Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child be enrolled at a public school and use the Education Scholarship Account?
No. Indiana ESA cannot be used if a student is enrolled at a traditional public or public charter school. However, an eligible student with an Education Scholarship Account may use funds to purchase services from a traditional public or public charter school, such as courses, if the school has applied to participate with the program. The Indiana ESA can be used to cover any tuition or fees associated with these courses.
Are current non-public school students eligible?
Yes, current non-public school students can apply to participate in the Indiana ESA program as long as they meet the eligibility and income requirements. The non-public school that will be accepting payments through the Indiana ESA account must apply and be approved as a participating provider.
Will Indiana ESA students who choose to educate at home be considered homeschoolers?
No. While both options provide families with greater control over their student’s education, they are classified differently under Indiana code and subject to different regulations. In Indiana, homeschools are classified as nonpublic, non-accredited, with less than one employee and students are exempt from statewide assessments. Students who are approved for an ESA must take the statewide assessment or an alternative test as outlined in the student’s IEP/ISP, and must meet any program regulations approved by the state. For more information on home education, you may visit the Indiana Association of Home Educators at iahe.net.
Is my child eligible if they are currently receiving an Indiana Choice Scholarship?
Students may not be awarded the Choice Scholarship and the Education Scholarship Account for the same school year. However, if your child is a current recipient of the Choice Scholarship Award, you may apply for the Educational Scholarship Account. If approved, your child will forfeit the Choice Scholarship and be able to use funds through an Indiana ESA account to purchase educational services and fees. You may continue to use these funds for tuition and fees at a qualified school.
How much funding will my student receive under the Indiana ESA program?
Students who participate in the program will receive 90% of their basic tuition support already allotted to the student by the state as well as 100% of special education dollars allotted to their student, if the student chooses not to receive special education services from their local public school. This amount will vary by district and is based on your local public school district.
How will Indiana ESA money be distributed to families?
Scholarship funds will be deposited directly into each student’s Indiana ESA account in quarterly payments. This account will be available to parents via a secure online portal, which they will use to make payments directly to providers from the student’s account. Debit cards are not used and funds are not deposited directly into personal bank accounts.
What can the Indiana ESA funds be used for?
Funds must be used for qualified expenses through pre-approved Indiana ESA providers. See below for a list of qualified expenses and types of providers available to participate.
What if my child's current provider is not an approved Indiana ESA provider?
If a parent would like to use Indiana ESA funds to make payments to a provider that is not currently on the pre-approved list, the provider must first apply and be approved to participate in the program. Any services paid for prior to approval of the participating entity into the program will not be reimbursed.
Choice Scholarship Program vs. Education Scholarship Account Program?
While Indiana's Choice Scholarship can be used to cover tuition and fees at non-public, voucher-accepting schools, tuition and fees are just one type of qualified expense for an Indiana ESA student. Any remaining funds after the cost of tuition and fees can be used on any pre-approved educational expenses, such as therapies and services.
Furthermore, instead of using the Indiana ESA funds at a non-public school, parents can instead opt to completely customize their child’s education through the use of tutors, therapies, services, and other pre-approved educational expenses, as long as the parent of the eligible student uses part of the money in the account in the following areas of study: reading, grammar, mathematics, social studies or science, or other area as determined in the student’s IEP, service plan or choice special education plan.
Students may not be awarded the Choice Scholarship and the Education Scholarship Account for the same school year. However, if your child is a current recipient of the Choice Scholarship Award, you may apply for the Educational Scholarship Account. If approved, your child will not be able to use the Choice Scholarship and will be able to use funds through an Indiana ESA account to purchase educational services and fees. You may continue to use these funds for tuition and fees at a qualified school.
Eligibility
A student may be eligible for the Indiana ESA program if they can prove permanent and primary residency in the state of Indiana. During the application process, documentation will be required that shows current and primary state residency.
A student may be eligible for the Indiana ESA program if they are at least 5 years of age, and less than 22 years of age by August 1 of the anticipated school year of participation.
A student may be eligible for the Indiana ESA program if they have a disability and require special education. In order for an Indiana ESA application to be approved, the student must have, and submit a complete copy of an individualized education program (IEP), service plan, or choice special education (CSEP) plan for review.
A student may be eligible for the Indiana ESA program if they meet the income requirement of 300% of the federal Free or Reduced School Meals. Below is a chart that provides a quick glance at qualifying income based on household size.
| Household Size* | Program Limit (300% of federal limit) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $75,424.50 |
| 2 | $101,620.50 |
| 3 | $127,816.50 |
| 4 | $154,012.50 |
| 5 | $180,208.50 |
| 6 | $206,404.50 |
| 7 | $232,600.50 |
| 8 | $258,796.50 |
| 9 | $284,992.50 |
| 10 | $311,188.50 |
*For households with more than eight people, add $26,196 per additional person. Always check with the appropriate managing agency to ensure the most accurate guidelines.
Informational Videos for Families
Spring 2022 Family Information Session
Student Application Walkthrough
Student Eligibility & Indiana ESA For additional information, please send us an email!
