For many families in Texas, the Supplemental Special Education Services (SSES) program has been a helpful way to provide extra learning support for students with disabilities. Whether used for tutoring, learning tools, or specialized therapies, the program gave families options to help their children grow and succeed.
As the 2025–2026 school year approaches, updates to the program are giving parents even more flexibility and control over how that support is used.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: what’s changed, who qualifies, how to apply, and how you can make the most of your grant.
If your family has used the Supplemental Special Education Services (SSES) program in the past, you already know how meaningful that extra educational support can be.
Now, for the 2025–2026 school year, Texas has refreshed this program with a new name and a stronger focus on what matters most: parental leadership.
The program is now called Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES), a name that better reflects the important role families play in shaping their child’s educational journey.
While the grant amount and types of eligible services remain largely the same, this update gives parents even more voice, flexibility, and control.
Here’s a closer look at what’s changed:
More parent-directed decision-making: PDSES now empowers families to decide how to use their grant funds based on their child’s unique needs, whether that means tutoring, therapies, or learning tools that go beyond what schools can offer.
A simplified application experience: Applying for the grant is now easier through the My SPEDTex portal, which allows families to track their application and receive updates directly in one central place.
Faster eligibility checks: The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has improved how it verifies eligibility by using updated school data and better coordination with local school systems, so families can move forward with confidence.
Still a one-time opportunity: Just like the original SSES program, PDSES remains a one-time grant. Students who have already received either an SSES or PDSES award are not eligible to apply again.
These updates aim to make the process smoother and more family-focused, so parents can get the right support in place and help their child continue to grow, learn, and thrive.
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The Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES) program is a grant initiative from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) that helps families access supplemental educational support for students with disabilities.
With a focus on empowering parents, PDSES allows families to take an active role in choosing services and resources that best support their child’s individual learning needs.
Unlike traditional school-based programs, PDSES puts parents in the lead. Whether your child benefits most from working with a specialized math tutor, using assistive technology, or accessing targeted therapies, PDSES gives you the freedom to decide what works best.
That flexibility is what makes PDSES so valuable. Families can use the funds to create a learning experience tailored to their child, one that builds skills, boosts confidence, and supports long-term growth.
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To be eligible for the Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES) program for the 2025–2026 school year, a student must:
Be currently enrolled in a Texas public school (including charter schools).
Receive special education services through an active Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Have not received a previous SSES or PDSES grant.
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) carefully verifies each PDSES application to ensure fairness and accuracy.
Eligibility is confirmed using:
PEIMS data to validate your child’s public school enrollment and IEP status.
The Medically Fragile Indicator, if applicable.
In addition, TEA will provide lists of potentially eligible students to school systems. This step helps schools assist with identifying students who have already received previous grant funds and ensures no family misses out due to oversight.
For the most current eligibility guidance and resources, visit the TEA’s official PDSES page.
The application window for the PDSES grant usually opens in early February and closes in late March.
To apply, parents must use the My SPEDTex portal—the official platform for managing PDSES applications.
Once you receive notification that your application has been reviewed, you’ll need to complete two final steps within 30 days:
Activate your account through the portal.
Sign the required affidavit to confirm your participation.
Don’t miss these steps—they are important to securing your child’s funding.
Each eligible student will receive a one-time grant of $1,500. Families can use these funds to choose services and resources that best support their child’s learning and development.
So, what does that include?
Here are just a few of the approved uses:
Tutoring, including math tutoring at Mathnasium, where our specially trained instructors use personalized learning plans to help students truly understand math.
Educational materials, like textbooks, digital learning tools, or apps designed for diverse learning needs.
Specialized therapies and assistive technologies, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, or software that supports accessibility.
To see the full list of allowable expenses, visit the PDSES directory, where approved vendors and services are listed.
The flexibility of PDSES means families can tailor support to their child’s individual needs, whether that’s mastering foundational math skills, accessing new learning formats, or receiving targeted interventions.
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Applying for the PDSES grant can be a straightforward process, especially when you take a few steps to prepare ahead of time.
Mathnasium has worked with many PDSES grant recipients, and we prepared 3 main tips for a successful application.
Whether this is your first time applying for a state education grant or you’ve applied for support before, these tips will help you stay organized and avoid common roadblocks.
While the application window is open from February 3 to March 31, 2025, we strongly recommend beginning the process early in that window.
Submitting your application in February gives you a buffer in case any issues arise, such as needing to locate school documents or troubleshoot login access.
Early submissions also ensure that you receive important communications from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) with plenty of time to act on them, such as your notification to activate your account and sign your affidavit.
Before you even start the application, it’s a good idea to collect and organize any documents that may be required.
This includes your child’s current Individualized Education Program (IEP) and proof of enrollment in a Texas public school, which can often be a report card, enrollment letter, or documentation from the school registrar.
Accurate contact information is necessary for receiving updates about your application.
Be sure your email address and phone number are up to date both in your school’s records and in the My SPEDTex portal.
All communication from TEA about your child’s eligibility, application status, and next steps, including account activation and affidavit instructions, will be sent to the contact details you provide.
Missing or incorrect contact information could delay your application or even disqualify you from receiving the grant.
The sooner you complete your PDSES application, the sooner you can start exploring how to use those funds for tutoring, therapies, or educational tools that truly support your child’s growth and confidence.
If you're planning to use your PDSES grant to support your child’s education in Allen, TX, Mathnasium of Allen offers a trusted and effective option for personalized math tutoring.
At Mathnasium of Allen, we work with students of all skill levels, including students receiving special education services, to help them develop a deep understanding of math in a way that makes sense to them.
Our caring, specially trained tutors guide students through engaging sessions in a group setting designed to build skills, boost confidence, and create real progress.
When your child joins Mathnasium of Allen, they’ll benefit from:
A personalized learning plan built around their current skill level and learning goals.
Live, face-to-face instruction in a caring and fun group environment, either in-centre or online.
Step-by-step strategies that help them truly understand math, not just memorize it.
Support that complements their IEP and aligns with their unique needs and learning pace.
Best of all, PDSES funds can be used to cover Mathnasium services, helping families access high-quality tutoring that can make a lasting difference.
If you’re located in or near the Allen, Texas area, this is a great opportunity to provide your child with extra academic support through a program that works.
Schedule a free assessment, explore our tutoring options, and find out how we can help your child thrive using PDSES funding.
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Mathnasium of Allen is a math-only learning center for K-12 students in Allen, TX. Trusted by over a million parents, Mathnasium uses personalized learning plans and the proprietary Mathnasium Method™ to help students catch up, keep up, and get ahead on their math journey.
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