2026-2027 HCF Application
The 2026-2027 HCF application will open on March 1, 2027 and will close on May 3, 2027. The Qualifying Cost Amount (QCA) for the 2026-2027 HCF is $40,650.
High Cost Funds
Announcements and Updates (3)
Locating Transportation Cost
The How To Locate Transportation Cost Per Mile Data instructions have been updated as of August 2026 to reflect TEA website updates. This resource will remain available on the Resources list below.
2026 High Cost Fund State Plan
The July 2026 Texas High Cost Fund State Plan is now posted and will remain available in the Resources section below.
High Cost Funds (HCF) help offset the financial impact on Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) that provide educational services to high need children with disabilities. High need children with disabilities receive educational services which exceed three times the state’s average per pupil expenditure (APPE). Only those costs associated with providing direct special education and related services to the child, and identified in the child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), are considered when determining whether a child qualifies as a high need child.
To request HCF, an LEA must submit a High Cost Fund application through the Texas Education Agency Login (TEAL) APEX application during the HCF application window for that year.
Additional information concerning High Cost Funds can be found in the Texas High Cost Fund (HCF) State Plan.
Resources
- 2025-2026 High Cost Fund Program and Application Information - webinar
- High Cost Fund Information and Application
- Instructions for Viewing HCF Payments
- Texas High Cost Fund State Plan
- APEX User Manual
- APEX Quick Start Guide
- Apex How-To Guide
- How to Locate Transportation Cost Per Mile Data
- TEA Special Education Day and Residential Programs
- TEA Secure Applications Information
Contact Information
High Cost Funds Team | (512) 463-9414 | hcf@tea.texas.gov
TEA Secure Environment Applications Support | TEA Help Desk