Overview
In 2023, Montana created Montana Special Needs Equal Opportunity Education Savings Accounts. Montana joins 17 other states in authorizing Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) for students.
Montana’s ESA program provides parents of a child with a disability access to an account from which they can be reimbursed for educational expenses between $5,500 to $8,000 per student. Parents can use ESAs to pay for private school tuition, home education, tutors, curriculum, therapies, and more.
Interested in learning more about ESAs for your student? We’ve put together this ultimate guide to ESAs in Montana to answer your questions.
What Are Education Savings Accounts?
ESAs allow parents to direct a portion of the public education dollars allocated to their student to reimburse payment for a variety of educational options of their choice outside of the traditional public school system. While some states now authorize ESAs for all students, Montana’s ESA program is exclusively for students with disabilities. ESAs in Montana are administered by the Office of Public Instruction (OPI).
How much funding is available for my student?
Once approved, participants will be eligible for an amount prescribed by law and determined by the OPI. The specific amount will vary based on the student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and the district in which they are zoned. Also, as school funding adjusts year-to-year, the ESA Student Amount will also adjust. Families can expect to receive around $5,500 for elementary education and up to $8,000 for high school.
You can check estimated amounts for your student based on your resident school district on the Education Savings Account Student table.
Families coordinate directly with OPI to receive reimbursement for qualified expenses as explained in the Parent Handbook.
Student Eligibility
A student must meet all of following requirements to participate in Montana’s ESA program:
- Montana resident aged between 5 and 19 on September 10th
- Must have attended public school in the previous year, unless:
- The student did not reside in the state the previous school year
- The student is newly eligible to enter kindergarten
- The student was previously enrolled in a school for juvenile corrections or the deaf and blind in the prior school year
- Has been identified as having special needs under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) definition of a “child with disabilities.”
To verify your student’s eligibility, parents can expect the OPI will request an evaluation report, IEP, or private place-service plan during the program application process.
Eligible Expenses
The OPI’s Parent ESA Handbook lists the following eligible expenses:
- Qualified school tuition, fees, textbooks, software, or other instructional materials or services
- Electronic educational program or course or distance learning programs
- Curriculum materials
- Tutoring
- Educational therapies including occupational, behavioral, physical, speech, and audiology therapies from a licensed or certified provider
- State of nationally recognized assessment tests, advanced placement exams, entrance exams for eligible post-secondary institutions
- Services provided by a public school in the state, including classes and extracurricular activities
- Eligible postsecondary institution tuition, books, online course, or certain fees
- No more than $50 (annually) in consumable education supplies such as paper, pens, and markers
- Transportation required for another allowable education service
- Fees for cooperative educational programs
Review OPI’s Parent Handbook for the Special Needs ESA for a comprehensive list of allowable and unallowable expenses.
Parent Responsibilities
Parents should expect to sign a contract with the superintendent of public instruction, outlining their responsibilities for use of ESA funds. In addition to agreeing to utilize the ESA in accordance with the law, parents will formally release their student’s resident public school district from responsibility for educating the qualified student.
OPI’s Parent Handbook provides a sample contract.
How to Apply for the Special Needs ESA
1. Review your child’s eligibility
If your student does not currently have an IEP from the school district, your student may still qualify. If your student is professionally diagnosed with a disability as outlined in IDEA, you can submit an evaluation report or private pre-plan report to provide to OPI with your application.
2. Gather the right documents
Applying for a K–12 ESA can be a complex process. It’s essential to gather all necessary documents and materials before beginning the application. Typically, you’ll need proof of residency, proof of identity, and a diagnosis from a qualified professional for a qualifying disability.
3. Completing the application form
The Special Needs ESA application will be made available on the OPI ESA website when the application window opens. A paper application can be sent to you upon request. To participate in the fall, applications will be accepted May 1 – June 1. For mid-year consideration, applications will be accepted November 1 – December 1. OPI will notify parents within 30 days of the close of the application window whether your application was approved or denied.
4. Purchase Education Materials
If you have been approved to participate in the Special Needs ESA, you will be sent a contract to sign and submit, and training will be provided for using the reimbursement system. Review the detailed list of approved and non-approved items in the Parent Handbook before making purchases.
5. Track and Submit Receipts
Submit receipts for reimbursement through the Electronic Management System managed by OPI. If a reimbursement is denied, you can appeal the decision. Reimbursements will begin September 10 for the fall term, and made monthly thereafter.
More Resources
School Terms Glossary
Special Education Guide
Continuing your IEP While Homeschooling
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: Parents should know that Montana’s ESA program now faces a pending legal challenge, but the court has allowed the program to proceed while the case is considered. At this time, the program is running and enrolled parents have begun to receive reimbursement for education expenses, but parents should be aware that the benefits may not continue, ultimately depending on the decision made by the court.
Read Ed Choice’s Press Release for more information about the lawsuit. We will also update this website with news as this case develops.
To stay updated about the pending lawsuit or upcoming ESA application period, click the button below to sign up.
