The ESA+ program gives North Carolina families more choice in how they support their child’s education. If your child has a documented disability, this program can help cover the cost of private school, homeschooling resources, therapies, and other learning tools that match their needs.
The state of North Carolina manages the ESA+ program and provides funds through an online account (ClassWallet). Families can use those funds for approved educational expenses, making it easier to create a personalized learning path. Keep reading to see what the program covers, who qualifies, and how to get started.
What ESA+ pays for
ESA+ funds can be used to support your child’s education in a variety of ways, depending on your schooling setup.
Examples of allowable expenses include:
- Tutoring in core subjects like math, science, English/language arts, social studies, and foreign languages (tutors must be SEAA-approved)
- Technology used for educational purposes, including approved devices and assistive tech related to learning or communication
- Curriculum materials like lesson plans, workbooks, or learning kits used for academic instruction
- Educational therapy, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, or other specialized support
- Transportation to and from eligible educational activities (requires a signed agreement with the provider)
- Textbooks required by a nonpublic school and tied to core academic subjects
- Standardized testing fees, especially for homeschool students
Keep in mind, ESA+ funds can’t be used for everyday supplies (like paper or ink), field trips, event tickets, furniture, sports gear, or musical instruments. Some tech purchases, especially items over $600, may have additional rules, like a limit on buying the same type of item more than once every three years.
Who is eligible
ESA+ currently has no income limits. However, to qualify for the program, your child must meet both educational and residency requirements. ESA+ is designed for students who need special education support and are not currently enrolled full-time in a public school.
Base eligibility requirements
Your child may qualify for ESA+ if they:
- Are identified as a “child with disabilities” under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and have an active Eligibility Determination through a North Carolina public school
- Are at least 5 years old by August 31, or at least 4 by April 16, and approved for early kindergarten based on state guidelines
- Live in North Carolina
- Have not graduated from high school
- Are not enrolled full-time in a college or other postsecondary institution
ESA+ is intended for students who are enrolled in a nonpublic school or are homeschooled and are receiving services from approved providers.
Higher award eligibility
Some students may qualify for a higher ESA+ funding amount if their IEP Eligibility Determination lists one of the following as a primary or secondary disability:
- Autism
- Hearing impairment
- Moderate or severe intellectual disability
- Orthopedic impairment
- Visual impairment
Families must renew eligibility documentation every three years to continue receiving ESA+ funding.
How much funding can you get
ESA+ awards are given at two levels based on your child’s needs. The base award provides up to $9,000 per year for most eligible students. If your child’s IEP lists designated disabilities such as those previously mentioned, they may qualify for a higher award of up to $17,000 per year.
How to apply
Families can apply for ESA+ through MyPortal, the official application platform managed by NCSEAA. If you’re ready to explore new learning options for your child, here’s how to apply:
- Create a MyPortal Account: Head to the NCSEAA website and set up your MyPortal account. This is where you’ll complete your application, upload documents, and track updates.
- Complete the ESA+ application: When the application window opens, fill out and submit your child’s application through MyPortal. Be sure to check the website for the most current dates, as the schedule may change each year.
- Upload your eligibility documents: After submitting your application, upload your child’s eligibility determination. It’s best to do this as soon as possible to avoid delays.
- Check back for updates: Check your MyPortal account for messages and award updates, which typically come around early May. You’ll be notified there if your child is selected for funding or added to the waitlist.
Families who already participate in ESA+ or were waitlisted the previous year may get priority, so applying early is a smart move.
Things to keep in mind
Once your child is awarded ESA+ funds, there are a few key guidelines to follow. These help ensure the funds are appropriately used and continue to support your child’s education.
- Use funds only for provider enrolled expenses: ESA+ can only be spent on qualified educational services and materials listed by the program. Non-educational items aren’t eligible.
- Keep receipts and records: You may be asked to provide proof of purchase, especially for reimbursements or during routine reviews.
- Unused funds may carry over: If you don’t use all the funds in one school year, they can roll over to the next, if your child remains eligible.
- Misuse of funds may lead to removal: Spending ESA+ money on non-approved items may result in losing access to the program.
If you’re ever unsure about what qualifies, it’s always best to double-check the guidelines or reach out to the program team. Following the rules helps protect your child’s funding and keeps everything running smoothly.
Frequently asked questions: North Carolina ESA+ Program
Below are some of the most common things families ask when researching ESA+. These quick answers can help you feel more confident as you take the next steps.
What if my child doesn’t have an eligibility determination yet?
Before applying for ESA+, your child must have an official Eligibility Determination from a North Carolina public school.
Can we still apply if we're moving to North Carolina?
Yes, as long as your child is living in North Carolina by the time their school year begins, you may apply for ESA+ once all other eligibility requirements are met.
Is ESA+ available for preschoolers or transitional kindergarten students?
ESA+ is not currently available for preschool. However, students who are at least 4 years old by April 16 may qualify if approved for early kindergarten under state guidelines.
Do students need to meet academic standards to stay eligible?
While ESA+ doesn’t require students to meet specific test score benchmarks, students must receive instruction in core academic subjects like English, math, science, and social studies. There is also a required testing component for all scholarship recipients in grades 3 and up.
- For grades 3–8, the test must cover English, grammar, reading, spelling, and math.
- For grades 9, 10, and 12, the test must measure either academic achievement in core subjects or verbal and quantitative competencies.
- Grade 11 students are required to take the ACT.
- Tests must be nationally standardized, normed within the last 10 years, and approved by the North Carolina Division of Nonpublic Education (DNPE). Examples include the Stanford Achievement Test and the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills.
Families enrolled in homeschooling must also follow North Carolina’s homeschool testing requirements. For the complete and most up-to-date information on required tests, you may visit the NCSEAA website.
Do I need to spend a minimum amount each year?
Yes. Families must spend at least $1,000 per year on tuition or approved academic expenses in subjects like English language arts, math, science, or social studies. If this requirement isn’t met, your child may not be eligible to renew ESA+ funding the following year.
Can I use my child’s ESA+ funds for Outschool?
Outschool is an Enrolled Provider, making it simple for families to purchase classes through ClassWallet under the ESA+ program. Outschool offers a wide variety of classes across subjects and interests, and the marketplace filters make it easy to find courses from that qualify for ESA+.
Need help or have more questions?
If you need help at any point during the process, the NCSEAA has resources and support available to guide you through applications, eligibility, and spending rules.
For the most up-to-date information, visit the official ESA+ program page or reach out by:
- Phone: 855-330-3955
- Email: ESA@ncseaa.edu
Whether you’re just getting started or have specific questions about your child’s eligibility, the program team is there to help you confidently navigate the next steps.
More resources for North Carolina homeschoolers
Looking for additional insight? Our guide to how to use ESA to homeschool in North Carolina is a great place to start.
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