Important: TEFA funds are not distributed all at once. Funds are released in installments throughout the school year.
When Funding Becomes Available
Before TEFA funds can be released:
✓ The student must receive a TEFA award.
✓ The family must complete all required program steps.
✓ Enrollment and eligibility must be verified, if applicable.
Once these requirements are met, funding will be deposited into the student's TEFA account according to the program schedule.
Private School Funding Schedule
For students attending a participating private school:
Date | What Happens |
June 15 | Schools must confirm enrollment for students to receive funding on July 1. |
July 1 | First installment (25% of the student's award amount) becomes available. |
July 31 | Final deadline for schools to confirm enrollment for mid-August funding. |
Mid-August | First installment funding becomes available for students whose enrollment was confirmed by July 31. |
October 1 | Second installment (25% of the student's total award amount) becomes available. |
February 1 | Final installment (remaining 50% of the student's total award amount) becomes available. |
Students must remain enrolled in a participating private school to receive future installments.
Homeschool/Other Funding Schedule
For students who selected Homeschool/Other:
Date | What Happens |
June 15 | Students must opt in to receive funding on July 1. |
July 1 | Full $2,000 award becomes available in a single installment. |
July 31 | Final deadline to opt in for mid-August funding. |
Mid-August | Funding becomes available for students who opted in by July 31. |
Students who are found to be enrolled in a public or charter school during the school year will be removed from the program.
Waitlist Funding and Proration
Students who are awarded from the waitlist and join the program after July 15 may have their funding prorated depending on when enrollment is confirmed.
To receive the full award amount, students must complete the following by September 15:
Confirm enrollment in a participating private school, or
Confirm they have opted in as a Homeschool/Other student
Funding Round | Confirmation Date | Funding Date | Funding Available After Deadline |
Initial 25% Funding (First Deadline) | June 15 | July 1 | N/A |
Initial 25% Funding (Second Deadline) | July 31 | Mid-August | 100% |
Second 25% Funding | September 15 | October 1 | 75% |
Final 50% Funding | January 15 | February 1 | 50% |
Students who are awarded from the waitlist at a later date will receive funding as soon as practicable.
Before Funds Can Be Released
Families may need to complete certain actions before funding is available.
Examples may include:
Accepting a TEFA award
Confirming enrollment selections
Providing any required documentation
Completing applicable program requirements
Failure to complete required actions may delay funding.
Using Your Funds
Once funds are available, families may use TEFA funds for approved educational expenses through Odyssey.
Approved expenses may include:
Private school tuition and fees
Educational services
Tutoring
Curriculum and instructional materials
Other approved educational expenses
All purchases remain subject to TEFA Program requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I receive my full award at one time?
No. TEFA funds are distributed in installments throughout the school year.
Private school students receive funding in multiple installments, while Homeschool/Other students receive a single $2,000 installment.
What happens if I enroll after the school year begins?
Funding may be prorated based on the student's enrollment date and program requirements.
Can funding be delayed?
Yes. Funding may be delayed if required documentation, enrollment verification, opt-in requirements, or other program requirements have not been completed.
What happens to unused funds?
Unused funds may carry forward in accordance with TEFA Program rules and continued eligibility requirements.
Are funding dates subject to change?
Yes. Funding timelines are subject to change based on guidance from the Texas Comptroller and TEFA Program requirements.