NH EFA Application Process and Eligibility Requirements

New Hampshire's Education Freedom Account program went universal in 2025, which removed the income restrictions that previously limited who could apply. But "universal" does not mean there are no eligibility requirements — and the application process itself has steps that need to happen in the right order.

Getting the sequence wrong can mean a delay of weeks or, in the worst case, being locked out for the current school year.

Who Is Eligible for the NH EFA Program?

As of 2025, eligibility for the Education Freedom Account program under RSA 194-F requires that:

1. The child is a New Hampshire resident
2. The child is of compulsory school age (5 through 18 in New Hampshire) or was enrolled in a public school in the prior year
3. The child would otherwise be eligible to enroll in a New Hampshire public school
4. The family submits a completed application during the application window

The 2025 universal expansion removed the income cap that had previously required families to be at or below 350% of the federal poverty level. Any NH family that meets the residency and age requirements can now apply.

There is an initial enrollment cap of 10,000 students, with a built-in growth escalator. As of the 2024-2025 school year, approximately 5,321 students were enrolled, so there is currently room under the cap — but this may change as the post-expansion enrollment surge works through the system.

When Is the Application Window?

The primary application window opens each spring for enrollment in the following school year. Children's Scholarship Fund NH (CSFNH) — the scholarship organization that administers the program — announces the opening date each year.

Missing the spring window does not automatically disqualify you. Mid-year applications are accepted in some circumstances, including for families who move to New Hampshire mid-year and for students in specific situations. However, mid-year approvals are subject to available funding and are not guaranteed.

The safest approach is to apply during the spring window if you know you want to use the EFA for the upcoming school year.

Step-by-Step: The NH EFA Application Process

Step 1: Confirm your child is no longer enrolled in public school

This is a prerequisite that many families misunderstand. If your child is currently enrolled in a public school, you need to formally withdraw them before or concurrent with applying for the EFA. The EFA is not a program available to currently enrolled public school students — it is for families who are leaving the public school system.

The withdrawal is a separate process from the EFA application, and it must be done correctly. An informal conversation with a teacher or principal is not sufficient. New Hampshire has specific requirements for withdrawing a child from public school, and doing this wrong creates problems when CSFNH tries to verify your child's status.

Step 2: Gather required documentation

Before starting the application, have the following ready:

• Proof of NH residency (utility bill, lease agreement, or similar document)
• Child's birth certificate or other proof of age
• Documentation of prior public school enrollment (a letter from the school or enrollment records)
• If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, a copy of the most recent document (this affects differentiated aid eligibility)
• Social Security numbers for the applicant and child (required by CSFNH)

Step 3: Complete the CSFNH application

Applications are submitted directly through Children's Scholarship Fund NH's online portal. The application covers:

• Child's information and grade level
• Residency verification
• Intended use of funds (you indicate what category of approved expenses you plan to use)
• Parent/guardian acknowledgment of program rules

The acknowledgment section is important. By signing, you agree to the program's conditions — including the provision that your child loses access to public school extracurricular activities and sports under RSA 193:1-c. This is not buried in fine print; CSFNH surfaces it explicitly.

Step 4: CSFNH reviews and approves

CSFNH reviews applications for completeness and eligibility. Review timelines vary by season — applications submitted early in the window tend to move faster. If documentation is missing or unclear, CSFNH will contact you for clarification.

Approval results in a fund allocation notice and instructions for activating your ClassWallet account.

Step 5: Activate ClassWallet and begin spending

Once approved, you receive credentials to access your ClassWallet account. The EFA funds are loaded into the account at the start of the school year (or at the time of mid-year approval). You can then begin making purchases from registered vendors or submitting reimbursement requests.

Understanding Differentiated Aid

The base EFA amount is approximately $4,266, but many families receive more because of differentiated aid. The program adds funding for:

• Free and Reduced Lunch eligibility (income-based add-on)
• Special education or IEP designation
• English Language Learner status

If your child qualifies for differentiated aid, the average distributed amount jumps to approximately $5,204 per year. For families with children who have significant educational needs, the special education add-on can be a meaningful factor in the EFA versus traditional homeschool decision.

To receive differentiated aid, you need to provide appropriate documentation at the time of application. For IEP students, this means the most recent IEP document. CSFNH will use this to determine the funding level.

If you are withdrawing from public school before applying for the EFA, the withdrawal process needs to go smoothly to avoid complications with your EFA application. The New Hampshire Legal Withdrawal Blueprint covers the formal requirements so you are not scrambling when CSFNH asks for proof of withdrawal.

After Approval: What to Expect in Year One

The first year in the EFA program typically involves a learning curve around ClassWallet's approval process and vendor registration. A few things to anticipate:

Vendor verification takes time. If you want to use a specific tutor or curriculum provider, check whether they are in the ClassWallet system before the school year starts. Getting a vendor registered mid-year is possible but adds delay.

Reimbursement is not automatic. Every purchase that goes through reimbursement requires documentation review. Build in time for this process rather than assuming immediate approval.

Annual renewal is required. EFA enrollment is not permanent — you re-enroll each year during the application window. If you miss the renewal window, you may not have coverage for the following school year.

Program rules can change. The EFA program has been amended multiple times since its creation in 2021. Staying connected to CSFNH communications ensures you do not miss changes to approved expenses or procedures.

What If Your Application Is Denied?

CSFNH has an appeals process for families whose applications are denied. The most common reasons for denial are documentation gaps (missing residency proof, incomplete forms) and eligibility issues. If you receive a denial, contact CSFNH directly to understand the specific reason before filing an appeal — sometimes the issue is fixable with additional documentation without going through a formal appeal.

The appeals timeline is worth understanding before you apply. If you are counting on EFA funds for a time-sensitive enrollment decision — such as a private school placement with a deposit deadline — the possibility of a denial or appeals delay is worth factoring into your planning.

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