Short answer
TEFA funding schedule, 2026-27
Private-school TEFA students are funded in three installments: 25% on July 1, 2026, 25% on October 1, 2026 and the final 50% on February 1, 2027. Homeschool and other students received their full $2,000 in a single installment (July 1, or mid-August if they opted in by July 31). The next deposit is February 1, 2027.
TEFA deposit dates
| Date | What is deposited | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| July 1, 2026 | First 25% installment (mid-August if enrollment was confirmed by July 31) | Private-school students |
| July 1, 2026 | Full $2,000 award in one installment (mid-August if opted in by July 31) | Homeschool and other students |
| October 1, 2026 | Second 25% installment | Private-school students |
| January 15, 2027 | Confirmation deadline for late waitlist students to receive February funding | Waitlist students |
| February 1, 2027 | Final 50% installment; the student must still be enrolled at a participating private school | Private-school students |
- Waitlist students who joined after July 15 may be prorated: confirming after September 15, 2026 gives 75% of the award; confirming by January 15, 2027 for February 1 funding gives 50%.
- Funding can be delayed if the opt-in, school selection or enrollment verification is incomplete. Dates can change under Comptroller guidance.
- Unused funds roll over while the child stays in the program.
Source: Odyssey help center: TEFA funding timeline and installments (as of October 21, 2026)
How much is TEFA worth in 2026-27?
The private-school amount is 85% of the statewide average state and local funding per student, as set by TEA for 2026-27.
| Student / category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Private school (including pre-K and kindergarten) | $10,474 |
| Private-school student with a disability (IEP on file with TEA) | Up to $30,000 |
| Homeschool and other students | $2,000 |
- The disability amount is based on what the student's district would receive to serve the IEP. Mid-year entries are prorated.
Source: Odyssey help center: TEFA funding amounts (as of October 21, 2026)
After the deposit: how TEFA money gets spent
Tuition
The school sets tuition and fees in Odyssey; the parent confirms, then pays from Wallet → Tuition → Make a Payment. Confirming alone does not send money.
School fees
For school-requested fees such as meals or an SAT fee, confirm and pay from the available balance, or dismiss if paying another way.
TEFA Marketplace
Buy approved products and services under Wallet → Shop Marketplace. Orders can't be cancelled; report damaged or wrong items with photos within 5 business days.
No reimbursement
Families are not reimbursed for purchases made outside the TEFA Marketplace. Tuition not covered by TEFA is the family's responsibility.
Source: Texas Comptroller: initial TEFA funding release (June 30, 2026) (as of October 21, 2026)
Who qualifies and how to apply
- Texas residents eligible to attend a Texas public school, charter or public pre-K, including active-duty military families. There is no income limit; income only sets the priority tier.
- 2026-27 priority tiers: (1) disability and income at or below 500% of the federal poverty level, (2) at or below 200%, (3) 200–500%, (4–5) above 500%, capped together at 20% of funds. A lottery is used within tiers.
- The 2026-27 application window ran February 4 – March 31, 2026 and is closed. Waitlist awards continue as funds free up, with no set schedule.
- 2027-28 dates have not been published; families can join the interest list at educationfreedom.texas.gov. Participants in good standing do not need to reapply.
Source: Odyssey help center: understanding TEFA tiers (as of October 21, 2026)
TEFA funding FAQ
When is the next TEFA deposit?
For private-school students, the final 50% installment is scheduled for February 1, 2027. Homeschool and other students received their full $2,000 in one installment in July or mid-August 2026.
How much is TEFA for 2026-27?
$10,474 for private-school students, up to $30,000 for private-school students with a disability, and $2,000 for homeschool and other students.
I'm on the TEFA waitlist. Will I still get funding?
Possibly. Awards continue as funds free up, with no set schedule, and late awards are prorated (75% if confirmed after September 15, 50% for the February 1 installment). Families who are not awarded must reapply for 2027-28.
What happens to TEFA money I don't spend?
It rolls over to the next year while your child stays in the program. It can't be moved to another child.
Dates and amounts come from the official sources linked above and can change mid-year. Your account portal is the final word for your family. Questions about your own account: TEFA contact page. GetESAPaid is not affiliated with the program. Maintained by the GetESAPaid Research Desk.