Reimbursement
Reimbursements provide another way to maximize purchasing flexibility. If you pay out of pocket for an eligible expense, you can submit a reimbursement request through EMA to be reimbursed from your child’s account.
Eligible Expenses
Reimbursement Deadlines
| Reimbursement Type | Eligible Purchase Window | Reimbursement Request Window |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 Reimbursements | July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026 | July 1, 2025 - October 31, 2026 |
| 2026-27 Reimbursements | July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027 | July 1, 2026 - July 31, 2027 |
| Eligible Reimbursements Before Scholarship Year Begins | Any time before July 1, 2026 | July 1, 2026 - July 31, 2027 |
| Eligible Reimbursements for Services in Advance | Within four (4) months of the reimbursement request, or within one (1) year if the provider attests the service is nonrefundable | July 1, 2026 - July 31, 2027 |
Category Quick Links
Each reimbursement category below links directly to the Unique Abilities Scholarship Family Handbook, where you'll find eligibility requirements, required documentation and important purchasing guidelines. Reviewing the handbook before submitting your request can help prevent delays and ensure your reimbursement is processed as quickly as possible.
Instructional Materials, Curriculum, or Curriculum Materials
Internet Resources, Including Mobile Hot Spots
Florida Department of Education Approved Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Full-Time Private Tutoring Program
Part-Time Tutoring Services or Choice Navigator Services
Contracted Services Provided by a Public School or District
Tuition & Fees
- At an Eligible Private School
- As a Private-Pay Student For Florida Virtual School (FLVS)
- At an Eligible Postsecondary Institution, a Home Education Instructional Program, or an Approved Online or Virtual Provider
- For an Approved VPK Program Provider or an Approved School Readiness Provider
Fees For Specialized After-School Education Programs or Specialized Summer Education Programs
Fees for Annual Home Education Evaluation or Testing and Academic Services, Including Test Administration & Proctoring
Supporting Documentation for Proof of Payment
To make sure reimbursement requests are handled smoothly, families will need to provide documentation showing that the parent or guardian paid for the purchase.
The following documents can serve as proof that the parent or guardian paid for the purchase:
- A receipt including the complete transaction date (MM/DD/YY), and the amount paid.
- An invoice including the complete transaction date (MM/DD/YY) and demonstrating that it has been paid in full. Demonstration that it has been paid in full includes a “paid in full” stamp, the display of the invoice amount and payment amount, or a zero balance.
Please note:
- An invoice that does not show payment in full, or that does not list how payment was made, will not be accepted.
- If the provider’s name on your proof of payment differs from the provider listed on the invoice or receipt, you’ll need to include supporting documentation from the provider, such as a letter, to explain the difference.
Video Library
Get Started
Set Up Your Preferred Payment Method
You can choose to receive your funds by direct deposit (ACH), check or PayPal. Follow our Reimbursement Payment Methods Guide to make your selection.
Submit Your Reimbursement Request with Confidence
Follow our step-by-step Reimbursement Request Instructions to ensure your reimbursement request is submitted accurately and avoid any delays.
Congratulations!
Be sure to monitor your email and your EMA account for any updates or requests for additional documentation. Please allow up to 60 days for your reimbursement request to be fully reviewed once all required documents have been submitted.
As a reminder, reimbursements are tied to the school year in which purchases were made. For the 2025–26 school year, you may submit reimbursement requests by October 31, 2026, as long as the purchase occurred between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026.
If a reimbursement request is denied, parents or guardians may appeal the decision once through EMA. To do this, go to the Reimbursements tab on the left side of the dashboard. Find the denied reimbursement request and open it. Scroll down to the bottom of the page where you will see a red APPEAL button. Click this button to start your appeal for the original reimbursement request. Here, you can update the initial reimbursement request and provide additional documentation.
Appeals will only be reviewed through the established process. Step Up For Students is unable to review appeals or resubmission requests that are sent via email or through any other customer service channel.
Helpful Resources:
Planning Ahead?
You can request pre-authorization for future expenses by following Pre-Authorization Request Instructions. Once approved, you’ll have the flexibility to either submit a reimbursement request later or purchase directly through MyScholarShop.
Eligible Reimbursements for Advance Services
Parents and guardians can submit a reimbursement request for services up to four months in advance. For example, if a tutor asks for payment in advance, a parent can apply on August 15th for reimbursement of tutoring fees paid through December 15th. An invoice showing specific dates or a general term like “semester 1” may both be accepted, as long as the service period falls within the four-month limit.
Requests submitted for services more than four (4) months in advance may be approved through the remainder of the school year, up to one (1) year, if the provider attests that the services paid in advance are non-refundable.
Parents and guardians must submit a signed and dated letter from the provider stating the payment is non-refundable or submit published policies from the provider showing these requirements.