Cost to family
None: the tutor is paid by the Department
There are 4 categories: special educational needs and medical grounds, children with no school place, children in care, and post-primary students on maternity-related absence. Each has its own form and route.
Quick facts
- Cost to family
- None: the tutor is paid by the Department
- Medical form
- HTMED 1
- Special needs form
- HTSEN1
- HTSEN1 closes
- 21st May 2027
- HTMED1 closes
- 16th April 2027 (post-primary), 14th May 2027 (primary)
Who can get it — the full rules
Medical and special needs: children who cannot attend school because of, for example, chronic illness. It also covers children with special educational needs seeking a school place, and early intervention for children with autism.
No School Place: a temporary measure for a child without a school place who is actively seeking one. Children in care: children without a school place after an emergency placement or a placement breakdown.
Maternity-related absence: post-primary students in Junior or Senior Cycle whose education may be disrupted by pregnancy.
What is paid
The family does not pay the tutor. Once a payment claim form is in, the Department pays the approved tutor directly.
From 1 June 2026, the hourly rate paid to a qualified tutor is €51.20 at primary level and €56.48 at post-primary.
How to apply
Pick the right category and form
Use HTMED 1 for a significant medical condition, or HTSEN1 for special educational needs, for the 2026/2027 school year.
Send it to the Home Tuition Unit
Post it to the Special Education Section, Department of Education and Youth, Cornamaddy, Athlone, N37 X659.
No school place? Ask your Educational Welfare Officer
No School Place forms come from your local Educational Welfare Officer (Tusla).
Child in care? Ask the social worker
Children in Care forms come from the child's appointed social worker.
Maternity absence? Email the form
Send the completed form, preferably by email, to hometuitionapprovals@education.gov.ie.
Things to watch
The HTSEN1 closing date for 2026/2027 is 21st May 2027. For HTMED1 it is 16th April 2027 for post-primary students and 14th May 2027 for primary pupils.
To change tutor or add a tutor, send the form at least three weeks before the final date of sanction in your sanction letter.
Phone, forms and how long it takes
- Home Tuition Unit (special needs and medical)
- (090) 648 4187
- Parents and Learners Unit, Home Tuition Section (MRA)
- 090 648 4108
- Home Tuition Unit (special needs and medical)
- special_education@education.gov.ie
- Send the MRA form (email preferred)
- hometuitionapprovals@education.gov.ie
- Medical grounds
- Form HTMED 1
- Special educational needs
- Form HTSEN1
- Maternity-related absence
- Maternity Related Absence (MRA) Application Form
- Send HTMED 1 or HTSEN1 to
- Special Education Section, Department of Education and Youth, Cornamaddy, Atlone, County Westmeath, N37 X659
From the official pages (gov.ie), re-checked every night. Numbers and times can change, so check the official page before you send anything.
Common questions
What is the home tuition grant?
Department of Education funding for a tutor to teach a child at home. It is for children who cannot attend school, for example because of chronic illness, or who are waiting for a special needs placement.
What form do I need for home tuition?
HTMED 1 for a significant medical condition, or HTSEN1 for special educational needs. No School Place forms come from your Educational Welfare Officer.
Who pays the home tutor?
The Department of Education pays the approved tutor directly once a payment claim form is received.
When is the home tuition closing date for 2026/2027?
HTSEN1: 21st May 2027. HTMED1: 16th April 2027 for post-primary and 14th May 2027 for primary.