Short answer
Arizona ESA funding schedule, 2026-27
Arizona ESA accounts are funded quarterly in ClassWallet, between the 15th and the end of July, October, January and April. The next deposits fall January 15–31, 2027 and April 15–30, 2027. New accounts are funded starting in the quarter the ESA contract is signed, about 3–5 weeks after signing.
Arizona ESA deposit dates
| Date | What is deposited | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| July 15–31, 2026 | Quarter 1 funds (covers July–September) | All active contracts |
| October 15–31, 2026 | Quarter 2 funds (covers October–December); amounts may be adjusted | All active contracts |
| January 15–31, 2027 | Quarter 3 funds (covers January–March) | All active contracts |
| April 15–30, 2027 | Quarter 4 funds (covers April–June) | All active contracts |
- Contracts signed before Q2 use the prior year's funding factors, so amounts may be adjusted up or down in Q2.
- Debit-card receipts are due by the end of the month after each quarter (October 31, January 31, April 30, July 31) and after every 20 transactions. If you spent nothing in a quarter, file "No Expense to Report".
- Remaining funds roll over to the next fiscal year.
Source: ClassWallet help center: when will I see my ESA funds (as of October 21, 2026)
How much is Arizona ESA worth in 2026-27?
Arizona ESA amounts are not one flat number. Each award is 90% of the state funding the student would have generated in public school, so it varies by grade, disability category and district. Students with disabilities receive substantially more. Check the Arizona Department of Education's current approximate funding chart or your ESA portal for your child's amount.
| Student / category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Funding formula | 90% of the state per-student funding the child would generate in public school |
| Preschool and kindergarten students with a disability (other than P-SD) | Half the listed amount |
Source: Arizona Department of Education: ESA 2025-26 parent handbook (as of July 1, 2025)
After the deposit: how Arizona ESA money gets spent
Pay Vendor (direct pay)
For schools and providers registered on ClassWallet. Upload the provider's invoice; providers are paid by ACH about 2–10 business days after approval. Private schools must be paid this way.
ClassWallet Marketplace
Online vendors ship to the address on record after the ESA team approves the order.
Debit card
Works at point of sale, PayPal and Square. No cash withdrawals, and it is blocked at private schools. Upload receipts by each quarterly deadline.
Reimbursement
Allowed. Link a bank account and submit itemized receipts or proof of payment plus an itemized invoice (and the provider's credential where required).
Source: ClassWallet help center: ways to use ESA funds (as of October 21, 2026)
Who qualifies and how to apply
- Universal: any Arizona K-12 student eligible to attend public school, plus preschoolers with a disability. No income limit and no priority tiers.
- Applications are accepted year-round; review takes up to 30 days after a complete application. Funding starts in the quarter the contract is signed.
- Returning families don't reapply; they sign the renewal contract emailed around May.
- Students can't be enrolled in a public, charter or public online school, or take an STO scholarship in the same contract year.
Source: Arizona Department of Education: ESA 2025-26 parent handbook (as of July 1, 2025)
Arizona ESA funding FAQ
When does my Arizona ESA get funded?
Quarterly, between the 15th and the end of July, October, January and April. The next deposits fall January 15–31, 2027 and April 15–30, 2027.
How much is the Arizona ESA?
It depends on grade, disability category and district: each award is 90% of the state funding the student would generate in public school. Your ESA portal shows your child's amount.
How long until a new Arizona ESA account is funded?
About 3–5 weeks after you sign the contract. Funding starts in the quarter the contract is signed.
Is there an Arizona ESA application deadline or income limit?
No. Applications are accepted year-round and there is no income limit.
Dates and amounts come from the official sources linked above and can change mid-year. Your account portal is the final word for your family. Questions about your own account: Arizona ESA contact page. GetESAPaid is not affiliated with the program. Maintained by the GetESAPaid Research Desk.