EFA Weekly Update Email
EFA Families,
Today we want to cover guidance on reimbursement documentation, upcoming testing reminders, and summer expenses.
Current queue dates
Last week's disbursement on 2/3 brought a lot of new submissions, including thousands just from that date alone, so it might not look like much progress below, but we are steadily working through the queue and making good progress. Please be patient as we diligently work through your submissions.
We are currently reviewing submissions from the following dates:
Reimbursement - 1/31
Direct Pay - 2/3
Marketplace - 2/3
If you have a submission from before these dates that has not yet been reviewed, it is likely being given closer consideration. Feel free to reach out to ADE if you have submissions from before these dates.
Reimbursement Receipts
We are seeing a lot of incomplete receipts in reimbursement requests. Please make sure your receipt has all of the following information:
The vendor's name.
Vendor contact info (Only required if the vendor is not an approved vendor).
A clear list of items and services being paid for, with relevant details like dates and prices.
Total amount paid.
Confirmation of payment (amount paid, payment method, $0 due, etc.)
Date of payment.
If your documentation doesn't have all of these pieces of information, you can supplement with other documentation. For example, if you have an invoice that doesn't show confirmation of payment, you can supplement with a screenshot from a bank statement showing a payment for the amount due to that vendor.
Testing
It is almost time to start testing. Testing is a requirement for all K-10th grade EFA students. Current EFA students who fail to meet this requirement will not be able to receive funds next school year. Just as a reminder, tests should be taken on or after March 1st, and scores should be submitted by June 30th. We will send out links to submit test scores later this semester. Please click here for more information about testing, including the eligible tests list.
For those who have signed up for the ATLAS test this year, the Assessment Office will be reaching out with more information later this spring. You will be able to take the ATLAS at home. Participation this year is limited to those who chose the ATLAS on the Homeschool Testing Survey that went out last fall.
Summer Expenses
We have started to get questions about whether summer expenses are eligible. Yes, eligible educational expenses that take place over the summer can be paid for with EFA funds. This includes educational summer camps, though the EFA Program cannot pay for food or lodging.
Expenses for educational services in the 2026-27 school year are not eligible at this time unless they are required to be paid in advance, like registration fees.
Students who are graduating this year should not submit payments for any services occurring after June 30th.
We're happy to be serving you. Have a great rest of your week!
Sincerely,
Arkansas EFA Team
Helpful Links
Mileage Reimbursement Form (Please make a copy before editing)
Testing Information (everything you need to know about testing!)