ENTITLEMENT / IDEA-SPECIAL-EDUCATION-FAPE

U.S. Department of Education

IDEA Free Appropriate Public Education

Federal special-education law requires states and public agencies to identify, evaluate, and provide eligible children with disabilities special education and related services without charge.

Infant, toddler, child, or youth suspected of having a disabilityParent or guardian seeking an IDEA evaluation or services

Entitlement facts

Benefit type
Government benefit. A government-funded or administered benefit, service, coverage program, assistance program, or public access route. Taxonomy definition →
What it unlocks
A no-cost evaluation when disability is suspected and, if eligible, an individualized program of special education and related services through the public education system.
Who qualifies
Infant, toddler, child, or youth suspected of having a disability; Parent or guardian seeking an IDEA evaluation or services
Requirements
The child must meet IDEA disability and educational-need criteria under state implementation. Age coverage, referral procedures, timelines, early-intervention rules, and dispute processes vary by state and school system.
How to activate
Submit a written referral to the local school district's Child Find or special-education office, or the state's early-intervention system for a child under three, and request the procedural safeguards.
Cost basis
No-cost access. The core benefit has no required payment, purchase, deposit, paid membership, or pre-existing paid-product relationship under the captured terms.
Cost and fees
IDEA evaluation and eligible public special-education services are provided without charge; privately chosen services outside the process may not be covered.
Geography
US, State and local education systems
Personalization
Published eligibility is not described as individually targeted.

EVIDENCE / 1 SOURCE

Eligibility is conditional, not guaranteed.

Check the provider's final terms immediately before applying, depositing funds, spending, or changing a paid relationship.