Which students are eligible to receive ACE funds?

The ACE Educational Savings Account program is available to any Ohio child ages 6 to 18 years old (who hasn’t graduated from high school) who meets at least one of the conditions below. 

RESIDENCY
Children residing in districts identified as having a high rate of chronic absenteeism or have one or more schools identified as EdChoice eligible qualify for an ACE Educational Savings Account.  View the full list of eligible districts.

INCOME
Children who reside in a household with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) at or below 400% of the federal poverty level based on the most household’s most recent federal income tax return qualify for an ACE Educational Savings Account. Find the chart of qualifying income levels.

GOVERNMENT SOCIAL PROGRAM PARTICIPATION
Children who are part of a family that participates in programs such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Ohio Works First (OWF) or other government social programs with eligibility at or below 400% of the federal poverty level, qualify for an ACE Educational Savings Account.

  • Parents may submit an online application including income documentation to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.
  • The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce completes the income verification process and determines program eligibility for all applicants.
  • Eligible applicant information is shared with Merit International, Inc.
  • Merit International, Inc. will provide eligible families with their savings accounts and a marketplace to purchase allowable services and materials.