ESA Funding and Payments for Vendors

This article is intended for vendors and service providers participating in the Wyoming ESA Marketplace.

When a family places an order through the Odyssey Marketplace, the funds are drawn from the student's ESA account. Payments to vendors are processed through the Odyssey platform after the family's order is confirmed. Expenses must be paid after services are provided or products have shipped, except for tuition and fees required for enrollment or assessments.

If a family returns a product or cancels a service, the ESP must confirm the return or cancellation and refunds are credited back to the student's ESA account. Vendors may not issue cash refunds or rebates directly to parents or students. All refunds must go through the Odyssey platform back to the student's account.

Vendors must retain records of all ESA-related transactions. The Wyoming ESA program may conduct audits to verify compliance. Misuse of funds or failure to comply with program requirements may result in suspension or decertification from the program.

ESPs receiving or expecting to receive more than $150,000 annually in ESA funds are required to file a surety bond. Failure to secure a surety bond may result in suspension and disqualification from the program. For details, see the Surety Bond Requirements article.