If you’re concerned about doing business in West Virginia with Hope Scholarship families — fear not! West Virginia families engage in a contract with the West Virginia Department of Education when they accept their Hope Scholarship dollars. Account holders (usually parents) are the ones who are accountable for how their ESA funds are spent, and if they are used in accordance with the law.
Getting paid by ESA account holders
To utilize the online payment platform that West Virginia currently is contracted with, you’ll need to register as a vendor with Step Up For Students and MyScholarShop here for schools and here for other vendors. Parents can choose to pay you for services through the online vendor payment system, reimbursement, or direct payment for qualified providers.
Eligible expenses
The Hope Scholarship ESP handbook outlines what West Virginia laws and rules require for approved expenses. If you’re unsure of whether or not your services or products are approved, you have a few options
- Begin with the list of qualifying and non-qualifying expenses.
- Reach out to the Hope Scholarship staff at the Treasurer’s Office to ask about your products and services and approval here.
- Have a Hope Scholarship parent submit a helpdesk request regarding approval.
Contact us so we can tell you, or get an answer for you!