Find your next step in Texas

Start with the question you need answered today. Each program makes its own eligibility decision.

Sources checked September 12, 2026. This guide covers referral and application routes. Individual eligibility, costs and availability remain questions for the responsible program.

Early intervention before age 3

Contact Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) if you have concerns about your child's development. A referral does not require a diagnosis or a confirmed delay. Use the HHS ECI referral page, or call 877-787-8999, choose a language, then Option 3.

ECI services end at the third birthday. Eligibility can follow these routes:

• A qualifying medical condition likely to cause delay, with a service need and supporting medical records.
• A qualifying hearing or vision impairment identified through the required team process.
• A developmental delay of at least 25% in an assessed area. Expressive-language-only initial eligibility requires 33%.

Evaluation, assessment, case management, service-plan development and interpreting are free. Other services may have a family cost share based on income, family size and allowable deductions. HHS says inability to pay does not exclude a family. Ask ECI about the financial agreement and insurance consent. HHS ECI eligibility and costs.

Request a school evaluation

Send a written request to the district's special education director or an administrator, such as the principal. Keep a dated copy. The school must respond within 15 school days with its decision and required notices. If it agrees to evaluate, it must offer the opportunity to give written consent. A verbal request is allowed but does not start that response deadline. TEA referral guidance.

School eligibility requires a qualifying disability and a resulting need for special education. The admission, review and dismissal (ARD) committee decides eligibility. A medical autism diagnosis is not required for the school autism category. TEA evaluation guide, pages 24 and 43.

Private-school and homeschool evaluations use the 45-school-day rule, regardless of age. The same rule applies to an unenrolled child under 5 by September 1. Ask the district which calendar and exception apply. TEA report deadlines and evaluation guide, pages 32 and 44-45.

For homeschooling, contact your residence district. For an eligible nonprofit private elementary or secondary school, TEA allows requests through either the residence district or the school's district. TEA private-school guidance. Parent-chosen private-school placement does not create an individual right to the public-school service package. Ask about the applicable services plan. Federal private-school services rule.

Ask about Medicaid Buy-In for Children

Use Form H1200-MBIC to apply. The instructions direct applicants to return it to the Document Processing Center or a local HHS office.

Medicaid Buy-In for Children (MBIC) requires the SSI disability definition and other Medicaid requirements, including Texas residency. Eligibility may continue through the month of the 19th birthday. Family income, household composition and exclusions affect the financial calculation. Ask HHS to assess your application. MBIC overview, age, disability and income rules.

A monthly premium may apply. Income, employer insurance and the Health Insurance Premium Payment program affect the amount. The handbook lists no MBIC premium for families with employer insurance that is not eligible for state-paid premium assistance. A working parent may have to enroll the child in available employer coverage when the employer pays at least half the total annual premium. Check both requirements before changing coverage. Premium rules, premium categories and employer coverage conditions.

Find the right waiver interest-list office

List placement does not establish eligibility or a service start date. Ask about programs that match your child's needs.

A LIDDA is a local intellectual and developmental disability authority. Use the HHS county directory. Form 8577 instructions identify each office's lists. The current MDCP handbook and CLASS overview, page 5 confirm the HHS telephone number. Ask the office to confirm the relevant list, record date and contact-update process. Current wait times are unverified.

TEFA applications for 2026-27 are closed

Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) accepted 2026-27 applications from February 4 through March 31, 2026. The current site offers an interest list for future opportunities. Joining it is not a 2026-27 application or award.

An awarded child in a participating private school has a published 2026-27 base amount of $10,474. A qualifying child with a disability may receive up to $30,000 total, based on the IEP and funding calculation. The IEP had to be on file with TEA by the application deadline. A diagnosis alone does not meet that requirement. Awarded homeschool students receive $2,000. These are conditional program amounts. Current TEFA funding and timeline.

The archived February 12, 2026 application guide still says March 17. Use the current program page's March 31 date. Confirm individual award status through the official portal before a school or payment commitment.

Get insurance help for your actual plan

Call the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) at 800-252-3439 to ask who regulates your plan or where to raise a complaint. TDI regulates some plans and routes other cases elsewhere. It cannot decide medical necessity or guarantee claim payment. TDI health insurance complaint help.

Ask your insurer about the specific service, network, authorization and appeals. This review does not establish individual plan coverage. Local provider availability, clinical evaluation wait times and each family's costs remain unverified.