Change in Age of Eligibility

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has implemented a policy change that will provide continued education services to special education students. This policy change will ensure students can access Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) as they are entitled under federal law.

Effective no later than September 5, 2023, all students entitled to FAPE and all of the rights and procedural safeguards under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Chapter 14 of Title 22 of the Pennsylvania Code may remain enrolled in public school until they turn 22 years of age. This includes students who turned 21 and exited during or after the 2022-2023 school term. For more information, visit the links below:

• Age of Eligibility Policy Notification Letter (for Students, Parents, and Guardians)
• Special Education Change of Age of Eligibility Notification (for Schools)
• Age of Eligibility FAQs and Resources (PDE Website)