North Carolina ESA 2025: Up to $17,000 for Special Needs
The highest ESA awards in America for students with autism, IEP, and disabilities - covering private school, therapy, and specialized services
Quick Answer: NC ESA+ for Special Needs Students
North Carolina ESA+ provides $7,000-$17,000 annually for students with disabilities - the highest special needs ESA awards in America. Exclusively for students with IEPs or eligible for special education, the program uses a 3-tier system based on disability severity. Tier 1 ($7,000) for moderate disabilities, Tier 2 ($11,000) for significant disabilities, and Tier 3 ($17,000) for severe/profound disabilities requiring intensive support. Funds cover private school, ABA therapy, specialized services, and educational expenses.
NC ESA+ 3-Tier Award System
Tier 1: Moderate
- • Learning disabilities
- • Mild speech delays
- • ADHD (without behavior plan)
- • Limited specialized services
Tier 2: Significant
- • Autism spectrum disorder
- • ADHD with behavioral support
- • Moderate intellectual disability
- • Multiple specialized services
Tier 3: Severe
- • Severe autism
- • Significant intellectual disability
- • Multiple disabilities
- • Intensive daily support needs
Tier Assignment Process
Who Qualifies for NC ESA+?
Special Needs Requirement (IEP Required)
NC ESA+ is exclusively for students with disabilities. You must have an active IEP or be eligible for special education.
Qualifying Disabilities:
- • Autism spectrum disorder
- • Intellectual disabilities
- • Specific learning disabilities
- • Speech/language impairments
- • Emotional/behavioral disorders
- • Orthopedic impairments
Additional Requirements:
- • North Carolina resident
- • Ages 3-21
- • Active IEP document
- • Parent orientation attendance
- • Annual progress reporting
No Income Limits!
What NC ESA+ Funds Can Pay For
✓ Approved Expenses
- ✓Private school tuition (special needs schools)
- ✓ABA therapy (licensed providers)
- ✓Speech therapy
- ✓Occupational therapy
- ✓Physical therapy
- ✓Specialized curriculum
- ✓Assistive technology
- ✓Tutoring services
- ✓Educational evaluations
🏆 Autism & ABA Focus
NC ESA+ is particularly valuable for autism families:
- • Tier 2 ($11,000) covers part-time ABA therapy
- • Tier 3 ($17,000) helps fund comprehensive ABA programs
- • Most autism students qualify for Tier 2 or 3
- • Funds can combine with insurance for full ABA coverage
- • Licensed BCBA providers accepted
How to Apply for NC ESA+
Obtain or Update IEP
Request special education evaluation from your school district if you don't have an active IEP. Current IEP must be less than 1 year old.
Create NCSEAA Account
Visit ncseaa.edu and create parent account during open enrollment period.
Submit Application & Documents
Upload IEP, medical evaluations, psychological assessments, and service documentation. Complete parent orientation.
Receive Tier Determination
NCSEAA reviews documentation and assigns tier (1, 2, or 3). Notification sent within 4-6 weeks. Funds distributed quarterly.
Get Help with Your NC ESA+ Application
Our special needs ESA specialists help families navigate IEP requirements, tier placement, and maximize $7K-$17K awards. We have helped 150+ NC families secure funding.