IEA Approved Expenses
All expenses must be for the educational benefit of the student enrolled in the IEA Program. The purchase date must be during the IEA contract period (Aug. 1–July 31). The following table includes a description of the approved program expenses. For a more complete list of approved and disallowed expenses, please refer to Chapter 9 in the IEA Parent Handbook.
If you have any questions, please contact the IEA team at IEA.Questions@tn.gov.
| Approved Spending Category | Description | Requires Pre-Approval Before Using IEA Funds |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, Fees, and/or Required Textbooks at a Participating Private School | The school must be listed on the approved list of IEA participating schools for the school year. See Chapter 8 of the IEA Parent Handbook for more information. | No |
| Tutoring Services | All services must be provided by an individual who has met the qualifications set by the TDOE or a tutoring organization accredited by one of the accrediting agencies listed in the IEA State Board of Education rule. See Chapter 9 of the IEA Parent Handbook for more information. | Yes |
| Curriculum | Defined as instructional educational materials for a particular content area or grade level, including any supplemental materials required by the curriculum. | Optional |
| Transportation | Defined as fees for transportation paid to a fee-for-service transportation provider. Transportation fees can only be used for transportation to/from schools and educational providers (including tutors and therapists). See Chapter 8 of the IEA Parent Handbook for more information. | No |
| Tuition/Fees for Online Learning Program/Courses | Individual courses students take through a virtual education program or other online learning programs. IEA funds may be used to pay for tuition and/or fees for part-time enrollment at online learning programs and/or courses. IEA funds cannot be used to pay for a student’s full time enrollment in an online learning program/course unless the school providing the program/course is a private school approved to participate in the IEA Program. See Chapter 8 of the IEA Parent Handbook for more information. | Optional |
| Test Fees | Includes norm-referenced tests, Advanced Placement tests, or any examinations related to college or university admission. See Chapter 8 of the IEA Parent Handbook for more information. | No |
| ABLE TN Contributions | ABLE TN is a savings program designed to help individuals with disabilities put aside money to pay for qualified expenses. These accounts provide the opportunity to save and invest with tax-free earnings to help participants maintain independence and quality of life. See Chapter 8 of the IEA Parent Handbook for more information. | Yes (Contribution Form) |
| Coverdell Education Savings Account Contributions | A 530 Coverdell Education Savings Account is a type of educational savings plan and is an approved IEA expense. The purpose of a 530 Coverdell is primarily to save money for a student to attend college. See Chapter 8 of the IEA Parent Handbook for more information. | Yes (Contribution Form) |
| Educational Therapies/ Services | Account holders must receive prior approval from the TDOE before using IEA funds to pay for therapy services. The therapy must be for the educational benefit of the student and provided by a provider who meets the licensure requirements set by IEA rules and procedures. See Chapter 9 of the IEA Parent Handbook for more information. | Yes |
| Public School Services | Services provided under a contract with a public school, including individual classes. See Chapter 8 of the IEA Parent Handbook for more information. | No |
| Tuition, Fees, and/or Required Textbooks at Postsecondary Institutions | Must be paid for the benefit of the student at a Tennessee community college, college of applied technology, university of the University of Tennessee system, locally governed state university within the Tennessee Board of Regents system, or accredited private postsecondary institution. See Chapter 8 of the IEA Parent Handbook for more information. | No |
| Debit Card Fees | Fees related to using the IEA debit card. There are currently no debit card fees for the IEA debit card. See Chapter 7 of the IEA Parent Handbook for more information. | No |
| Computer Hardware | Before purchasing computer hardware using IEA funds, account holders must either receive pre-approval from the TDOE or submit the Computer Hardware and Technological Devices Physician Pre-Approval Form completed by a licensed treating physician and receive notification that the form has been received by the TDOE. IEA funds may be used to purchase computer hardware or other technological devices approved by the TDOE or a licensed treating physician if the computer hardware or other technological device is used for the student's educational needs and is directly related to his/her associated area of deficit of the disability for which he/she qualifies to receive an IEA or allows a student to access instruction or instructional content. See Chapter 8 of the IEA Parent Handbook for more information. | Yes |