Side-by-Side Comparison

504 Plan vs. IEP, What's the Difference?

Two different paths. Two different laws. One question every parent asks. Compared across 10 dimensions, in plain English and Spanish. Free. No signup.

A 504 Plan and an IEP are both free, both federal, and both designed to support students with disabilities, but they come from two different laws and protect different things. An IEP gets you specialized teaching. A 504 Plan gets you accommodations. Here's exactly how they compare.

IEP

Individualized Education Program

504 Plan

Section 504 Accommodations

Ask for an IEP when…

Your child needs specialized teaching, not just accommodations. Schools sometimes propose a 504 because it's cheaper to administer; if your child needs different instruction, push for the IEP.

Examples
Autism with significant support needs, intellectual disability, significant learning disability, OHI/ADHD where the child can't make progress in general ed alone.

Ask for a 504 Plan when…

Your child can succeed in general ed with accommodations, extra time, breaks, preferential seating, modified assignments. The teaching itself doesn't need to change.

Examples
Diabetes, anxiety, mild ADHD, dyslexia where extra time and structure are enough, food allergies, recent concussion.
You can request either, in writing, at any time. Schools have a legal duty to respond within your state's timeline. If the school says no, ask for that in writing too, that's your Prior Written Notice (PWN), and it starts your appeal clock.

Common Questions

What if I disagree with the school's evaluation?
For an IEP, request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) in writing. The district must either pay for an outside evaluator or formally defend its own evaluation through due process. For a 504, your options are an OCR (Office for Civil Rights) complaint or a state complaint.
Can my child have both an IEP and a 504 Plan at the same time?
No. If your child qualifies for an IEP, the IEP's accommodations and services supersede a 504. Students can transition between the two as their needs change.
Is it easier to get a 504 Plan?
Generally, yes. A 504 only requires that a physical or mental impairment substantially limits a major life activity. An IEP requires one of 13 IDEA disability categories AND a documented need for specialized instruction.
Does an IEP or 504 cost the family anything?
No. Federal law requires districts to cover all evaluations, services, meetings, and accommodations. If a school asks you to pay, that is a red flag, request Prior Written Notice and contact your state's OCR.
How do I request an evaluation?
Send a written request (email is fine) to the principal or special-education director. Use the exact words: "I am requesting a comprehensive evaluation for special education eligibility" (for IEP) or "a 504 Plan evaluation" (for 504). If they refuse, ask for that refusal in writing.
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