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 | Qualifications | Requires Pre-approval |
|---|---|---|
Computer Hardware |
IEA funds may be used to purchase computer hardware or technological devices pre-approved by the TDOE or a licensed treating physician. The computer hardware/ technological device must be used for the student's educational needs and be 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. |
Yes |
Coverdell Education Savings Account Contributions |
Authorized by 26 United States Code § 530, for the benefit of the student. A 530 Coverdell Education Savings Account is a type of educational savings plan. The purpose of a 530 Coverdell is primarily to save money for a student to attend college. |
Yes (Contribution Form) |
Curriculum |
Defined as instructional educational materials for a particular content area or grade level, including any supplemental materials required by the curriculum. |
Optional, but recommended |
Debit Card Fees |
Fees related to using the IEA debit card There are currently no debit card fees for the IEA debit card. |
No |
Educational Therapies |
“Educational therapies” are defined as individualized services designed to develop or improve academic performance through instructional and therapeutic techniques. The therapy must be for the educational benefit of the student and provided by a therapist who meets the licensure requirements described in the IEA Parent Handbook. |
Yes |
Public School Services |
Services provided under a contract with a public school, including individual classes and extracurricular programs. |
No |
Test Fees |
Includes norm-referenced tests, Advanced Placement tests, or any examinations related to college or university admission. |
No |
TN ABLE Account 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. |
Yes (Contribution Form) |
Transportation |
Defined as fees for transportation paid to a fee-for-service (i.e. commercial) transportation provider. Transportation fees can only be used for transportation to/from schools and educational providers (including tutors and therapists). |
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 in online learning programs. IEA funds cannot be used to pay for a student’s full-time enrollment in an online learning program unless the school providing the program is a private school approved to participate in the IEA Program. |
Optional, but recommended |
Tuition, Fees, and 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. |
No |
Tutoring Services |
Tutoring services are supplementary instruction in an academic subject area provided to support/ enhance the primary instruction that a student receives in a lesson, course, and/or classes. Tutoring services are not the primary instruction; lessons and classes do not count as tutoring services. All services must be provided by an individual or organization who/that meets the qualifications described in the IEA Parent Handbook. Tutoring services must be provided in the approved subject areas listed in the IEA Parent Handbook. |
Yes |