Special Education High Cost Aid Program

The Special Education High Cost Aid program is available to local education agencies (LEAs) in Wisconsin that provided services to students with disabilities ages 3 to 21 whose individual special education costs were in excess of $30,000 for a single school year. Claims are submitted based on prior year expenses. Claims for expenses that were incurred during 2010-2011 are due December 1, 2011. The funds are paid to eligible recipients in June 2012 for 2010-2011 costs.

A student qualifies for high cost aid if the total cost for a student is $30,000 after special education categorical aid and Medicaid deductions. Only costs associated with direct educational services provided to the student qualify for aid. Costs associated with administration or overhead are not eligible for reimbursement.

The High Cost Special Education Aid program's web-based claim process is accessed through the Special Education web portal.

Annually, approximately $3.5 million is appropriated by the Wisconsin legislature as state categorical aid and $2 million is set aside from the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) discretionary allocation to fund the High Cost Special Education Aid program.

Background:

• Wisconsin State Statute 115.881
• Administrative Rule - PI 30

Who is Eligible to Apply:

• School Districts
  
• Cooperative Educational Service Agencies (CESAs)
  
• County Children with Disabilities Education Boards (CCDEBs)
  
• Charter Schools – Authorized under ss. 118.40(2r) Wis. Stats.

Timelines:

• December 1, 2011 - Web-Based claims due for costs incurred during 2010-2011
• June 2012 - Aid Payment: On or before the third Monday in June

Web-Based High Cost Claim Instructions:

High Cost Claim Submission Instructions
This document includes step-by-step instructions, with screen shots, demonstrating how to submit individual student web-based high cost claims.

Costs Eligible for High Cost Reimbursement
This document includes a listing of costs eligible for high cost fund reimbursement. Discussed items include transportation, aides, and equipment.

High Cost WUFAR Function List
This document includes a table of functions available in the High Cost web-based claim software.

Required Information for High Cost Claims
This document covers the REQUIRED information for certain items eligible for reimbursement. LEAs must follow these instructions or claims will not be eligible for reimbursement.

Aid Payment Information:

• Aids Paid 2003-2004 through 2010-2011

For more information, contact:

• High Cost Aid Program/Aid Payments: Lori Ames (608) 267-3749 lori.ames@dpi.wi.gov
  
• Web-Based Claim Form: Marge Schenk (608) 267-9176 marjorie.schenk@dpi.wi.gov
  

Last updated on 4/24/2012 11:29:27 AM