This page provides answers to frequently asked questions about the Noneducational Community-Based Support Services (NECBS) program.
General Questions
What is the NECBS program?
NECBS stands for Noneducational Community-Based Supports. NECBS is a grant program from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) that helps parents pay for approved services that promote the eligible student’s stability, independence, and meaningful participation at home and in the community. The Region 10 Educational Service Center (ESC 10) administers the program on behalf of the TEA.
The program serves students who are placed by their admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee in either a residential program or a day-placement program and are at risk of residential placement. The program is designed to help families access supports that strengthen success in less restrictive home and community environments whenever appropriate.
Grant recipients are awarded an initial $5,000 account in the NECBS online Marketplace hosted by ClassWallet, where they may purchase approved services from NECBS providers. Parents may request additional funding later, provided their student's eligibility continues and their NECBS account remains in good standing.
Are grants available per child or per family?
The NECBS program provides grants for each eligible student.
Is NECBS a one-time-only grant?
No. Initial awards are $5,000, and accounts in good standing may request additional funds for as long as their student remains eligible and funding is available.
Which Texas Education Codes (TEC) and Texas Administrative Codes (TAC) describe the NECBS program?
The NECBS program is authorized by Texas Education Code (TEC) §29.013 and implemented through the Commissioner's Rules in 19 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §89.1127 . These laws and rules establish the program's purpose, eligibility requirements, funding provisions, and administrative requirements.
Eligibility for NECBS is also closely tied to Texas Education Code (TEC) §29.008, which governs approved day placement and residential placement programs for certain students receiving special education services. To be eligible for NECBS, a student must be placed in, or determined to be at risk of placement in, a program approved under TEC §29.008. Additional requirements for these programs are implemented through the Commissioner's Rules in 19 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §89.1092, relating to residential placements, and 19 TAC §89.1094, relating to day placement programs.
Resources:
- 19 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §89.1092
- 19 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §89.1094
What if a parent disagrees with a decision made by the NECBS program?
NECBS administration makes decisions in accordance with statute, program rules, the NECBS Parental Acknowledgment and Agreement, the NECBS Service Provider Agreement, and the NECBS Purchasing Guidelines.
Parents who would like a decision reconsidered are encouraged to contact the NECBS team at necbs@region10.org. NECBS will review the concern and work with families to address questions and resolve disagreements whenever possible.
Need help?
Contact the NECBS Team (necbs@region10.org) for:
- General NECBS questions,
- Questions about the NECBS application,
- Finding or adding a service provider to the marketplace, or
- Finding specific services in the marketplace.
Questions About Eligibility
Which students are eligible for NECBS?
To be eligible for NECBS, students must receive special education services in a Texas public school, and their admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee must have placed them either:
- In a residential program approved under Texas Education Code (TEC) §29.008; or
- In a day placement program approved under TEC §29.008 and determined that the student is at risk of being placed in a residential program approved under TEC §29.008.
NECBS administration will review the student's eligibility before funds are awarded and may request documentation such as the student's current Individualized Education Program (IEP) or other records needed to verify eligibility.
If a student is placed in a residential program for reasons other than educational purposes, are they eligible for NECBS?
No. A student is not eligible for NECBS if the residential or day placement was made by a parent, court, medical provider, or any entity other than the student’s admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee.
Are students who are not enrolled in public schools eligible?
No. Students must be currently enrolled in a Texas public school district or open enrollment charter school to be eligible to receive NECBS funds.
What should parents do if their student's eligibility changes?
Parents should notify NECBS administration as soon as they become aware of a change that may affect their student's eligibility. Examples may include withdrawal from a Texas public school, a change in placement status, or other circumstances that could affect eligibility for the NECBS program.
NECBS administration may review eligibility at any time and may request updated documentation, such as a current Individualized Education Program (IEP) or other records needed to verify continued eligibility.
If a student is no longer eligible for NECBS, the account may be deactivated or closed, and any remaining funds may be reclaimed and returned to the program.
Questions About Applying
Who can apply for NECBS?
A parent of an eligible student may apply for and receive NECBS funds. "Parent" means a person who meets the definition of parent in 34 Code of Federal Regulations, §300.30.
When can parents apply for NECBS?
NECBS does not have an application window. NECBS accepts applications year-round and reviews applications on an ongoing basis.
How can parents apply for NECBS?
Parents who wish to apply should start by visiting the NECBS homepage on SPEDTex to learn more about the program and access the application through the NECBS Parent Portal.
What will parents need to provide to complete the NECBS application?
Parents will need to provide contact information and information necessary to identify the student, including the student's Unique Identification Number (UID).
Parents will also need to provide:
- A digital pdf copy of the student's current Individualized Education Program (IEP);
- A digital pdf copy of the student's Reintegration Plan (if it is not included in the IEP); and
- Information about the student's 29.008-approved day-placement or residential program.
For applications submitted based on the student being considered at risk of residential placement, NECBS administration may request additional documentation showing that placement in a qualifying residential program has been considered. Examples may include ARD committee documentation, Prior Written Notice, or other records supporting eligibility.
What happens after a parent submits their application?
NECBS administration generally processes applications within 30 calendar days of receiving a complete application. If additional information is needed, processing may take longer.
After eligibility has been reviewed and a funding decision has been made, NECBS administration will notify the parent of the decision. If approved, parents will receive information about accessing and activating their account within the NECBS marketplace hosted by ClassWallet.
If additional information is needed to determine eligibility, NECBS administration may contact the parent before making a final decision. If eligibility cannot be verified, the application may be denied. In that event, NECBS administration will notify the parent of the decision and may identify any additional information or documentation needed to establish eligibility. Previously denied parents may submit a new application at any time eligibility can be verified.
Does NECBS prioritize awarding of accounts?
Yes. If available funding is not sufficient to fund all eligible applicants, NECBS may prioritize awards based on program requirements. New applicants are prioritized before requests for additional funding, and eligible students identified as eligible for free or reduced-price lunch may receive additional priority. Within a priority group, applications are generally processed in the order they are received.
If funding is not immediately available, eligible applicants may be placed on a waitlist until additional funding becomes available.
Questions About Marketplace Accounts
Is there a requirement to activate the account?
Yes. Before parents can access NECBS funds, they must activate their account in the ClassWallet marketplace by the deadline established by NECBS.
To activate their account, parents must:
- Log in to your ClassWallet NECBS account;
- Agree to the NECBS Parental Acknowledgment and Agreement; and
- Agree to the NECBS Purchasing Guidelines.
The activation deadline is typically the end of the calendar month following the month in which the award was issued. For example, if the award is issued on October 12, the activation deadline would typically be November 30.
Accounts that are not activated by the deadline may be closed, and the awarded funds may be returned to the program.
How long do parents have to spend funds?
Families are encouraged to use awarded NECBS funds in a reasonable and timely manner for approved services and supports that meet their student's needs. While there is not a specific spending deadline assigned to each award, the availability of funds is subject to program funding and grant requirements. Families should use awarded funds as soon as practical after receiving their award.
NECBS administration may review accounts that show extended periods of inactivity or limited use of funds. Families may be required to complete or update a NECBS Support Plan describing how remaining funds will be used. In some situations, NECBS administration may establish a deadline for remaining funds. Accounts with funds that are not used by an established deadline may be deactivated and funds reclaimed and returned to the program.
What is a NECBS Support Plan?
A NECBS Support Plan helps families identify desired services, providers, estimated costs, and future support needs. It also helps NECBS administration identify service needs, recruit and approve providers, and expand the NECBS Marketplace so families can access and pay for the services they need.
NECBS Support Plans are intended to be straightforward, flexible, and easy to complete. Families can complete the form using a simple template (additional tools and templates will be available soon), update it as their needs change, and receive assistance from NECBS staff if needed.
Completion of a Support Plan is optional for families receiving an initial award but is required when requesting additional funding. NECBS may also require a Support Plan in certain situations, such as when funds have not been actively used or other program concerns need to be addressed.
Even when a Support Plan is not required, families are strongly encouraged to complete one. A Support Plan can help families determine whether their planned services and supports are generally consistent with NECBS requirements before funds are spent and can help NECBS identify providers or services that may be needed.
Can parents request additional funding?
Yes. If the account is in good standing, parents may request additional funding when the NECBS account balance reaches $1,000 or less. Additional funding is not automatic and depends on factors such as available program funding, continued student eligibility, the family's NECBS Support Plan, demonstrated need, prior use of NECBS funds, and compliance with program requirements. Accounts that have been flagged for review cannot request additional funding until they return to good standing. Accounts that have been deactivated cannot request additional funding until they have been reactivated.
Can an NECBS account be deactivated or terminated?
Yes. NECBS may deactivate or terminate an account for several reasons including if the student is no longer eligible, if program requirements are not met, or if the parent violates the NECBS Parental Acknowledgment and Agreement or NECBS Purchasing Guidelines. When an account is deactivated or terminated, any remaining funds will be returned to the program.
Questions About What Funds Can Buy
What services can NECBS purchase?
NECBS funds may only be used for approved services provided by approved service providers. The examples and descriptions below are intended to help families and providers understand the types of services that may be allowable through NECBS. This does not include every service, support, or expense that may be approved. Families and providers should contact the NECBS team at NECBS@region10.org before services are scheduled or provided whenever there is a question about whether a service is allowable.
Examples and descriptions of ALLOWABLE services may include:
- Family Support and Training
- Services that help parents and caregivers support the student's needs at home and in the community.
- Independent Living and Daily Living Skills
- Services that help students build independence in daily routines, personal care, household tasks, and community participation.
- Behavioral and Social Supports
- Community-based services that help the family address behavior, social interaction, coping skills, and participation outside of the school setting.
- Community Integration
- Services that help students participate in community life, build social connections, and practice independence in real-world settings.
- Transition and Adulthood Preparation
- Services that help families prepare students for greater independence during transitions into adulthood, postsecondary living, employment-related routines, or community participation.
- Respite and Caregiver Supports
- Services that help maintain stability in the home by providing caregivers with temporary relief, support, or coaching related to the student's needs.
For a complete description of allowable and non-allowable services, please refer to the NECBS Purchasing Guidelines.
What can't NECBS funds be used for?
NECBS funds may only be used for approved services provided by approved service providers. The examples and descriptions below are intended to help families and providers understand the types of services that may not be allowable through NECBS. This does not include every service, support, or expense that may be denied. Families and providers should contact the NECBS team at NECBS@region10.org before services are scheduled or provided whenever there is a question about whether a service is allowable.
Examples and descriptions of UNALLOWABLE services include:
- Reimbursements
- NECBS funds may not reimburse parents for funds already spent.
- All NECBS funds must be used through the NECBS Marketplace.
- Goods, Equipment, and Materials
- Computers, televisions, gaming systems, gift cards, prepaid cards, equipment, materials, supplies, home modifications, classroom modifications, remodeling, or construction projects.
- Routine Medical and Health-Related Expenses Not Related to the Student’s Disability
- Routine doctor visits, dental services, medications, prescriptions, medical equipment, or other healthcare-related expenses not related to the student’s disability*.
- Services Already Covered by Another Program
- NECBS funds may not be used to pay for services that are covered by insurance, Medicaid, or another local, state, or federal program.
- Services provided outside the home or local area
- NECBS is designed to support student success participating in the home and local community; services provided outside those environments are unallowable.
- Routine Family, Convenience, or Recreational Expenses
- General babysitting, routine childcare, food, groceries, gasoline, parking, travel, hotels, entertainment tickets, hobbies, memberships, or similar personal expenses.
- School-Required Educational Services
- Instructional materials, school-based services, or other supports that a school district is responsible for providing as part of a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) or free appropriate public education (FAPE).
- Conflicts of Interest
- NECBS funds may not be used to pay parents, guardians, family members, family-owned businesses, or service providers who have a personal, family, or financial relationship with the family that could create a conflict of interest.
For a complete description of allowable and unallowable expenditures, please refer to the NECBS Purchasing Guidelines.
*Medical services related to the student’s disability such as mental health, psychological, or psychiatric expenses may be allowable.
I don’t see a specific service listed above. How do I know if it is allowable?
The NECBS program is designed to support the individual needs of eligible students and families, so not every approvable service is listed in the FAQs or Purchasing Guidelines. If a parent is considering a service and is unsure whether it is allowable, they should contact NECBS administration before committing to or arranging the service.
Parents and service providers are strongly encouraged to request guidance in writing whenever the allowability of a service may be unclear. Obtaining guidance before services are arranged can help prevent misunderstandings and reduce the risk that a service will be determined to be unallowable.
One of the best ways to confirm that planned services are generally consistent with NECBS requirements is to complete a NECBS Support Plan and have it reviewed by NECBS administration. Even when a Support Plan is not required, it can help families identify potential concerns, confirm that planned services are approvable, and identify any providers that may need to be recruited or added to the NECBS Marketplace.
Questions About Service Providers
Can parents use providers who are not in the NECBS Marketplace?
No. NECBS-funded services must be purchased through approved providers in the NECBS Marketplace hosted by ClassWallet. Providers must complete the NECBS approval process before they can be added to the NECBS marketplace and receive payment through the program. If a desired service or provider is not currently available in the marketplace, parents may request the service or provider be added by completing the NECBS Service or Provider Request Form.
How do I find an approved service provider?
All services must be provided by a service provider approved by the NECBS program. Families can search for approved service providers in either of the following ways:
- ClassWallet Marketplace (Direct Pay): Approved providers are available through the Direct Pay feature in the ClassWallet Marketplace, where families can login to their account, search for providers, and make purchases using their NECBS funds.
- NECBS Approved Provider List and Map: NECBS maintains a current list and interactive map of approved service providers, allowing families to browse available providers and identify options in their area.
If you have a service or provider in mind who is not currently available on the marketplace, you may request they be added by completing the NECBS Service or Provider Request Form. All service providers must complete the NECBS approval process before NECBS funds can be used to pay for their services. Information about becoming an approved provider is available on the Infomation on Becoming a NECBS Service Provider page.
Families who need assistance locating a provider or requesting approval of a new provider may contact the NECBS team at necbs@region10.org or 1-855-773-3839.
Service providers must be approved by the NECBS program and on ClassWallet in order to be paid using NECBS funds.
How does a service provider become approved for NECBS?
Organizations and individuals who wish to provide services through NECBS must complete the NECBS provider approval process and agree to comply with the NECBS Service Provider Agreement.
The approval process may include verification of licenses or certifications, criminal history or background check requirements, fingerprinting requirements, insurance requirements, and other screening procedures established by NECBS administration. Once approved, providers may be added to the NECBS Marketplace hosted by ClassWallet and may receive payment for approved NECBS services.
Interested providers should visit the NECBS Service Provider webpage for application instructions and requirements. Parents who would like to use a provider who is not currently available in the marketplace may encourage the provider to apply for approval. NECBS administration may also assist with provider recruitment and onboarding.
Can a parent, family member, or family-owned business become the student's NECBS provider?
No. NECBS cannot pay parents, guardians, family members, family-owned businesses, or providers in situations where a personal, financial, or familial relationship could create an actual or perceived conflict of interest.
Is there a maximum per hour charge for services provided?
All invoices and receipts for services are reviewed by the NECBS program staff. Vendors and service providers will be denied access if they are found to charge excessive rates.