ESA applications can be completed online at any time! The scholarship, however, is awarded in four, quarterly disbursements:

Q1: July 1 – September 30
Q2: October 1 – December 31
Q3: January 1 – March 31
Q4: April 1 – June 30

Families will receive ESA funds based on the quarter the contract is signed. For instance, if a parent signs a contract at any point during Q1 (July 1 – September 30), they’ll receive Q1 funding.

Applications can take up to 30 days to process (from when a completed application is submitted) and the final determination is sent via email. During this process, the AZ Department of Education is unable to provide any updates about an application’s status. The best course of action while waiting is to regularly check your email while waiting for your application to be processed.

Visit azed.gov to find the Approximate ESA Funding Amounts but a child with no disabilities usually receives around $7,000 per year. This can go, for example, up to $28,000 per year for a child with an autism diagnosis.

Toggle It takes about 3 weeks to set up and fund a new ESA account. The AZ Department of Education and the state Treasurer’s office processes new ESA accounts.

While a portion of funds must be spent each year, any remaining funds remain in the account and roll over every quarter, and onto the next year. Funds return to the state if an account is closed and a child returns to public school.

ESA funds received do not contribute to a parent’s taxable income (A.R.S §15-2402 L.).

Detailed invoices are required and Square, PayPal or Point of Sale receipts alone are not sufficient. The ESA Parent Handbook, “Chapter 4: Expense Submissions,” gives guidance on how parents should submit invoices.

Yes, however, expenses occurring before the date the contract was signed cannot be reimbursed.