What ClassWallet Covers
Approved & Prohibited ESA Expenses
Updated May 2026 • 9 min read
Quick Answer
ClassWallet covers educational expenses: tutoring, therapy (speech, OT), curriculum, textbooks, educational software, testing, assistive technology, and private school tuition. NOT covered: transportation, food, childcare, entertainment, sports equipment, toys. When in doubt, check Arizona's ESA Expense Guidance or call the ESA office at 1-602-542-5411 before purchasing.
Arizona ESA funds can only be used for approved educational expenses. ClassWallet is the payment system, but the state determines what qualifies. This guide covers the most common questions about what's covered — and what will get denied.
✅ What ClassWallet Covers
📚 Tutoring Services
- ✓ Reading/literacy tutoring
- ✓ Math tutoring
- ✓ Writing instruction
- ✓ Science, history, any academic subject
- ✓ Test prep (SAT, ACT)
- ✓ Executive function coaching
- ✓ Study skills training
🩺 Educational Therapies
- ✓ Speech-language therapy
- ✓ Occupational therapy
- ✓ Physical therapy (educational need)
- ✓ Educational therapy
- ✓ Behavioral therapy (educational focus)
- ✓ Vision therapy
- ✓ Auditory processing therapy
📖 Curriculum & Materials
- ✓ Curriculum packages
- ✓ Textbooks and workbooks
- ✓ Educational supplies
- ✓ Lab materials for science
- ✓ Art supplies (for instruction)
- ✓ Music instruction materials
- ✓ Foreign language materials
💻 Technology & Software
- ✓ Educational software
- ✓ Learning apps/subscriptions
- ✓ Online curriculum platforms
- ✓ Assistive technology
- ✓ Tablets/computers (educational use)*
- ✓ Specialized keyboards
- ✓ Text-to-speech devices
*One per student; must be used for education
🏫 School & Programs
- ✓ Private school tuition
- ✓ Online school tuition
- ✓ Microschool fees
- ✓ Learning center programs
- ✓ Summer academic programs
- ✓ Homeschool co-op fees (academic)
📝 Testing & Evaluation
- ✓ Standardized testing fees
- ✓ Psychoeducational evaluations
- ✓ Achievement testing
- ✓ Progress monitoring assessments
- ✓ Diagnostic testing
- ✓ College entrance exam fees
❌ What ClassWallet Does NOT Cover
Never Covered:
- ✗ Transportation (gas, bus, car)
- ✗ Food and meals
- ✗ General childcare/babysitting
- ✗ Entertainment (movies, parks, etc.)
- ✗ Sports equipment (regular)
- ✗ Toys (even "educational")
- ✗ Clothing (including uniforms)
- ✗ Furniture (desks, chairs)
Gray Areas (Usually Denied):
- ⚠️ Field trips (rarely approved)
- ⚠️ Museum memberships
- ⚠️ Sports leagues (unless adapted PE)
- ⚠️ Recreational music lessons
- ⚠️ Generic "learning toys"
- ⚠️ Video game subscriptions
- ⚠️ Streaming services
Rule of thumb: If it's primarily educational and you can explain how it advances learning, it's probably covered. If it's entertainment, childcare, or basic living expenses, it's not.
SERT"The most common denied expenses we see are 'educational toys' and field trip fees. Parents assume these are covered, but they're usually not. Tutoring, curriculum, and therapy are always safe bets. When in doubt, ask the ESA office before you spend — a quick call can save a denied reimbursement."
Common Questions by Category
Tutoring Questions
Q: Can I pay a family member to tutor?
A: Generally no. ESA prohibits payments to immediate family members. Some extended family may qualify if they're credentialed and registered as a vendor.
Q: Is online tutoring covered the same as in-person?
A: Yes. Online tutoring is fully covered. The tutor must be a registered vendor.
Q: What about group tutoring?
A: Covered. Small group instruction is approved. The vendor bills per student.
Technology Questions
Q: Can I buy a laptop or tablet?
A: Yes, one educational device per student. It must be used primarily for education. Gaming consoles are not covered.
Q: What about internet service?
A: Generally not covered as a standalone expense. Some families include it in online school tuition packages.
Q: Are headphones covered?
A: Basic headphones no. Noise-canceling headphones for sensory needs or assistive hearing devices may be covered with documentation.
Therapy Questions
Q: Does insurance or ESA pay first for therapy?
A: Insurance typically pays first. ESA can cover copays or services not covered by insurance.
Q: Is ABA therapy covered?
A: It can be, when educationally relevant. Pure behavioral/medical ABA may not qualify. Educational ABA with learning goals is more likely approved.
Q: What about counseling?
A: Educational counseling (learning-related) may be covered. General mental health counseling is typically not an ESA expense.
Curriculum Questions
Q: Can I buy used curriculum?
A: Generally no, because used curriculum sales often don't go through registered vendors. New curriculum from registered vendors is the safest option.
Q: What about library books?
A: Libraries are free. Purchasing books for your home library can be covered if they're educational materials.
Q: Are consumable workbooks covered?
A: Yes. Workbooks, even consumable ones, are approved curriculum expenses.
How to Check If Something Is Covered
Check the ESA Expense Guidance — Available from the Arizona ESA office. Lists approved and prohibited categories with examples.
Call the ESA Office — 1-602-542-5411. They can give you a definitive answer before you spend.
Ask the Vendor — Reputable ESA vendors (like us) know what's covered and won't submit charges that will be denied.
When in doubt, don't guess — A denied reimbursement means you're out that money. Ask first.
Tutoring Is Always Covered
No guessing needed — tutoring is a core ESA expense. We're a registered ClassWallet vendor and handle all the billing correctly. The consultation is free.
Get Your Free Consultation →Frequently Asked Questions
Does ClassWallet cover tutoring for my ESA?
Yes. Tutoring is one of the most common ESA expenses. ClassWallet covers tutoring in all academic subjects — reading, math, writing, science, etc. The tutor must be a registered ClassWallet vendor. Both one-on-one and small group tutoring qualify.
What types of therapy does ESA ClassWallet cover?
ESA covers educationally-relevant therapies including: speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy (when educationally necessary), educational therapy, and behavioral therapy (when related to educational needs). Providers must be properly licensed and registered with ClassWallet.
Can I use ClassWallet for private school tuition?
Yes. Private school tuition is an approved ESA expense. The school must be a registered Arizona private school. You can pay tuition directly through ClassWallet or use the funds for a portion of tuition if your ESA doesn't cover the full amount.
Does ClassWallet cover curriculum and textbooks?
Yes. Curriculum, textbooks, workbooks, and educational materials are approved expenses. This includes both print and digital curriculum. Most major homeschool curriculum providers are ClassWallet eligible or can register as vendors.
Can I use ESA for educational software and apps?
Yes. Educational software, learning apps, and online subscriptions are covered. This includes reading programs, math apps, educational games, and online curriculum platforms. The software must be primarily educational (not entertainment).
What does ClassWallet NOT cover?
Prohibited expenses include: transportation, food/meals, general childcare, entertainment, toys (even 'educational' toys unless clearly instructional), sports equipment (unless adapted PE), non-educational services, and anything not directly related to education.
Can I use ESA for testing and evaluations?
Yes. Testing fees, psychological evaluations, educational assessments, and standardized testing are approved expenses. This is helpful for tracking progress or getting updated documentation. Evaluators must be properly credentialed.
Does ESA cover assistive technology?
Yes. Assistive technology for educational purposes is covered — text-to-speech devices, specialized keyboards, communication devices, screen readers, etc. The technology must be needed for educational access due to disability.
What happens if I submit a charge for something not covered?
The charge will be denied. If you've already paid out-of-pocket and submit for reimbursement, the reimbursement will be rejected. For Direct Pay, the vendor's charge will be declined. You'd need to pay the vendor another way. Check before purchasing if unsure.
How do I know if a specific expense is covered?
Check the Arizona ESA Expense Guidance document (available from the ESA office). When in doubt, contact the ESA office at 1-602-542-5411 before purchasing. For tutoring and therapy through registered vendors like us, you're covered — we only submit approved expenses.
Related Guides
Our Arizona ESA Tutoring Services
We specialize in Autism Tutoring, and Dyslexia Tutoring for Arizona ESA families. All sessions are online and payable through ClassWallet Direct Pay.
We serve families throughout Arizona, including Scottsdale, and Peoria, and all other Arizona communities.
Ready to Use Your ESA?
Tutoring is one of the best uses of ESA funds. We're here to help you put those dollars to work for your child.
Get Your Free Consultation →Or call us at (844) 773-3822