Special Education Bridge Loans
Loans to help schools and families access funding for special education.
Loans to help schools and families access funding for special education.
Info for SchoolsThe Special Education Bridge Loan Program partners with special education schools to provide interest-free loans to the school, or to families with children attending the school, while the school or family awaits payment from the NYC Department of Education (DOE).
The specific partnership terms vary depending on a school’s need and qualifications, but loans are generally provided once a stipulation of settlement or impartial hearing decision is issued for a student’s case. Loans require a guarantor and are immediately repayable from settlement or award proceeds received from the DOE.
If you are a school administrator and interested in learning more about a partnership with HFLS, please fill out this inquiry form. HFLS staff will reply within five business days.
Info for FamiliesThe Special Education Bridge Loan Program provides interest-free loans primarily through partnerships with special education schools. If you are a parent and would like to know whether a school has a partnership with HFLS, please contact the school directly.
The Special Education Bridge Loan Program provides interest-free loans on a limited basis to families whose children attend non-partner special education schools.
Loans are provided to pay or reimburse for tuition only; expenses for related services, evaluations, transportation, or travel are not eligible for a loan. Please refer to the General Needs or Health Care loan programs for possible assistance with non-tuition expenses.
EligibilityTo apply for a Special Education Bridge Loan, a student’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s) must:
Have received a winning decision or executed settlement for their child’s case. HFLS is not able to provide a loan without a hearing decision or settlement. A parent whose child has not yet begun to attend a special education school is not eligible for a loan.
Be working with an attorney who will receive DOE reimbursement funds on their behalf. Loans are repaid by the attorney upon receipt of their client’s DOE reimbursement funds.
Have annual pre-tax household income at or below the income limits for their household size. Families who earn slightly more than the limits posted below, or have extenuating circumstances, may actually be eligible and can still apply. HFLS may request further information and applications may require additional approval.
Reside in NYC, Long Island, or Westchester. HFLS is unable to assist households outside this catchment area.
Loan ProcessThe following information and documents are required to apply for a Special Education Bridge Loan:
You will be able to upload the documents above to your online application.
Once HFLS has reviewed your completed application, and if we are able to proceed, you will receive two documents to e-sign:
Your attorney and the school your child attends will each receive a document to complete and sign:
Once the signed loan closing paperwork is received, HFLS will disburse the loan. If the loan is paying for tuition owed, a check will be mailed directly to the school. If the loan is reimbursing you for tuition funds you have already laid out rather than paying the school for tuition you owe, the funds will be deposited into your checking account.
When the DOE sends reimbursement as per the terms of your hearing decision or settlement, the funds will be sent to your attorney’s escrow account. Your attorney will then send the funds directly to HFLS, in accordance with the signed Attorney Letter and the Parent Letter, to repay your loan.
Loan ApplicationTo be considered for a Special Education Bridge Loan, fill out an application here. If you are notified that you are not eligible to apply due to your income, please contact Ivy Ip at the details below to discuss. You may still be able to apply.
Contact UsFor any additional questions, contact Ivy Ip at [email protected] or (212) 706-0041.
