Homeschool funding & ESAs in South Carolina
South Carolina offers an education savings account (ESA) that homeschooling families can use, plus the scholarships, grants, and tax-credit options below.
South Carolina ESA program
Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF)
~$7,500/yrBroadly available, but a participant must leave their SC homeschool association (Option 1-3) and becomes a scholarship student with annual testing reported to the state.
Runs through: ClassWallet
Official program & application →South Carolina's Education Scholarship Trust Fund, kept straight.
South Carolina's ESTF (~$7,500, via ClassWallet) is pay-through-the-platform with no reimbursement, so the platform holds your receipts. The ESA Wallet adds an independent backup and checks eligibility before you buy.
- Independent backup of every approved purchase
- Eligibility check before you buy
- Spend tracked per child against the ~$7,500
Taking the ESTF means leaving your SC homeschool association (Option 1–3) — you become a scholarship student with annual testing reported to the state. (Struck down in 2024, re-enacted in 2025 — confirm current rules.)
Scholarships, grants & tax credits
Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF)
ESA with a separate "educate at home" pathway, distinct from South Carolina's three traditional homeschool options (which are not allowed while on ESTF). The parent signs an agreement and reports annual testing. Income at or below 500% of the poverty level (2026-27).
ACT Today! Grant
For U.S. families of a child with an autism diagnosis (priority to household income under $100k). Covers ABA therapy, speech/OT, assistive and communication technology, safety equipment, and social-skills programs.
Dyslexia Services Foundation Grant
For low-income U.S. children with dyslexia who cannot otherwise afford treatment (need shown via free/reduced lunch, Medicaid, or SNAP). Funds research-based dyslexia tutoring, paid directly to clinicians.
HSLDA Compassion Curriculum Grant
For HSLDA members with significant financial need (legal custody of a child 6-19, homeschooling 3+ months). Covers curriculum, books, co-op tuition, testing, tutoring, and school technology.
HSLDA Disaster Relief Grant
For homeschooling families (child 6-19) with physical disaster damage in the past 18 months. Covers emergency needs plus replacement curriculum and materials. First-time applicants need not be HSLDA members.
MyGOAL Autism Grant
For the primary caregiver of a child under 18 with autism, with demonstrated financial need. Covers therapies plus educational, enrichment, and socialization activities not covered elsewhere.
Our Military Kids Grant
For children (1-18) of deployed National Guard/Reserve members (60+ days) or of post-9/11 combat-injured service members and veterans. Funds enrichment activities: tutoring, sports, arts, camps, and STEM.
UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation Grant
For U.S. children aged 16 or under with commercial (non-public) health insurance, subject to income guidelines. Covers medical needs not paid by insurance — therapies, assistive devices, and equipment.
Funding programs change often. About Time organizes receipts and checks likely eligibility — it does not file or submit on your behalf. Confirm amounts, eligibility, and deadlines with each program before you rely on them.