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Government-funded education at home: up to 20 hours per week for autistic children aged 2½–5. Autism diagnosis required.
Your child must meet all four criteria. Unlike most entitlements, autism diagnosis is explicitly required.
Unlike most entitlements, the Home Tuition Grant explicitly requires an autism diagnosis. This is a mandatory requirement, not optional. AutismCare provides diagnoses recognised by the Department of Education.
Your child must be between 2 years 6 months and 5 years old. The grant provides up to 10 hours per week for ages 2½–3, and up to 20 hours per week from age 3 onwards.
Your child must not have a suitable school place. If your child is in school (even part-time), you may not be eligible unless there is documented evidence that the placement is unsuitable.
Your tutor must be registered with the Teaching Council of Ireland and have obtained Garda Vetting clearance. AutismCare can recommend qualified tutors who meet these requirements.
Direct funding for educational tuition hours delivered at your home by a qualified tutor.
For children aged 2½ to 3 years, the grant covers up to 10 hours of weekly educational tuition delivered at your home.
From age 3 onwards, the grant covers up to 20 hours of weekly educational tuition at your home.
The grant covers tutor rates set by the Department of Education, which vary based on qualifications. Rates are reviewed annually.
Tuition is delivered in your home environment, supporting early intervention critical during the ages 2½–5 window for developmental progress.
Follow these five steps. The application window is typically April–June each year.
The Home Tuition Grant explicitly requires an autism diagnosis. Book a child assessment with AutismCare to obtain a diagnosis report recognised by the Department of Education.
Download the Home Tuition Grant application form (HTSEN1) from Gov.ie or the Department of Education website. Fill in all required fields accurately.
Prepare: (1) Autism diagnosis report from AutismCare; (2) Letter from school or early education setting stating no suitable placement is available; (3) Proof of identity (your child's birth certificate); (4) Evidence of residence.
Search for a Teaching Council-registered tutor with Garda Vetting clearance who specialises in autism education. The tutor must be registered before you submit your application.
Submit your completed application (Form HTSEN1), supporting documents, and tutor details to the Department of Education's Special Education Section. Applications are typically processed in April–June.
Autism diagnosis is the cornerstone of your application. AutismCare makes this accessible and recognised by government.
The Home Tuition Grant explicitly requires an autism diagnosis. Unlike most Irish entitlements, you cannot proceed without this documentation.
AutismCare diagnoses are delivered by PSI-registered Clinical Psychologists and are widely recognised by the Department of Education and other government bodies.
The sooner you secure a diagnosis, the sooner you can apply. Early intervention during ages 2½–5 is critical for developmental progress.
Book a child assessment with AutismCare today. Our diagnoses unlock the Home Tuition Grant and other government entitlements.
Book a Child AssessmentExplore other government supports available to families of autistic children in Ireland.
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Learn More →€3,800/year tax relief for permanently incapacitated children. Reduces tax bill directly. Retroactive up to 4 years.
Learn More →Yes. Unlike most Irish entitlements, the Home Tuition Grant explicitly requires an autism diagnosis. This is a mandatory requirement. AutismCare provides recognised diagnoses from PSI-registered Clinical Psychologists.
The grant covers tutor rates set by the Department of Education. These rates vary by tutor qualifications and are reviewed annually. Ages 2½–3 receive up to 10 hours/week; ages 3+ receive up to 20 hours/week.
Yes. If you have multiple children eligible (aged 2½–5 with autism diagnosis), you can apply for the Home Tuition Grant for each child separately. Each child will receive their own grant allocation.
The Home Tuition Grant is not typically retroactive for private tuition you've already paid. The grant begins once you've been approved and the Department of Education processes your application. Check with the Department for their specific retroactivity policy.
The grant is intended for tuition delivered in your home. Online tuition or tutors from other counties may not be covered. Clarify with the Department of Education before finalising tutor arrangements.
The grant is available for children aged 2½–5 years. Once your child enters school or reaches age 5, the grant typically ends. You may then be eligible for other supports like the Domiciliary Care Allowance or July Provision.
If your tutor leaves, you'll need to find a replacement Teaching Council-registered tutor. Notify the Department of Education of the change. The grant may be paused until a new tutor is confirmed.
AutismCare assessments are recognised by the Department of Education. Start your child's assessment journey today.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes. Home Tuition Grant eligibility, coverage, and application procedures are determined by the Department of Education. Always refer to official government guidance at Gov.ie and verify all requirements with the Department before proceeding.
Hello, to request a call back by a member of our team please complete the information below.
Meabh Charlton Phelan
Client Engagement Advisor
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