New Hampshire offers financial support for homeschool families through the Education Freedom Account (EFA). With funding ranging from $4,265 to over $8,800 per year, it’s accessible to all families starting in 2025.
With approximately 8,000 homeschooled students, New Hampshire has a significant homeschool community that benefits from understanding available funding options (NCES estimates, 2023). As of 2024, 12 states have enacted universal or near-universal Education Savings Account (ESA) programs, with Arizona's program alone serving over 75,000 students — making state-funded homeschooling more accessible than ever (EdChoice, 2024).
Can I get paid to homeschool in New Hampshire?
Yes! New Hampshire's Education Freedom Account (EFA) gives homeschool families at least $4,265 each year. If you qualify for certain add-ons, that can go up to $8,843 or more. Since 2025, all families in NH can apply, no matter their income.
What funding is available for New Hampshire homeschoolers?
The main program for homeschool funding in New Hampshire is the Education Freedom Account (EFA). This program gives families education funding through the Children's Scholarship Fund New Hampshire (CSF NH). You’ll get a scholarship account to cover many approved expenses.
Base Funding: $4,265.64 per student each year
Add-On Funding:
- Free/Reduced Lunch: About $1,500 more
- IEP (Special Education): About $2,000 more
- English Language Learner: About $1,000 more
Maximum Funding: If you qualify for all add-ons, you could get around $8,843 each year. The program is growing fast, with over 10,500 students involved.
Eligibility requirements
To receive EFA funding, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements. This includes submitting the necessary documentation for any add-ons you qualify for.
Understanding the add-on system
New Hampshire’s EFA uses a base-plus-add-on model:
- Base Amount: $4,265.64 for every student.
- Free/Reduced Lunch Add-On: About $1,500 extra if you qualify.
- IEP Add-On: About $2,000 for students with IEPs. Documentation needed.
- English Language Learner Add-On: About $1,000 if your child is an English learner.
You can stack these add-ons. So, if your child qualifies for all three, you could receive about $8,843 each year.
What can you spend EFA funds on?
You can use EFA funds for a variety of educational expenses, including:
- Curriculum and textbooks: Print materials, online courses.
- Tutoring services: From approved providers.
- Educational therapy: Speech, occupational, and more.
- Testing fees: For standardized tests and certifications.
- Educational tech: Computers and software.
- Private school tuition: For approved schools.
- Microschool and co-op fees: From registered providers.
- Transportation: For educational services.
- College savings: 529 plan deposits.
But there are things you can't buy with EFA funds.
What EFA funds cannot cover
EFA funds can't be used for:
- Athletic equipment or sports fees.
- Family vacations, even for educational trips.
- General-purpose electronics without educational use.
- Paying yourself to homeschool.
- Non-educational entertainment like video games.
- Home office furniture unless for student use.
If you’re unsure, check the approved list or ask CSF NH before buying.
How to apply for the Education Freedom Account
To apply for the EFA, follow the guidelines set by CSF NH. Make sure you meet all deadlines and requirements to secure your funding.
Key deadlines for 2026-27
Keep an eye on important deadlines for applying for the EFA. The priority deadline is in April 2026 for the 2026-27 school year.
Understanding the enrollment cap
The EFA program has a cap on enrollment:
- Current Cap: 10,000 students.
- Automatic Expansion: If enrollment hits 90% (9,000 students), it expands by 25%.
- Current Enrollment: Over 10,500 students are participating.
If you apply during busy times, make sure to apply early to secure your spot.
Using the csf nh platform
CSF NH runs the EFA program. Here’s how to use their platform:
- Getting Started: Log in after your scholarship is approved. You’ll find a list of approved vendors.
- Making Purchases: Search by vendor or category. Many can be bought directly from your scholarship.
- Reimbursement Process: For purchases not in the marketplace, save your receipt and submit it through the portal. Include educational reasons for items that aren't obvious.
Common issues include buying before approval or unclear receipts.
New Hampshire homeschool requirements
To stay compliant while using EFA funds, you need to:
- File a Notice of Intent: With your local Education Service District within 30 days of starting homeschooling.
- Complete an Annual Evaluation: Options include standardized testing or portfolio reviews by a certified teacher.
- Teach Required Subjects: Science, math, language arts, government, history, arts, and health.
- Keep Records: Maintain teaching records and spending documentation.
Important considerations before accepting funds
The EFA is valuable, but consider these:
- Evaluation Requirements: You’ll need to complete annual evaluations.
- Spending Documentation: Your purchases could be audited.
- Program Changes: Rules can evolve — income limits were removed in 2025.
- Public School Prohibition: You can’t attend public school while receiving EFA funds. Balancing public school resources with EFA can be tricky.
The bottom line
New Hampshire's EFA gives homeschool families real financial support — between $4,265 and nearly $9,000 each year, depending on your situation. With no income limits starting in 2025, it's one of the most accessible funding options in the country. If you’re interested, apply soon! The priority deadline for 2026-27 is in April 2026. Visit csfnh.org to set up your account and explore the program.
