (it's a one-time-only grant per student)

The 2025–26 application window closed April 30, 2026. If your child applied and was approved, your ClassWallet account is already funded.

The next application window opens in February 2027. You can join the email list at the TEA PDSES page to be notified when it opens.

What can PDSES funds be used for?

PDSES funds are flexible. Approved uses include:

• Online classes and academic programs — live tutoring, enrichment classes, subject-specific instruction
• Private tutoring — one-on-one support in any academic area
• Educational materials — textbooks, curriculum, workbooks
• Technology — devices or software that support your child's learning
• Therapeutic services — speech therapy, occupational therapy, and other services that benefit learning and school success

Funds may not be used to pay a family member or for expenses not directly related to your child's education.

Important: your current funds expire July 10, 2026

If your child was funded in the 2025–26 cycle, your ClassWallet funds must be used by July 10, 2026. Any unspent funds after that date will not roll over.

If you still have a balance, now is the time to put it toward classes or tutoring for the summer — or to get a head start on your fall schedule before the deadline hits.

The next funds drop is expected in mid-to-late September 2026. The exact date will be confirmed by TEA in mid-August.

How to use your PDSES funds on Outschool

Outschool is an approved PDSES vendor. Families can use their ClassWallet funds to enroll in classes directly through the Outschool platform.

Here's how it works:

1. Log into your ClassWallet account at classwallet.com
2. Search for Outschool in the vendor directory
3. Browse PDSES-eligible classes at outschool.com/online-classes/texas-sses-approved
4. Select a class and complete enrollment through ClassWallet

Classes are filtered to show only PDSES-eligible options, so you don't have to guess what qualifies. You'll find live group classes, one-on-one tutoring, and self-paced options across math, reading, writing, coding, and more — all taught by state-certified teachers.

If you have questions about the enrollment process, Outschool's support article walks through it step by step: Enrolling in Outschool classes with ClassWallet funds.

What kinds of classes can my child take?

The PDSES-eligible classes on Outschool span a wide range of subjects and formats. Some of the most popular categories with special education families include:

Tutoring and academic support

One-on-one tutoring sessions in math, reading, and writing — including specialized support for kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning differences. Small class sizes mean teachers can adapt to your child's pace.

Reading and language arts

Phonics, fluency, and comprehension classes for early readers; essay writing and grammar for middle schoolers. Most sessions run 30–45 minutes and can be booked as one-offs or recurring weekly.

Math

From kindergarten math foundations to pre-algebra prep, classes are available at every grade level. Several teachers specialize in students who find traditional math instruction frustrating.

STEM and enrichment

Coding, robotics, science exploration, and creative writing classes give kids a chance to learn something they're genuinely curious about — often the best bridge back into academic engagement.

You can filter by age, subject, class size, and schedule to find something that fits your child and your family's calendar.

Browse PDSES-eligible classes on Outschool

Frequently asked questions

My child was funded in the current cycle. Can I use the funds for fall classes?

Yes — as long as you enroll before the July 10, 2026 spending deadline. Many families use the current-cycle funds to book summer classes or early fall sessions before the new cycle opens in September.

What if I applied but haven't received funds yet?

The 2025–26 application window is now closed. If you applied and are still waiting, contact TEA at PDSEShelp@region10.org or call SPEDTex at 1-855-773-3839.

What's the difference between PDSES and TEFA?

These are two separate Texas programs. PDSES is for public school students with IEPs who stay enrolled in their Texas public school. TEFA (Texas Education Freedom Accounts) is for families who choose to educate their child outside the public school system — through a private school or homeschool. A student cannot participate in both programs at the same time.

My child has an IEP but attends a private school. Do we qualify?

No — PDSES requires enrollment in a Texas public school. If your child attends a private school or is homeschooled, look into TEFA instead, which has separate funding for students with IEPs (up to $30,000 per year for qualifying students).

Does Outschool work with TEFA?

Outschool is listed on the TEFA Finder as an approved provider in the Tutoring, Enrichment, Classes, and Curriculum categories. Families can find Outschool through the Odyssey marketplace at finder.educationfreedom.texas.gov.