To establish and administrate an education savings account (ESA), there are several parties involved. These parties are the following:

* The designated beneficiary: The person (child) for whom the ESA is established.
* The grantor or depositor: The individual or entity that establishes and contributes to the ESA.
* Responsible individual: The person who manages the ESA, including directing the investments and requesting distributions on behalf of the beneficiary. 
* Successor responsible individual: The person designated to assume the duties of the responsible individual when the primary responsible individual is unable to carry out the assigned responsibilities.
* Death designated beneficiary: The person designated to receive the ESA balance if the designated beneficiary dies.

The responsible individual is usually the designated beneficiary's parent or legal guardian. The designated beneficiary, however, becomes the responsible individual upon reaching the age of majority as determined by his or her state of residence.

The death designated beneficiary must not be more than 30 years old.