Special Education Bridge Loans

Info for Schools

The 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 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 Families

The 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 occasionally provides interest-free loans to families with children attending a non-partner special education school. The loan may pay for tuition owed or reimburse for tuition already paid. These loans are provided on a very limited basis, and families will only be considered for a loan if they are significantly behind on their tuition payments or have an urgent need for funds while awaiting their reimbursement from the DOE.

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.

Eligibility

To apply for a Special Education Bridge Loan, a student’s parents or legal guardians must also:

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. Parents whose child is about to attend, or in their first year at, a special education school are not eligible for a loan until their case with the DOE is resolved and a decision or settlement is issued.

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 be eligible and can still apply. HFLS may request additional information and applications may require additional approval.

Reside in NYC, Long Island, or Westchester. HFLS is unable to assist households outside this catchment area.