Georgia establishes Families of Children with Special Needs Reimbursement program benefitting students with autism

April 22, 2021

The Georgia Department of Education have rolled out the Families of Children with Special Needs Reimbursement program to help with educational expenses relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. This program has a very short application window – applications are due by June 30, 2021.

What is the Families of Children with Special Needs Reimbursement program?

Payment, up to $500, to parents or guardians of students with disabilities for verified expenses related to educating their children during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Who is eligible for the payment?

For reimbursement, the parent or guardian must have a child who has or had an Individualized Education Program (IEP) while enrolled in a public school for any time between March 13, 2020, and the present. The parent or guardian’s name and email address used to submit the application must be consistent with the name and email address used to receive payment.

Is eligibility income based?

Eligibility for these services is not income based.

What expenses will be considered for reimbursement?

Expenses that have been identified as eligible for reimbursement are those that are necessary to meet the challenges these students face regarding educational achievement, personal development and emotional wellbeing.

To be considered, documentation showing the expense was paid is required. An invoice alone would be insufficient.

Examples of reimbursable expenses:

Private related services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy or physical therapy
Tutoring Supports
Learning Coaches to support virtual instruction
Learning software, tools or resources for supplemental learning
Private evaluations and assessments
Assistive technology tools or consultation services
Accessible materials
Educational and therapeutic supports and/or counseling services
Transportation