Government Assistance for Homeschooling: State Accounts, 529 Rules, Free Resources, and Scams to Avoid

Are there federal grants for homeschooling?

No. The U.S. Department of Education does not run a grant program for homeschool families, and federal school funding flows to public school districts and states, not to parents who teach at home. Pell Grants and other federal student aid are only for college and career school. Websites that say you can "claim your federal homeschool grant" are selling something.

The federal government does play a smaller role in two ways. First, the tax code lets 529 savings pay some K-12 costs, which we cover below. Second, a new federal scholarship tax credit begins in tax year 2027 for people who donate to scholarship groups in states that opt in. Whether those scholarships can be used for homeschooling will depend on each state and each scholarship group, so it is too early to count on. Our guide to tuition loans for private schools K-12 explains that credit in more detail.

State programs that fund home-based learning

The real money for home education comes from states. Many now run education savings accounts (ESAs), where the state deposits money into an account the family spends on approved learning costs. The catch is that each state defines "homeschool" differently. In some states, a child using an ESA is legally not a homeschooler at all, even though the learning happens at home. Read the rules before you give up any status.

Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Accounts

Under Arizona law, any resident student eligible to enroll in a public school from kindergarten through grade 12 can qualify for an Empowerment Scholarship Account. The state funds the account at 90% of what it would have paid a charter school for that child, so award amounts differ by grade and need. The program is run by the Arizona Department of Education.

The ESA contract statute spells out the trade-offs. Parents agree to teach at least reading, grammar, math, social studies, and science, to keep the child out of public district and charter schools, and not to file an affidavit of intent to homeschool. In return, the money can pay for curricula and supplementary materials, tutoring, nonpublic online programs, testing fees, some therapies, and individual public school classes. Computers and devices are restricted except where the law allows them.

Florida Personalized Education Program

Florida's Personalized Education Program, or PEP, is an ESA for students who are not enrolled full time in a public or private school. According to Step Up For Students, the nonprofit that runs it, PEP is open to families of any income. Funds can pay for curriculum, part-time tutoring, approved online providers, Florida Virtual School as a private-pay student, testing, and some part-time school services. Award amounts vary by county.

Step Up says 2026-27 applications are closed; the deadline was April 30, 2026, and families can sign up to hear when 2027-28 applications open. The program has had an enrollment cap, with renewing students served first. PEP rules are not the same as registering for home education with your school district, so read the PEP family handbook before you change how your child is registered.

Texas Education Freedom Accounts

Texas launched Education Freedom Accounts for the 2026-27 school year. According to the Texas Comptroller, accepted homeschool students may receive $2,000 a year, while students with a disability and an active IEP may get much more. The first application window ran from February 4 to March 17, 2026, and demand was far above the number of spots. The program's official site is EducationFreedom.Texas.gov; watch it for the next window.

Other states

Several other states run ESAs or similar accounts, and new laws pass most years. Some include homeschoolers, some require the child to leave public school first, and some exclude home education entirely. Search your state education department or treasurer's site for "education savings account," and ask a statewide homeschool group which programs local families actually use.

Government assistance for homeschooling by state, compared

This table compares the programs we confirmed from official or program sources in November 2026. Amounts and windows change every year.

State tax credits and deductions

A handful of states let parents subtract or get a credit for some education costs, and a few of these include homeschooling. Minnesota is one example. Its Department of Revenue says homeschool families may qualify for the K-12 Education Subtraction and Credit. The credit is refundable but has income limits, while the subtraction has none. Minnesota's rules also say a parent cannot pay themselves as the teacher; costs like books, supplies, and outside tutoring from someone who is not a parent, sibling, or grandparent are the kind that may count. Check the department's homeschool fact sheet for the current list.

Other states have similar credits for private school or general education costs, but many leave homeschoolers out. Look on your state revenue department's website, and keep every receipt during the year just in case.

Using a 529 plan for homeschool costs

A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged savings account for education. The 2025 federal tax law, signed July 4, 2025, made two changes for K-12 students:

• A larger limit. According to IRS Topic 313, K-12 withdrawals can total up to $20,000 per student per year from all of that student's 529 accounts, up from $10,000 before the end of 2025.
• A longer list of costs. For withdrawals made after July 4, 2025, qualifying K-12 costs include curriculum and curricular materials, books and other instructional materials, online educational materials, tutoring or classes outside the home from a qualified tutor who is not a relative, standardized and AP test fees, dual enrollment fees, and educational therapies for students with disabilities.

Here is the honest caveat. The federal law ties these costs to a student enrolled at or attending an elementary or secondary public, private, or religious school, and IRS Topic 313 does not mention homeschooling. In states where a homeschool legally operates as a private school, families have a clearer case. In states that treat homeschooling as its own category, the answer is less certain. Ask your 529 plan administrator and a tax professional before you withdraw, and keep records showing what each withdrawal paid for.

State tax rules can also differ from federal rules. Some states may tax K-12 withdrawals or take back a deduction you got when you contributed.

Public school options that stay at home

If cost is the main barrier, a free public program that your child completes at home may fit. These are not homeschooling in the legal sense, because the child is a public school student, but they can feel similar day to day.

• State virtual schools. Florida Virtual School is one of the largest. It offers free courses to Florida students, and families can take individual classes or enroll full time.
• Full-time online public schools. Many states have tuition-free online charter or district schools. They follow state testing and attendance rules.
• Part-time enrollment. Some states let homeschoolers take a single class, join a sport, or use special services at their local public school. Rules vary widely.
• Dual enrollment. High schoolers can often take community college courses for free or at a discount. Ask the college how homeschoolers apply.

Free curriculum and learning sites

A full curriculum can cost hundreds of dollars per child. Many families cut that sharply with free, reputable material:

• Khan Academy, a nonprofit, offers free math, science, reading, and test prep lessons from kindergarten up.
• NASA learning resources include science lessons, activities, and videos sorted by grade.
• DocsTeach from the National Archives turns historical documents into ready-made history activities.
• State education department standards are free to download and help you plan what to cover each year.
• Local homeschool co-ops often share or swap used books and run low-cost group classes.

Library resources most families miss

A public library card may be the most valuable homeschool tool you can get, and it is free. Beyond books, many libraries offer:

• E-books and audiobooks through apps like Libby or Hoopla.
• Online databases for research, encyclopedias, and language learning.
• Free tutoring services and homework help, sometimes live.
• Free or discounted museum, zoo, and state park passes.
• Interlibrary loan, which can bring in textbooks your branch does not own.
• Maker spaces, STEM kits, and children's programs during school hours.

Some libraries have a homeschool contact or a teacher card with longer loan periods. It never hurts to ask.

Help for children with disabilities

Under the federal special education law, school districts must find and evaluate children who may have a disability, and that duty generally covers children who are homeschooled. You can ask your district for a free evaluation. Whether a homeschooled child then gets services from the district depends on state law. In states that treat homeschools as private schools, children may be eligible for a limited set of services; in others, they may need to enroll at least part time. Several state ESAs, including Arizona's and Texas's, give larger awards to students with documented disabilities.

Family benefits that still apply

Homeschooling does not change your eligibility for the main family support programs. If money is tight, check SNAP for groceries, Medicaid or CHIP for health coverage, WIC for children under 5, and LIHEAP for energy bills, since being home all day can raise utility costs. These programs look at income and household size, not where your children learn. The federal poverty guidelines explain the income levels many of them use. For school-year costs like supplies, see free school supplies for low-income families.

Homeschool grant scams and warning signs

Because real homeschool funding is limited, the term attracts scams. The FTC warns that government grant scams often promise free money in exchange for a fee. Be cautious if you see:

• A "federal homeschool grant" or "stimulus for homeschool parents." Neither exists.
• A fee to apply for, or to "guarantee," a state ESA. State programs are free to apply.
• Requests for your bank account or Social Security number by phone or text.
• Vendors who say an ESA pays for anything, including personal items. Unapproved purchases can get your account suspended.

Report suspected scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Finding help in your state, step by step

1. Read your state's homeschool law on the education department's site so you know how homeschools are classified.
2. Search for an ESA or scholarship on the education department or treasurer's site, and note who qualifies and whether you must change your status.
3. Mark application windows on your calendar; several programs open only once a year.
4. Check your state tax return for education credits or subtractions that include homeschooling.
5. Ask your 529 plan whether it treats your homeschool costs as qualified before withdrawing.
6. Get a library card for every child and ask about homeschool services.
7. Apply for family benefits like SNAP or Medicaid if your income qualifies.

Related guides

• Tuition loans for private schools K-12
• Private school grants for low-income families
• Back-to-school help for low-income families
• Free school supplies for low-income families

Frequently asked questions

This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Homeschool laws and state funding programs differ by state and change often. National Relief Program is an independent website and is not affiliated with any government agency or scholarship organization.