Eligibility Requirements & Application

 Universal student grades kindergarten through twelve

Applicant = The legal parent or guardian

Student = The student receiving the ESA award

Eligibility Requirements

• The Student must be at least five years of age as of January 1st of the contract year to be eligible as an entering Kindergarten student.
• The Student and Applicant must be residents of Arizona.

Documentation Requirements

1. Student’s Birth Certificate (full-color image)

• The applicant (the person applying) must be listed on the birth certificate (or other legal documentation).
  • If the applicant's legal name at the time of application does not match what is on the birth certificate, documentation of legal name change must be included with the birth certificate. 
• As a reminder, students must be 5 years of age by January 1st of the contract year to be eligible for the program.  However, preschool students with a disability are eligible, see additional information under "Preschool Student with a Disability".

2. Proof of Arizona Residency – List of Acceptable Documentation

The applicant is required to submit documentation that lists his or her physical address. The Department of Education is unable to accept P.O. Boxes or business addresses. Applicants must submit documents in his or her name. Acceptable proof of residency documents can include one document from the primary list, two documents from the secondary list, or, if applicable, a notarized Affidavit of Shared Residence form.

Primary list of required documents (please submit one document from the list below):

• Utility bill (water, electric, gas, cable, landline phone, internet) issued within the past 60 days. The document MUST show the entire bill (not just the coupon section) and include all four corners of every page. Unopened documents that just show the mailing address through an envelope window are insufficient.
• Physical address verification letter (for rural addresses only) from a fire department or law enforcement agency issued within the past 60 days.
• Physical address verification letter (for Native American Reservation addresses only) from a tribal agency or Chapter House issued within the past 60 days.
• Temporary on-base billeting facility (for military families) issued within the past 60 days.
• Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) enrollment card only if applicant is an ACP participant.

Secondary list of required documents (please submit at least 2 documents from the list below only if a primary document is unavailable):

• Social Security Administration documents issued within the past 60 days.
• Veterans Affairs Administration documents issued within the past 60 days.
• Arizona Department of Economic Security documents issued within the past 60 days.
• Arizona Department of Transportation vehicle registration issued within the past 60 days.
• Property tax bill with name and address issued within the past year. Must be the actual bill – a payment coupon or receipt is not sufficient.
• W-2 OR 1098 OR 1099 tax document issued within one year.

Affidavit of Shared Residence

If the applicant is unable to provide documentation as proof of residency in his or her name from the primary or secondary lists provided above, he or she may submit a notarized Affidavit of Shared Residence form.

The department reserves the right to review and request additional documentation if deemed necessary. This list may be revised at any time without notice. It is the responsibility of the ESA applicant or account holder to notify the Department of any address changes within 30 days.

 Preschool program for children with disabilities

Applicant = The legal parent or guardian

Student = The student receiving the ESA award.

Eligibility Requirements

• The Student has a current MET/Evaluation Report, Individualized Education Program (IEP), or 504 Plan from an Arizona public school.
• The Applicant (the person applying) must be the legal parent or guardian.
• The Student and Applicant must be residents of Arizona.
• This eligibility type does not need to meet the 45-day full-time enrollment requirement.
• The student must be at least three years of age but who has not reached the age required for kindergarten. 
  • Students are also eligible if they are within ninety days of their third birthday, pursuant to A.R.S § 15-771(G).

Documentation Requirements

1. Student’s Birth Certificate (full-color image)

• The applicant (the person applying) must be listed on the birth certificate (or other legal documentation).
  • If the applicant's legal name at the time of application does not match what is on the birth certificate, documentation of legal name change must be included with the birth certificate.  

2. Proof of Arizona Residency – List of Acceptable Documentation

The applicant is required to submit documentation that lists his or her physical address. The Department of Education is unable to accept P.O. Boxes or business addresses. Applicants must submit documents in his or her name. Acceptable proof of residency documents can include one document from the primary list, two documents from the secondary list, or, if applicable, a notarized Affidavit of Shared Residence form.

Primary list of required documents (please submit one document from the list below):

• Utility bill (water, electric, gas, cable, landline phone, internet) issued within the past 60 days. The document MUST show the entire bill (not just the coupon section) and include all four corners of every page. Unopened documents that just show the mailing address through an envelope window are insufficient.
• Physical address verification letter (for rural addresses only) from a fire department or law enforcement agency issued within the past 60 days.
• Physical address verification letter (for Native American Reservation addresses only) from a tribal agency or Chapter House issued within the past 60 days.
• Temporary on-base billeting facility (for military families) issued within the past 60 days.
• Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) enrollment card only if applicant is an ACP participant.

Secondary list of required documents (please submit at least 2 documents from the list below only if a primary document is unavailable):

• Social Security Administration documents issued within the past 60 days.
• Veterans Affairs Administration documents issued within the past 60 days.
• Arizona Department of Economic Security documents issued within the past 60 days.
• Arizona Department of Transportation vehicle registration issued within the past 60 days.
• Property tax bill with name and address issued within the past year. Must be the actual bill – a payment coupon or receipt is not sufficient.
• W-2 OR 1098 OR 1099 tax document issued within one year.

Affidavit of Shared Residence

If the applicant is unable to provide documentation as proof of residency in his or her name from the primary or secondary lists provided above, he or she may submit a notarized Affidavit of Shared Residence form.

The department reserves the right to review and request additional documentation if deemed necessary. This list may be revised at any time without notice. It is the responsibility of the ESA applicant or account holder to notify the Department of any address changes within 30 days.

3. The Student’s MET/Evaluation Report, Individualized Education Program (IEP), or 504 Plan

• Must be from an Arizona public school.
• The student’s primary category of eligibility must be provided.
• Must be current at the time of the application. This means it cannot have expired before the application date.
  • IEPs must be within the 'anticipated duration dates' as indicated on the documentation. 
  • METs evaluations and 504 Plans must be current as indicated by the reevaluation date on the documentation, if listed. 
• ISPs (individual service plans) from private schools will not be accepted.
• Evaluations from the private school will not be accepted
• Educational evaluations can be accepted from a qualified examiner (licensed physician MD/DO, psychologist, or psychiatrist)
• *MET/Evaluation Reports, IEPs, and 504 Plans are provided by either the district of residence or the district of attendance at the request of the Parent.

 Student is identified as having a disability who has an IEP, MET, 504 Plan, or IEE at the time of the application

Applicant = The legal parent or guardian

Student = The student receiving the ESA award.

Eligibility Requirements

• The Student must be at least five years of age as of January 1st of the contract year to be eligible as an entering Kindergarten student.
• The Student and Applicant must be residents of Arizona.
• If the student is eligible to attend 1-12 grade, the student must meet the 45-day requirement. 
  • This means the student must have been enrolled in an Arizona public school for 45 days of the school year (as a full-time student) prior to the application (for the current or previous school year).
  • This requirement can also be met with online hours.
  • The student may be exempt from this requirement if:
    • the student has not previously attended a governmental primary (K-12) school but is currently eligible to enroll in a kindergarten program (must be five years old on or before January 1st of the contract year)
    • the student has not previously attended a governmental primary (K-12) school but is currently eligible to enroll in a 1st grade program
  • Please note: 
    • Pursuant to A.R.S. 15-2401(7)(b)(iii), if a student received a tax credit scholarship from an STO under the Disabled/Displaced tuition tax credit program, the public school attendance requirement is 90 days in the prior fiscal year.
• The Student has a current MET/Evaluation Report or Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan from an Arizona public school.
• The Applicant (the person applying) must be the legal parent or guardian.

Documentation Requirements

1. Student’s Birth Certificate (full-color image)

• The applicant (the person applying) must be listed on the birth certificate (or other legal documentation).
  • If the applicant's legal name at the time of application does not match what is on the birth certificate, documentation of legal name change must be included with the birth certificate.  

2. Proof of Arizona Residency – List of Acceptable Documentation

The applicant is required to submit documentation that lists his or her physical address. The Department of Education is unable to accept P.O. Boxes or business addresses. Applicants must submit documents in his or her name. Acceptable proof of residency documents can include one document from the primary list, two documents from the secondary list, or, if applicable, a notarized Affidavit of Shared Residence form.

Primary list of required documents (please submit one document from the list below):

• Utility bill (water, electric, gas, cable, landline phone, internet) issued within the past 60 days. The document MUST show the entire bill (not just the coupon section) and include all four corners of every page. Unopened documents that just show the mailing address through an envelope window are insufficient.
• Physical address verification letter (for rural addresses only) from a fire department or law enforcement agency issued within the past 60 days.
• Physical address verification letter (for Native American Reservation addresses only) from a tribal agency or Chapter House issued within the past 60 days.
• Temporary on-base billeting facility (for military families) issued within the past 60 days.
• Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) enrollment card only if applicant is an ACP participant.

Secondary list of required documents (please submit at least 2 documents from the list below only if a primary document is unavailable):

• Social Security Administration documents issued within the past 60 days.
• Veterans Affairs Administration documents issued within the past 60 days.
• Arizona Department of Economic Security documents issued within the past 60 days.
• Arizona Department of Transportation vehicle registration issued within the past 60 days.
• Property tax bill with name and address issued within the past year. Must be the actual bill – a payment coupon or receipt is not sufficient.
• W-2 OR 1098 OR 1099 tax document issued within one year.

Affidavit of Shared Residence

If the applicant is unable to provide documentation as proof of residency in his or her name from the primary or secondary lists provided above, he or she may submit a notarized Affidavit of Shared Residence form.

The department reserves the right to review and request additional documentation if deemed necessary. This list may be revised at any time without notice. It is the responsibility of the ESA applicant or account holder to notify the Department of any address changes within 30 days.

3. The Student’s MET Evaluation Report or Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan

• Must be from an Arizona public school.
• The student’s primary category of eligibility must be provided. Must also state the student’s school-age eligibility.
• Must be current at the time of the application. This means it cannot have expired before the application date.
  • IEPs must be within the 'anticipated duration dates' as indicated on the documentation. 
  • METs evaluations and 504 Plans must be current as indicated by the reevaluation date on the documentation, if listed. 
    • ISPs (individual service plans) from private schools will not be accepted.
    • Evaluations from the private school will not be accepted
    • Educational evaluations can be accepted from a qualified examiner (licensed physician MD/DO, psychologist, or psychiatrist)
    • *MET/Evaluation Reports, IEPs, and 504 Plans are provided by either the district of residence or the district of attendance at the request of the Parent

Student of a parent/legal guardian who is a member of the Armed Forces of the United States and is on active duty

Applicant = The legal parent or guardian

Student = The student receiving the ESA award.

Eligibility Requirements

• The Student must be at least five years of age as of January 1st of the contract year to be eligible as an entering Kindergarten student.
• The Student and Applicant must be residents of Arizona.
• This eligibility type does not need to meet the 45-day full-time enrollment in an Arizona public school requirement.
• The Applicant (the person applying) must be the legal parent or guardian.
• The active-duty parent is an active-duty service member, in either the Marines, Army, Air Force, Navy, Space Force, and Coast Guard.

Documentation Requirements

1. Student’s Birth Certificate (full-color image)

• The applicant (the person applying) must be listed on the birth certificate (or other legal documentation).
  • If the applicant's legal name at the time of application does not match what is on the birth certificate, documentation of legal name change must be included with the birth certificate.  

2. Proof of Arizona Residency – List of Acceptable Documentation

The applicant is required to submit documentation that lists his or her physical address. The Department of Education is unable to accept P.O. Boxes or business addresses. Applicants must submit documents in his or her name. Acceptable proof of residency documents can include one document from the primary list, two documents from the secondary list, or, if applicable, a notarized Affidavit of Shared Residence form.

Primary list of required documents (please submit one document from the list below):

• Utility bill (water, electric, gas, cable, landline phone, internet) issued within the past 60 days. The document MUST show the entire bill (not just the coupon section) and include all four corners of every page. Unopened documents that just show the mailing address through an envelope window are insufficient.
• Physical address verification letter (for rural addresses only) from a fire department or law enforcement agency issued within the past 60 days.
• Physical address verification letter (for Native American Reservation addresses only) from a tribal agency or Chapter House issued within the past 60 days.
• Temporary on-base billeting facility (for military families) issued within the past 60 days.
• Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) enrollment card only if applicant is an ACP participant.

Secondary list of required documents (please submit at least 2 documents from the list below only if a primary document is unavailable):

• Social Security Administration documents issued within the past 60 days.
• Veterans Affairs Administration documents issued within the past 60 days.
• Arizona Department of Economic Security documents issued within the past 60 days.
• Arizona Department of Transportation vehicle registration issued within the past 60 days.
• Property tax bill with name and address issued within the past year. Must be the actual bill – a payment coupon or receipt is not sufficient.
• W-2 OR 1098 OR 1099 tax document issued within one year.

Affidavit of Shared Residence

If the applicant is unable to provide documentation as proof of residency in his or her name from the primary or secondary lists provided above, he or she may submit a notarized Affidavit of Shared Residence form.

The department reserves the right to review and request additional documentation if deemed necessary. This list may be revised at any time without notice. It is the responsibility of the ESA applicant or account holder to notify the Department of any address changes within 30 days.

3. Current Orders (or other documentation that includes the following information)

• The documentation must include all of the following:
  • Name of Service Member
  • Student (and spouse, if applicable) is listed as a Dependent
  • Location of Duty Station
  • Current Status (must be Active)
  • Branch

 Student of a parent/legal guardian who was a member of the Armed Forces of the United States and was killed in the line of duty

Applicant = The legal parent or guardian

Student = The student receiving the ESA award.

Eligibility Requirements

• The Student must be five years of age as of January 1st of the contract year to be eligible as an entering Kindergarten student.
• The Student and Applicant must be residents of Arizona.
• This eligibility type does not need to meet the 45-day full-time enrollment in an Arizona public school requirement.
• The Applicant (the person applying) must be the legal parent or guardian.
• The active-duty parent was an active-duty service member, in either the Marines, Army, Air Force, Navy, Space Force, and Coast Guard.

Documentation Requirements

1. Student’s Birth Certificate (full-color image)

• The applicant (the person applying) must be listed on the birth certificate (or other legal documentation).
  • If the applicant's legal name at the time of application does not match what is on the birth certificate, documentation of legal name change must be included with the birth certificate.  

2. Proof of Arizona Residency – List of Acceptable Documentation

The applicant is required to submit documentation that lists his or her physical address. The Department of Education is unable to accept P.O. Boxes or business addresses. Applicants must submit documents in his or her name. Acceptable proof of residency documents can include one document from the primary list, two documents from the secondary list, or, if applicable, a notarized Affidavit of Shared Residence form.

Primary list of required documents (please submit one document from the list below):

• Utility bill (water, electric, gas, cable, landline phone, internet) issued within the past 60 days. The document MUST show the entire bill (not just the coupon section) and include all four corners of every page. Unopened documents that just show the mailing address through an envelope window are insufficient.
• Physical address verification letter (for rural addresses only) from a fire department or law enforcement agency issued within the past 60 days.
• Physical address verification letter (for Native American Reservation addresses only) from a tribal agency or Chapter House issued within the past 60 days.
• Temporary on-base billeting facility (for military families) issued within the past 60 days.
• Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) enrollment card only if applicant is an ACP participant.

Secondary list of required documents (please submit at least 2 documents from the list below only if a primary document is unavailable):

• Social Security Administration documents issued within the past 60 days.
• Veterans Affairs Administration documents issued within the past 60 days.
• Arizona Department of Economic Security documents issued within the past 60 days.
• Arizona Department of Transportation vehicle registration issued within the past 60 days.
• Property tax bill with name and address issued within the past year. Must be the actual bill – a payment coupon or receipt is not sufficient.
• W-2 OR 1098 OR 1099 tax document issued within one year.

Affidavit of Shared Residence

If the applicant is unable to provide documentation as proof of residency in his or her name from the primary or secondary lists provided above, he or she may submit a notarized Affidavit of Shared Residence form.

The department reserves the right to review and request additional documentation if deemed necessary. This list may be revised at any time without notice. It is the responsibility of the ESA applicant or account holder to notify the Department of any address changes within 30 days.

3. Report of Casualty Form (DD1300 or 1569) that states:

• The Student is listed as a dependent/child of the service member killed in the line of duty.

Student is a ward of the juvenile court and has been adopted or granted permanent guardianship

Applicant = The legal parent or guardian

Student = The student receiving the ESA award.

Eligibility Requirements

• The Student must be at least five years of age as of January 1st of the contract year to be eligible as an entering Kindergarten student.
• The Student and Applicant must be residents of Arizona.
• If the student is eligible to attend 1-12 grade, the student must meet the 45-day requirement. 
  • This means the student must have been enrolled in an Arizona public school for 45 days of the school year (as a full-time student) prior to the application (for the current or previous school year).
  • This requirement can also be met with online hours.
  • The student may be exempt from this requirement if:
    • the student has not previously attended a governmental primary (K-12) school but is currently eligible to enroll in a kindergarten program (must be five years old on or before January 1st of the contract year)
    • the student has not previously attended a governmental primary (K-12) school but is currently eligible to enroll in a 1st grade program 
• The Applicant (the person applying) must be on the birth certificate or on legal (court) documentation.
• The student must have been a Ward of the Court, and there must be court documentation of:
  • Adoption (adoption must be finalized).

Documentation Requirements

1. Student’s Birth Certificate (full-color image)

• This is required despite the adoption status. 

2. Proof of Arizona Residency – List of Acceptable Documentation

The applicant is required to submit documentation that lists his or her physical address. The Department of Education is unable to accept P.O. Boxes or business addresses. Applicants must submit documents in his or her name. Acceptable proof of residency documents can include one document from the primary list, two documents from the secondary list, or, if applicable, a notarized Affidavit of Shared Residence form.

Primary list of required documents (please submit one document from the list below):

• Utility bill (water, electric, gas, cable, landline phone, internet) issued within the past 60 days. The document MUST show the entire bill (not just the coupon section) and include all four corners of every page. Unopened documents that just show the mailing address through an envelope window are insufficient.
• Physical address verification letter (for rural addresses only) from a fire department or law enforcement agency issued within the past 60 days.
• Physical address verification letter (for Native American Reservation addresses only) from a tribal agency or Chapter House issued within the past 60 days.
• Temporary on-base billeting facility (for military families) issued within the past 60 days.
• Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) enrollment card only if applicant is an ACP participant.

Secondary list of required documents (please submit at least 2 documents from the list below only if a primary document is unavailable):

• Social Security Administration documents issued within the past 60 days.
• Veterans Affairs Administration documents issued within the past 60 days.
• Arizona Department of Economic Security documents issued within the past 60 days.
• Arizona Department of Transportation vehicle registration issued within the past 60 days.
• Property tax bill with name and address issued within the past year. Must be the actual bill – a payment coupon or receipt is not sufficient.
• W-2 OR 1098 OR 1099 tax document issued within one year.

Affidavit of Shared Residence

If the applicant is unable to provide documentation as proof of residency in his or her name from the primary or secondary lists provided above, he or she may submit a notarized Affidavit of Shared Residence form.

The department reserves the right to review and request additional documentation if deemed necessary. This list may be revised at any time without notice. It is the responsibility of the ESA applicant or account holder to notify the Department of any address changes within 30 days.

3. Proof of Adoption

• An updated Birth Certificate (applicant/person applying MUST be on the birth certificate)
• Adoption certificate/document
• Court documents/minutes showing proof of adoption

(If there are any name changes, please provide proof of legal name change.)

4. Documentation showing the student was a Ward of the Court (see ARS 15 2401 Section 7(a)(viii))

• Court documents indicating child is/was a “ward of the court”.

 Student is a ward of the juvenile court and is residing with a prospective permanent placement and the case plan is adoption or permanent guardianship

Applicant = The legal parent or guardian

Student = The student receiving the ESA award.

Eligibility Requirements

• The Student must be at least five years of age as of January 1st of the contract year to be eligible as an entering Kindergarten student.
• The Student and Applicant must be residents of Arizona.
• If the student is eligible to attend 1-12 grade, the student must meet the 45-day requirement. 
  • This means the student must have been enrolled in an Arizona public school for 45 days of the school year (as a full-time student) prior to the application (for the current or previous school year).
  • This requirement can also be met with online hours.
  • The student may be exempt from this requirement if:
    • the student has not previously attended a governmental primary (K-12) school but is currently eligible to enroll in a kindergarten program (must be five years old on or before January 1st of the contract year)
    • the student has not previously attended a governmental primary (K-12) school but is currently eligible to enroll in a 1st grade program 
• The Applicant (the person applying) must be on the birth certificate or on legal (court) documentation.
• The student must have been a Ward of the Court, and there must be court documentation of:
  • a Plan to Adopt, a case plan to adopt, or emergency court order stating that the state of Arizona orders the foster parent to be eligible for an Empowerment Scholarship Account.

Documentation Requirements

1. Student’s Birth Certificate (full-color image)

• This is required despite adoption status. 

2. Proof of Arizona Residency – List of Acceptable Documentation

The applicant is required to submit documentation that lists his or her physical address. The Department of Education is unable to accept P.O. Boxes or business addresses. Applicants must submit documents in his or her name. Acceptable proof of residency documents can include one document from the primary list, two documents from the secondary list, or, if applicable, a notarized Affidavit of Shared Residence form.

Primary list of required documents (please submit one document from the list below):

• Utility bill (water, electric, gas, cable, landline phone, internet) issued within the past 60 days. The document MUST show the entire bill (not just the coupon section) and include all four corners of every page. Unopened documents that just show the mailing address through an envelope window are insufficient.
• Physical address verification letter (for rural addresses only) from a fire department or law enforcement agency issued within the past 60 days.
• Physical address verification letter (for Native American Reservation addresses only) from a tribal agency or Chapter House issued within the past 60 days.
• Temporary on-base billeting facility (for military families) issued within the past 60 days.
• Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) enrollment card only if applicant is an ACP participant.

Secondary list of required documents (please submit at least 2 documents from the list below only if a primary document is unavailable):

• Social Security Administration documents issued within the past 60 days.
• Veterans Affairs Administration documents issued within the past 60 days.
• Arizona Department of Economic Security documents issued within the past 60 days.
• Arizona Department of Transportation vehicle registration issued within the past 60 days.
• Property tax bill with name and address issued within the past year. Must be the actual bill – a payment coupon or receipt is not sufficient.
• W-2 OR 1098 OR 1099 tax document issued within one year.

Affidavit of Shared Residence

If the applicant is unable to provide documentation as proof of residency in his or her name from the primary or secondary lists provided above, he or she may submit a notarized Affidavit of Shared Residence form.

The department reserves the right to review and request additional documentation if deemed necessary. This list may be revised at any time without notice. It is the responsibility of the ESA applicant or account holder to notify the Department of any address changes within 30 days.

3. Proof of Plan to Adopt

• Court documents/minutes showing that the student is residing with a prospective permanent placement and that the case plan is adoption or permanent guardianship.

(If there are any name changes, please provide proof of legal name change.)

4. Documentation showing the student was a Ward of the Court (see ARS 15 2401 Section 7(a)(viii))

• Court documents indicating child is/was a “ward of the court”.

 Student is currently attending a D/F rated school or district (on this day of applying) or is a kindergarten student assigned to a D/F school (school only)

Applicant = The legal parent or guardian

Student = The student receiving the ESA award.

Eligibility Requirements

• Check your school's grade here.
• If the student is eligible to attend kindergarten for the contract year, they must be assigned to a D/F school. 
• If the student is eligible to attend grades 1-12 grade for the contract year, they must be attending the D/F school at the time of application.
  • That means if you are applying on 8/1, we need to see enrollment in a D/F school overlapping 8/1.
• The Student must be at least five years of age as of January 1st of the contract year to be eligible as an entering Kindergarten student.
• The Student and Applicant must be residents of Arizona.
• If the student is eligible to attend 1-12 grade, the student must meet the 45-day requirement. 
  • This means the student must have been enrolled for 45 days of the school year (as a full-time student) prior to the application (for the current or previous school year).
  • This requirement can also be met with online hours.
  • The student may be exempt from this requirement if:
    • the student has not previously attended a governmental primary (K-12) school but is currently eligible to enroll in a kindergarten program (must be five years old on or before January 1st of the contract year)
    • the student has not previously attended a governmental primary (K-12) school but is currently eligible to enroll in a 1st grade program 
    • the student qualifies for Free or Reduced Lunch.  This is an option for this application eligibility category only. 
• The Applicant (the person applying) must be the legal parent or guardian.

Documentation Requirements

1. Student’s Birth Certificate (full-color image)

• The applicant (the person applying) must be listed on the birth certificate (or other legal documentation).
  • If the applicant's legal name at the time of application does not match what is on the birth certificate, documentation of legal name change must be included with the birth certificate.  

2. Proof of Arizona Residency – List of Acceptable Documentation

The applicant is required to submit documentation that lists his or her physical address. The Department of Education is unable to accept P.O. Boxes or business addresses. Applicants must submit documents in his or her name. Acceptable proof of residency documents can include one document from the primary list, two documents from the secondary list, or, if applicable, a notarized Affidavit of Shared Residence form.

Primary list of required documents (please submit one document from the list below):

• Utility bill (water, electric, gas, cable, landline phone, internet) issued within the past 60 days. The document MUST show the entire bill (not just the coupon section) and include all four corners of every page. Unopened documents that just show the mailing address through an envelope window are insufficient.
• Physical address verification letter (for rural addresses only) from a fire department or law enforcement agency issued within the past 60 days.
• Physical address verification letter (for Native American Reservation addresses only) from a tribal agency or Chapter House issued within the past 60 days.
• Temporary on-base billeting facility (for military families) issued within the past 60 days.
• Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) enrollment card only if applicant is an ACP participant.

Secondary list of required documents (please submit at least 2 documents from the list below only if a primary document is unavailable):

• Social Security Administration documents issued within the past 60 days.
• Veterans Affairs Administration documents issued within the past 60 days.
• Arizona Department of Economic Security documents issued within the past 60 days.
• Arizona Department of Transportation vehicle registration issued within the past 60 days.
• Property tax bill with name and address issued within the past year. Must be the actual bill – a payment coupon or receipt is not sufficient.
• W-2 OR 1098 OR 1099 tax document issued within one year.

Affidavit of Shared Residence

If the applicant is unable to provide documentation as proof of residency in his or her name from the primary or secondary lists provided above, he or she may submit a notarized Affidavit of Shared Residence form.

The department reserves the right to review and request additional documentation if deemed necessary. This list may be revised at any time without notice. It is the responsibility of the ESA applicant or account holder to notify the Department of any address changes within 30 days.

 Student is the sibling of a current or previous ESA account recipient or of an eligible qualified student whose parent/legal guardian accepts the terms of and enrolls in an ESA account

NOTE:  Do NOT apply for a sibling unless you currently have an ESA student with a signed contract or previously had an ESA student with a signed contract.  

Applicant = The legal parent or guardian

Student = The student receiving the ESA award.

Eligibility Requirements

• The Student must be at least five years of age as of January 1st of the contract year to be eligible as an entering Kindergarten student.
• The Student and Applicant must be residents of Arizona.
• If the student is eligible to attend 1-12 grade, the student must meet the 45-day requirement. 
  • This means the student must have been enrolled in an Arizona public school for 45 days of the school year (as a full-time student) prior to the application (for the current or previous school year).
  • This requirement can also be met with online hours.
  • The student may be exempt from this requirement if:
    • the student has not previously attended a governmental primary (K-12) school but is currently eligible to enroll in a kindergarten program (must be five years old on or before January 1st of the contract year)
    • the student has not previously attended a governmental primary (K-12) school but is currently eligible to enroll in a 1st grade program 
• The Student and Sibling must share a parent/guardian. 
• The Student must have a sibling in one of the following situations:
  • Sibling was previously on the ESA Program, and funds were spent appropriately;
  • Sibling is currently on the ESA Program;
  • Sibling is a qualifying student for the current contract year and accepts the contract.
  • For example: If an application is submitted for Child B, but their sibling (Child A) is not, and has never been in contract with ESA -- the application will be denied. 
• Adoptive siblings do qualify with supporting adoption paperwork.

Documentation Requirements

1. Student’s Birth Certificate (full-color image)

• The applicant (the person applying) must be listed on the birth certificate (or other legal documentation).
  • If the applicant's legal name at the time of application does not match what is on the birth certificate, documentation of legal name change must be included with the birth certificate.  

2. Sibling’s Birth Certificate (full image of the Student with an Active/Previous ESA Contract)

• Sibling's birth certificate (or other legal documentation) must share a common parent/guardian with the sibling ESA account.

3. Proof of Arizona Residency – List of Acceptable Documentation

The applicant is required to submit documentation that lists his or her physical address. The Department of Education is unable to accept P.O. Boxes or business addresses. Applicants must submit documents in his or her name. Acceptable proof of residency documents can include one document from the primary list, two documents from the secondary list, or, if applicable, a notarized Affidavit of Shared Residence form.

Primary list of required documents (please submit one document from the list below):

• Utility bill (water, electric, gas, cable, landline phone, internet) issued within the past 60 days. The document MUST show the entire bill (not just the coupon section) and include all four corners of every page. Unopened documents that just show the mailing address through an envelope window are insufficient.
• Physical address verification letter (for rural addresses only) from a fire department or law enforcement agency issued within the past 60 days.
• Physical address verification letter (for Native American Reservation addresses only) from a tribal agency or Chapter House issued within the past 60 days.
• Temporary on-base billeting facility (for military families) issued within the past 60 days.
• Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) enrollment card only if applicant is an ACP participant.

Secondary list of required documents (please submit at least 2 documents from the list below only if a primary document is unavailable):

• Social Security Administration documents issued within the past 60 days.
• Veterans Affairs Administration documents issued within the past 60 days.
• Arizona Department of Economic Security documents issued within the past 60 days.
• Arizona Department of Transportation vehicle registration issued within the past 60 days.
• Property tax bill with name and address issued within the past year. Must be the actual bill – a payment coupon or receipt is not sufficient.
• W-2 OR 1098 OR 1099 tax document issued within one year.

Affidavit of Shared Residence

If the applicant is unable to provide documentation as proof of residency in his or her name from the primary or secondary lists provided above, he or she may submit a notarized Affidavit of Shared Residence form.

The department reserves the right to review and request additional documentation if deemed necessary. This list may be revised at any time without notice. It is the responsibility of the ESA applicant or account holder to notify the Department of any address changes within 30 days.

 Student resides within the boundaries of an Indian reservation within this state

Applicant = The legal parent or guardian

Student = The student receiving the ESA award.

Eligibility Requirements

• The Student must be at least five years of age as of January 1st of the contract year to be eligible as an entering Kindergarten student.
• The Student and Applicant must be residents of Arizona and reside within a Native American Reservation.
• The Applicant (the person applying) must be the legal parent or guardian.
• If the student is eligible to attend 1-12 grade, the student must meet the 45-day requirement. 
  • This means the student must have been enrolled in an Arizona public school for 45 days of the school year (as a full-time student) prior to the application (for the current or previous school year).
  • This requirement can also be met with online hours.
  • The student may be exempt from this requirement if:
    • the student has not previously attended a governmental primary (K-12) school but is currently eligible to enroll in a kindergarten program (must be five years old on or before January 1st of the contract year)
    • the student has not previously attended a governmental primary (K-12) school but is currently eligible to enroll in a 1st grade program 

Documentation Requirements

1. Student’s Birth Certificate (full-color image)

• The applicant (the person applying) must be listed on the birth certificate (or other legal documentation).
  • If the applicant's legal name at the time of application does not match what is on the birth certificate, documentation of legal name change must be included with the birth certificate.  

2. Proof of Arizona Residency – List of Acceptable Documentation

The applicant is required to submit documentation that lists his or her physical address. The Department of Education is unable to accept P.O. Boxes or business addresses. Applicants must submit documents in his or her name. Acceptable proof of residency documents can include one document from the primary list, two documents from the secondary list, or, if applicable, a notarized Affidavit of Shared Residence form.

Primary list of required documents (please submit one document from the list below):

• Utility bill (water, electric, gas, cable, landline phone, internet) issued within the past 60 days. The document MUST show the entire bill (not just the coupon section) and include all four corners of every page. Unopened documents that just show the mailing address through an envelope window are insufficient.
• Physical address verification letter (for rural addresses only) from a fire department or law enforcement agency issued within the past 60 days.
• Physical address verification letter (for Native American Reservation addresses only) from a tribal agency or Chapter House issued within the past 60 days.
• Temporary on-base billeting facility (for military families) issued within the past 60 days.
• Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) enrollment car, only if applicant is an ACP participant.

Secondary list of required documents (please submit at least 2 documents from the list below only if a primary document is unavailable):

• Social Security Administration documents issued within the past 60 days.
• Veterans Affairs Administration documents issued within the past 60 days.
• Arizona Department of Economic Security documents issued within the past 60 days.
• Arizona Department of Transportation vehicle registration issued within the past 60 days.
• Property tax bill with name and address issued within the past year. Must be the actual bill – a payment coupon or receipt is not sufficient.
• W-2 OR 1098 OR 1099 tax document issued within one year.

Affidavit of Shared Residence

If the applicant is unable to provide documentation as proof of residency in his or her name from the primary or secondary lists provided above, he or she may submit a notarized Affidavit of Shared Residence form.

The department reserves the right to review and request additional documentation if deemed necessary. This list may be revised at any time without notice. It is the responsibility of the ESA applicant or account holder to notify the Department of any address changes within 30 days.

 Student is a child of a parent who is legally blind, deaf, or hard of hearing

Note: These students have parents that are either blind, deaf, or hard of hearing (see definitions below)

Applicant = The legal parent or guardian

Student = The student receiving the ESA award.

Eligibility Requirements

• The Student must be at least five years of age as of January 1st of the contract year to be eligible as an entering Kindergarten student.
• The Student and Applicant must be residents of Arizona.
• If the student is eligible to attend 1-12 grade, the student must meet the 45-day requirement. 
  • This means the student must have been enrolled in an Arizona public school for 45 days of the school year (as a full-time student) prior to the application (for the current or previous school year).
  • This requirement can also be met with online hours.
  • The student may be exempt from this requirement if:
    • the student has not previously attended a governmental primary (K-12) school but is currently eligible to enroll in a kindergarten program (must be five years old on or before January 1st of the contract year)
    • the student has not previously attended a governmental primary (K-12) school but is currently eligible to enroll in a 1st grade program
• The student has a parent/legal guardian who is either blind, deaf, or hard of hearing, as defined by Arizona Legislature:
  • "Blindness" means having either of the following:
    • A central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with the use of a correcting lens.
    • A degenerative condition that reasonably can be expected to result in a central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with the use of a correcting lens.
    • "Central visual acuity of 20/200 or less" includes having a limitation in the field of vision so that the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angle of not more than twenty degrees.
  • Deaf, pursuant to Section 36-1941, means those persons who cannot generally understand speech sounds with or without a hearing aid when in optimal listening conditions
  • Hard of Hearing, pursuant to Section 36-1941, means those persons who have a degree of hearing loss greater than 40dB PTA-2 but less than 85dB PTA-2 in the better ear
    • “PTA-2” means the average of hearing levels at one thousand, two thousand, and four thousand Hz.
• The Applicant (the person applying) must be the legal parent or guardian.

Documentation Requirements

1. Student’s Birth Certificate (full-color image)

• The applicant (the person applying) must be listed on the birth certificate (or other legal documentation).
  • If the applicant's legal name at the time of application does not match what is on the birth certificate, documentation of legal name change must be included with the birth certificate.  

2. Proof of Arizona Residency – List of Acceptable Documentation

The applicant is required to submit documentation that lists his or her physical address. The Department of Education is unable to accept P.O. Boxes or business addresses. Applicants must submit documents in his or her name. Acceptable proof of residency documents can include one document from the primary list, two documents from the secondary list, or, if applicable, a notarized Affidavit of Shared Residence form.

Primary list of required documents (please submit one document from the list below):

• Utility bill (water, electric, gas, cable, landline phone, internet) issued within the past 60 days. The document MUST show the entire bill (not just the coupon section) and include all four corners of every page. Unopened documents that just show the mailing address through an envelope window are insufficient.
• Physical address verification letter (for rural addresses only) from a fire department or law enforcement agency issued within the past 60 days.
• Physical address verification letter (for Native American Reservation addresses only) from a tribal agency or Chapter House issued within the past 60 days.
• Temporary on-base billeting facility (for military families) issued within the past 60 days.
• Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) enrollment card only if applicant is an ACP participant.

Secondary list of required documents (please submit at least 2 documents from the list below only if a primary document is unavailable):

• Social Security Administration documents issued within the past 60 days.
• Veterans Affairs Administration documents issued within the past 60 days.
• Arizona Department of Economic Security documents issued within the past 60 days.
• Arizona Department of Transportation vehicle registration issued within the past 60 days.
• Property tax bill with name and address issued within the past year. Must be the actual bill – a payment coupon or receipt is not sufficient.
• W-2 OR 1098 OR 1099 tax document issued within one year.

Affidavit of Shared Residence

If the applicant is unable to provide documentation as proof of residency in his or her name from the primary or secondary lists provided above, he or she may submit a notarized Affidavit of Shared Residence form.

The department reserves the right to review and request additional documentation if deemed necessary. This list may be revised at any time without notice. It is the responsibility of the ESA applicant or account holder to notify the Department of any address changes within 30 days.

3. Confirmation of Legal Blindness or Confirmation of Deafness or Hard of Hearing

 Student previously participated in the Empowerment Scholarship Account program and was not removed from the program

Applicant = The legal parent or guardian

Student = The student receiving the ESA award.

Eligibility Requirements

• The Student must be at least five years of age as of January 1st of the contract year to be eligible as an entering Kindergarten student.
• The Student must have been previously funded by ESA and funds have been spent. Terminated Account Holders cannot reapply.
• The Student and Applicant must be residents of Arizona.
• This eligibility type does not need to meet the 45-day full-time enrollment in an Arizona public school requirement.
• The Applicant (the person applying) must be the legal parent or guardian.
• Please be aware, if the student was previously funded as a student with a disability, the student may not receive similar funding if reapplying under this eligibility type without a current IEP, MET evaluation, or 504 Plan. 
  • If a current public school evaluation is available, please first apply under "Student is identified as having a disability who has an IEP or MET Report or 504 Plan".

Documentation Requirements

1. Student’s Birth Certificate (full-color image)

• The applicant (the person applying) must be listed on the birth certificate (or other legal documentation).
  • If the applicant's legal name at the time of application does not match what is on the birth certificate, documentation of legal name change must be included with the birth certificate.  

2. Proof of Arizona Residency – List of Acceptable Documentation

The applicant is required to submit documentation that lists his or her physical address. The Department of Education is unable to accept P.O. Boxes or business addresses. Applicants must submit documents in his or her name. Acceptable proof of residency documents can include one document from the primary list, two documents from the secondary list, or, if applicable, a notarized Affidavit of Shared Residence form.

Primary list of required documents (please submit one document from the list below):

• Utility bill (water, electric, gas, cable, landline phone, internet) issued within the past 60 days. The document MUST show the entire bill (not just the coupon section) and include all four corners of every page. Unopened documents that just show the mailing address through an envelope window are insufficient.
• Physical address verification letter (for rural addresses only) from a fire department or law enforcement agency issued within the past 60 days.
• Physical address verification letter (for Native American Reservation addresses only) from a tribal agency or Chapter House issued within the past 60 days.
• Temporary on-base billeting facility (for military families) issued within the past 60 days.
• Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) enrollment card only if applicant is an ACP participant.

Secondary list of required documents (please submit at least 2 documents from the list below only if a primary document is unavailable):

• Social Security Administration documents issued within the past 60 days.
• Veterans Affairs Administration documents issued within the past 60 days.
• Arizona Department of Economic Security documents issued within the past 60 days.
• Arizona Department of Transportation vehicle registration issued within the past 60 days.
• Property tax bill with name and address issued within the past year. Must be the actual bill – a payment coupon or receipt is not sufficient.
• W-2 OR 1098 OR 1099 tax document issued within one year.

Affidavit of Shared Residence

If the applicant is unable to provide documentation as proof of residency in his or her name from the primary or secondary lists provided above, he or she may submit a notarized Affidavit of Shared Residence form. 

The department reserves the right to review and request additional documentation if deemed necessary. This list may be revised at any time without notice. It is the responsibility of the ESA applicant or account holder to notify the Department of any address changes within 30 days.