Last verified: October 2026
How does the EdChoice Expansion amount change with income in 2026-27?
The award is flat at the maximum up to 450% of the poverty guideline, then falls by half for each additional 100 percentage points, with a floor of 10% of the maximum. For a family of four, the full $6,166 K-8 award holds up to $148,500; at 550% ($181,500) it is $3,083.00; at 650% ($214,500) it is $1,541.50.
At what income does a Columbus family reach the minimum EdChoice Expansion award?
The 10% floor ($616.60 K-8, $840.80 9-12) is reached a little above 782% of poverty, about $258,000 for a family of four. Every Ohio family outside the Cleveland district that applies with verified income receives at least that floor.
| Income vs poverty | Family of 4 | Family of 3 | K-8 award | 9-12 award |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 450% | $148,500 | $122,940 | $6,166.00 | $8,408.00 |
| 475% | $156,750 | $129,770 | $5,184.97 | $7,070.26 |
| 500% | $165,000 | $136,600 | $4,360.02 | $5,945.35 |
| 525% | $173,250 | $143,430 | $3,666.33 | $4,999.43 |
| 550% | $181,500 | $150,260 | $3,083.00 | $4,204.00 |
| 600% | $198,000 | $163,920 | $2,180.01 | $2,972.68 |
| 650% | $214,500 | $177,580 | $1,541.50 | $2,102.00 |
| 700% | $231,000 | $191,240 | $1,090.01 | $1,486.34 |
| 750% | $247,500 | $204,900 | $770.75 | $1,051.00 |
| 800% | $264,000 | $218,560 | $616.60 | $840.80 |
Computed from DEW's "2026-2027 Expansion Award Amounts by Poverty Level" workbook (base $6,166 / $8,408, factor 0.5, floor 10%) and the 2026 poverty guideline in DEW's 2026-2027 table. Dollar columns are the income at each percentage.
| It is | It is not |
|---|---|
| Adjusted gross income from Form 1040 line 11 | Take-home pay or gross wages |
| Compared with the poverty guideline for your household size | A single statewide dollar cutoff |
| Rechecked only if you submit new income | Required every year for renewing Expansion families (it is required yearly for low-income status) |