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 incurred during 2011-2012 are due January 31, 2013. The funds are paid to eligible recipients in June 2013 for 2011-2012 costs.

To reflect the average special education cost of services provided to most students with disabilities, a $10,000 line item will be automatically added to each student eligible to receive high cost aid. This $10,000 base cost will cover pro-rated costs such as teachers, supplies, and therapists. The LEAs will select items not covered by the $10,000 cost from a drop down menu in the high cost software. If the LEA feels that a high cost student generated a substantial cost for an item that has already been included in the $10,000 base line cost, then the LEA has the option of submitting a request for an administrative line item add-on. The cost and explanation of the service must be submitted to DPI for approval. The request can be viewed here: Request Form

A student qualifies for high cost aid if the total cost for a student is $30,000 after special education categorical aid has been deducted. Student specific amounts reimbursed by Medicaid should not be included on the claim. 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.

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.

High Cost Criteria

Eligible Applicants

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

Timelines

  • January 31, 2013 - Web-Based claims due for costs incurred during 2011-2012
  • June 2013 - Aid Payment: On or before the third Monday in June

Web-Based High Cost Claim Technical Assistance

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.

High Cost Claim Instructional Webinar presented live on 1-9-2013. File requires Windows Media to view. 

New Base Cost Special Education Expenditures

This document reflects the $10,000 line item that will be automatically added to each student eligible to receive high cost aid.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

For more information, contact: