What if the curriculum you want is not in the ClassWallet marketplace? You might still be able to get reimbursed.

Not every ESA purchase has to go through a pre-approved vendor marketplace. Many states have a reimbursement process that lets you buy from any qualified vendor, then submit your receipts for repayment from your ESA account.

Here is how to make that process work smoothly.

What Is the Reimbursement Process?

Reimbursement means you pay out of pocket first, then submit documentation to your ESA program to get paid back from your account.

It is a little more work than buying directly through a marketplace, but it opens up your vendor options significantly.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Reimbursed

Step 1: Confirm the Purchase Is Eligible

Before you spend a single dollar, verify that the item you want falls within your state’s approved expense categories. This is the step most moms skip, and it is where reimbursements get denied.

Step 2: Make Your Purchase and Keep Documentation

Buy the curriculum and save everything:

• The receipt or order confirmation
• A description of what the product is (screenshot the product page if needed)
• The invoice or statement showing the amount paid

Step 3: Submit Your Reimbursement Request

Log into your ESA account portal and look for the reimbursement or expense submission section. You will upload your documentation and categorize the expense.

Step 4: Wait for Review and Payment

Most states review reimbursement requests within a few business days to a few weeks. Once approved, the funds are either deposited back into your account or returned to you directly, depending on how your state’s program works.

Tips for a Smooth Reimbursement Process

• Submit requests promptly, not at the end of the year in a rush
• Keep digital copies of all receipts organized by student and school year
• Write a brief note about what each purchase is if the receipt description is not obvious
• Check your ESA account regularly to see the status of pending reimbursements
• Do not spend more than your account balance, as you cannot get reimbursed for funds that are not there

What to Do If a Reimbursement Is Denied

If a request is denied, you will usually receive a reason. Common reasons include:

• The expense category is not approved in your state
• Missing or insufficient documentation
• The item is not clearly educational in purpose
• The purchase predates your ESA approval

Do not just accept the denial. If you believe the expense is legitimate, appeal the decision and provide additional documentation. ESA programs have appeals processes for exactly this situation.

Buying A to Z for Moms Curriculum for Reimbursement

If you purchase our curriculum and plan to seek reimbursement through your ESA:

• Your order confirmation email serves as your receipt
• Our curriculum clearly falls under educational materials, one of the most universally approved categories
• You can download a detailed description of any of our courses to submit with your reimbursement request

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a time limit on submitting reimbursement requests?

Most states have deadlines for submitting reimbursements, often within 30-90 days of purchase or at the end of the program year. Check your specific program’s rules to avoid missing the window.

Can I be reimbursed for purchases made before my ESA was approved?

Generally no. ESA funds can only be used for expenses made after your account is active. Pre-approval purchases typically are not reimbursable.

What if I bought a curriculum bundle that covers multiple children?

If you have ESA accounts for multiple children, you can sometimes split a purchase across accounts. Check with your program administrator for guidance on how to document shared curriculum purchases.

Maximize Every Dollar of Your ESA

Reimbursement gives you more flexibility in where you shop. Use it to buy the curriculum that is best for your family, not just what happens to be in the marketplace.

Browse our full curriculum catalog and then use your state’s reimbursement process to get paid back. Visit our ESA page for more details on using your funds with us.