How to Apply for TEFA
How to Apply for TEFA
The Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) application is submitted online through the official Odyssey portal. This guide walks you through the application window, required documents, and what to expect after you apply. Before starting, confirm your child meets the eligibility requirements.
Last updated: February 2026. Source: educationfreedom.texas.gov
Application Timeline for 2026-27
| Phase | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Application window opens | February 4, 2026 | Parents may begin submitting applications |
| Application deadline | March 17, 2026, 11:59 p.m. CT | All applications must be submitted by this time |
| Funding notifications | Early April 2026 | Parents receive notification of funding status |
| Private school confirmation | After acceptance | Parents indicate school; school confirms enrollment |
| Initial funding available | July 1, 2026 | At least 25% of approved funding in participant accounts |
| Additional funding | October 1, 2026 | At least 50% of approved funding available |
| Remaining funding | April 1, 2027 | Balance of approved funding available |
The program is not first-come, first-served. Applying at any point during the window does not affect your child's chances. If eligible applicants exceed available funding, a lottery within priority tiers determines placement.
Where to Apply
Applications are submitted through the official TEFA portal:
- Apply: withodyssey.com (linked from educationfreedom.texas.gov)
- Sign up for updates: GovDelivery – TEFA Family Updates
Do not use third-party sites to apply. The Comptroller and Odyssey are the only authorized administrators.
Step-by-Step Application Process
1. Create an Odyssey Account
Visit the application portal and register as a parent. You will need a valid email address and information to verify your identity.
2. Confirm Eligibility
Before or during the application, verify that your child meets the basic requirements:
- U.S. citizenship or lawful presence
- Eligibility to attend a Texas public school, charter school, or pre-K/kindergarten program
- Texas residency
See the full eligibility requirements for details.
3. Gather Required Documents
You will need to provide proof of the following. Exact requirements may vary; the application portal will specify what to upload.
| Document Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Proof of identity | For parent and child (e.g., birth certificate, passport) |
| Proof of residency | Texas address (e.g., utility bill, lease, driver's license) |
| Proof of citizenship or lawful presence | For the child (e.g., birth certificate, passport, immigration documents) |
| IEP or proof-of-disability form | If applying for the increased funding amount ($30,000 tier). The IEP must be on file with the Texas Education Agency by the end of the application period. See special needs funding for the distinction between IEP and 504. |
| Income documentation | If applicable for prioritization. The application will indicate what is required. |
The official TEFA Parent Application Checklist and Parent Application Guide provide detailed lists. Download these from the educationfreedom.texas.gov toolkit.
4. Complete the Application
Follow the prompts in the Odyssey portal. You will:
- Enter child and household information
- Indicate educational setting (private school, homeschool, etc.)
- Upload required documents
- Submit the application before the deadline
5. For Private School Students: School Confirmation
If your child will attend a private school, you will indicate the school in the application or after acceptance. Selecting a school in Odyssey does not mean your child is enrolled. You must complete the enrollment process directly with the school. The school must also confirm enrollment in the TEFA system. Ensure the school is an approved TEFA participant. Use the TEFA School Finder to verify.
6. Await Notification
Funding notifications are sent beginning in early April 2026. If accepted, you will receive instructions for next steps, including account setup and when funds will be available.
Document Checklist Summary
Use this as a starting point. The application portal and official PDFs are authoritative.
- Parent identity verification
- Child identity verification (birth certificate, passport, or equivalent)
- Proof of Texas residency
- Proof of child's citizenship or lawful presence
- IEP on file with TEA (if applying for $30,000 tier) or program-approved proof-of-disability form (if applicable for prioritization)
- Income documentation (if required by the application)
- Any other documents specified in the application
Common Application Questions
Can I apply for more than one child? Yes. Each child requires a separate application. If one child is accepted, eligible siblings who apply in the same period are also accepted.
What if I miss the deadline? Applications must be submitted by March 17, 2026, 11:59 p.m. CT. Late applications are not accepted. Sign up for family updates to be notified of future application windows.
Do I need to have a school chosen before applying? For private school students, you may need to indicate the school during or after the application process. The school must be an approved TEFA participant. You can search participating schools using the TEFA School Finder.
What if my child has an IEP? The IEP must be on file with the Texas Education Agency by the end of the application period (March 17, 2026) for your child to be eligible for the increased funding amount. Work with your school district or Disability Rights Texas if you need assistance. See our special needs funding page for details.
Where can I get help with the application? Odyssey provides support at support.withodyssey.com. The official site also offers a Parent Application Walkthrough.
Where can I find my child's Texas Student Unique ID (UID)? The UID comes from your public school district (ISD) where the IEP was created, or from the TEA Student Lookup if your child has attended a Texas public school. Private school families should contact the special education department of the ISD that completed the IEP. If you cannot obtain a UID, you may enter "11111" followed by your zip code to continue the application—but a validated IEP on file with TEA (which requires a valid UID) is required for the $30,000 funding tier. See Odyssey's UID guide for details.
After Acceptance
- Participants in good standing do not reapply each year. You will confirm continuation.
- Funds roll over if unused by the end of the school year, as long as the child remains in the program.
- Approved expenses are purchased through the TEFA marketplace. Review the approved expenses list to plan usage.
Related Resources
- Eligibility — Full eligibility and prioritization rules
- TEFA Overview — Funding amounts and approved expenses
- Special Needs Funding — IEP, 504, and the $30,000 tier
- Homeschool Funding — $2,000 amount and approved uses
- Funding Calculator — Estimate your potential amount
- Resources — Checklists, guides, and official PDFs
- FAQ — Common questions
For local context, see our city pages: Austin, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Fort Worth, El Paso, Arlington, Plano, Lubbock, and Corpus Christi.
Frequently Asked Questions (Application)
When is the TEFA application deadline for 2026-27?
The application window runs February 4 – March 17, 2026. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on March 17, 2026.
Do I need to apply as soon as the window opens?
No. TEFA is not first-come, first-served. Applying at any time during the window does not affect your chances. If funding is limited, a lottery within priority tiers determines placement.
Where do I submit my TEFA application?
Applications are submitted through the official Odyssey portal, linked from educationfreedom.texas.gov. Do not use third-party sites.
What documents do I need to apply?
You will need proof of identity for you and your child, proof of Texas residency, proof of citizenship or lawful presence for the child, and—if applying for the $30,000 tier—an IEP on file with the Texas Education Agency. The application portal and official Parent Application Guide specify the exact requirements.
Can I apply for multiple children?
Yes. Each child needs a separate application. If one child is accepted, eligible siblings who apply in the same period are also accepted.