The North Carolina Education Student Accounts Plus (ESA+) program is one of the most significant educational funding opportunities available to families of children with disabilities in the state. Since its launch in 2021, the program has grown from fewer than 3,000 students to more than 6,400 in the 2025–2026 school year — and demand continues to outpace available funding.
If you are wondering whether your child qualifies, how much funding is available, and how to navigate the application process, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Who Is Eligible for NC ESA+?
To qualify for the NC ESA+ program, a student must meet all of the following criteria:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age / Grade | Must be a K–12 student (ages 5–21) |
| Disability | Must have a disability as defined under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) — this includes autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, speech/language impairment, emotional disturbance, intellectual disability, physical disability, and others |
| NC Residency | Must be a North Carolina resident |
| Prior Enrollment | Must have been enrolled in a North Carolina public school for at least one semester, OR be a rising kindergartner, OR have previously received an ESA+ award |
| Income | No income limit — the program is available to all qualifying families regardless of household income |
Notably, there is no income requirement for ESA+. This distinguishes it from many other scholarship programs and makes it accessible to a wide range of families.
How Much Funding Is Available?
The annual award amount depends on the nature of your child's disability:
| Student Category | Annual Award |
|---|---|
| General ESA+ eligible students | $9,000 per year |
| Students with designated severe disabilities | $17,000 per year |
The "designated severe disabilities" category includes students with significant cognitive disabilities, multiple disabilities, deaf-blindness, and certain other conditions as defined by NCSEAA. If you believe your child may qualify for the higher award, review the NCSEAA eligibility documentation carefully or contact NCSEAA directly.
Funds are distributed through ClassWallet in two installments — one at the beginning of the fall semester and one at the beginning of the spring semester.
What Can ESA+ Funds Be Used For?
ESA+ funds are restricted to three categories of services, all of which must be provided by an enrolled provider who accepts ClassWallet payments:
- Therapy — speech-language, occupational, physical, behavioral, and equine-assisted interventions
- Tutoring — academic tutoring, reading intervention, online courses, and educational support
- Transportation — transport to and from approved therapy or tutoring services
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the NCSEAA online portal at k12.ncseaa.edu. Here is the general process:
- Create an NCSEAA account — go to the ESA+ portal and register as a parent or guardian
- Complete the application — provide your child's personal information, school enrollment history, and disability documentation
- Upload documentation — you will need your child's current IEP (Individualized Education Program) or 504 plan, or a letter from a licensed professional confirming the disability
- Submit and wait for review — NCSEAA reviews applications and notifies families of award decisions by email
- Accept the award — if approved, you must formally accept the award through the portal before funds are released
Application Timing and Waitlists
The ESA+ program operates on a priority application window that typically opens in the spring for the following school year. Applications submitted during the priority window receive preference over late applications.
Demand for the program consistently exceeds available funding. In the 2025–2026 school year, approximately 26% of eligible applicants were not funded due to budget constraints. If your child is placed on a waitlist, you will be notified and can reapply in the next cycle.
The North Carolina legislature has passed a $1 million annual funding escalator through 2032–2033, which means the program will continue to grow each year — but applying early and during the priority window gives your family the best chance of receiving an award.
Renewing Your Award
ESA+ awards are not automatically renewed. Families must reapply each year to continue receiving funding. Renewal applications are typically simpler than initial applications, but the deadline is firm — missing it means waiting until the next cycle.
For the most current application dates, eligibility criteria, and documentation requirements, always refer to the official NCSEAA website at k12.ncseaa.edu.
