About Time

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.

If you take an ESA, your homeschool status changes: An ESTF participant CANNOT be in an Option 1-3 SC homeschool association; the signed agreement itself satisfies compulsory attendance + adds annual norm-referenced testing.

South Carolina ESA program

Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF)

~$7,500/yr
Usable by independent homeschoolers

Broadly 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)

ESASouth Carolina
South Carolina Dept of Education
$7,634 per year (2026-27)

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).

📅 2026-27 enrollment cap (15,000) already reached
Learn more & apply →
Last verified May 2026

ACT Today! Grant

GrantNationwide
Autism Care Today
Up to $5,000

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.

📅 Quarterly application windows
Learn more & apply →
Last verified May 2026

Dyslexia Services Foundation Grant

GrantNationwide
Dyslexia Services Foundation
Varies (paid to providers)

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.

📅 Application-based (no fixed window)
Learn more & apply →
Last verified May 2026

HSLDA Compassion Curriculum Grant

GrantNationwide
Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)
$300–$400 per child

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.

📅 Three windows/year (Winter, Spring, Fall) — funds limited
Learn more & apply →
Last verified May 2026

HSLDA Disaster Relief Grant

GrantNationwide
Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)
Up to about $650

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.

📅 Rolling / ongoing
Learn more & apply →
Last verified May 2026

MyGOAL Autism Grant

GrantNationwide
MyGOAL Inc.
$1,000

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.

📅 Annual (typically Feb–Apr); reopens each cycle
Learn more & apply →
Last verified May 2026

Our Military Kids Grant

GrantNationwide
Our Military Kids
$300 per child

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.

📅 Rolling
Learn more & apply →
Last verified May 2026

UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation Grant

GrantNationwide
UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation
Up to $5,000/year ($10k lifetime)

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.

📅 Rolling (year-round)
Learn more & apply →
Last verified May 2026
Track South Carolina receipts in the ESA Wallet →South Carolina requirementsField trips in South Carolina

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.