Receiving an NC ESA+ scholarship is an exciting milestone for families of children with disabilities in North Carolina. The program provides between $9,000 and $17,000 per school year to help cover the cost of approved educational and therapeutic services. But navigating the payment system, finding enrolled providers, and understanding what is and isn't covered can feel overwhelming at first.
This guide walks you through every step — from activating your account to making your first payment — so you can start using your funds with confidence.
Step 1: Activate Your ClassWallet Account
All ESA+ funds are managed through ClassWallet, a digital payment platform used exclusively for ESA+ transactions. After your scholarship is approved by NCSEAA, you will receive an email invitation to create your ClassWallet account. This account is where your scholarship funds will be deposited each semester.
Once your account is active, you will see your available balance displayed on the ClassWallet dashboard. Funds are typically deposited at the beginning of each semester — fall and spring — so plan your service schedule accordingly.
Step 2: Understand What ESA+ Funds Can Cover
ESA+ funds are restricted to three categories of services. Understanding these categories upfront will save you time and prevent payment rejections.
| Category | Examples of Covered Services |
|---|---|
| Therapy | Speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, behavioral therapy (ABA), equine-assisted interventions |
| Tutoring | Academic tutoring, reading intervention (Orton-Gillingham), math support, executive function coaching, online courses |
| Transportation | Transportation to and from approved therapy or tutoring services |
Importantly, the service must be provided by a provider who is enrolled with NCSEAA. You cannot pay a provider who is not in the NCSEAA system, even if the service itself would otherwise qualify.
Step 3: Find an Enrolled Provider
There are two ways to find enrolled ESA+ providers in North Carolina:
Option A — Use this directory. The NC ESA+ Provider Finder (this site) lets you search by service type, region, specialty, and language. Every provider listed here is enrolled with NCSEAA and accepts ClassWallet payments.
Option B — Search the official NCSEAA database. The NCSEAA Approved Provider Database lists all enrolled providers by name and city. It is less detailed than this directory but is the authoritative source.
Once you have identified a provider, contact them directly to confirm availability, discuss your child's needs, and schedule services. Make sure to confirm that they are actively accepting new ESA+ clients before committing.
Step 4: Submit a Payment Through ClassWallet
Once your child has received services, you initiate payment through ClassWallet — not through a personal check or credit card. Here is how the payment process works:
- Log in to your ClassWallet account at classwallet.com
- Click "Pay Vendor" and search for your provider by name
- Enter the service date, amount, and a brief description
- Submit the payment request — ClassWallet will process it directly to the provider
Some providers may also be listed in the ClassWallet Marketplace, which allows you to browse and pay directly within the platform without needing to search separately.
Step 5: Keep Records
NCSEAA may audit ESA+ accounts to verify that funds were used appropriately. It is good practice to keep documentation of all services received, including invoices, session notes, and receipts. ClassWallet maintains a transaction history in your account, but keeping your own records provides an additional layer of protection.
Common Questions
Can I use ESA+ funds for services my child has already received? No — payments must be made after services are rendered, and providers must be enrolled at the time of service.
What happens to unused funds at the end of the year? Unused funds do not roll over. Plan your service schedule to make full use of your annual award before the school year ends.
Can I use funds for more than one provider? Yes — you can use your ESA+ funds with multiple enrolled providers simultaneously, as long as the total does not exceed your annual award amount.
If you have questions about your specific account, contact NCSEAA directly at k12.ncseaa.edu.
