Step Up For Students Reimbursement Guide 2025

If you're already using a Step Up For Students (SUFS) scholarship, you know the impact it can have on your child’s learning journey. But navigating the reimbursement process is its own learning curve—and that’s exactly what this guide is here to help with. Whether you're purchasing curriculum, requesting funds for therapies, or just making sure your documentation checks out, we’ll walk you through the steps to make the most of your 2025 benefits.

And if you're exploring enrichment or tutoring options to complement your SUFS-funded education, Outschool offers flexible classes that can align beautifully with your personalized learning plan.

What scholarships does Step Up For Students support?

Step Up For Students offers several scholarship programs, tailored to the unique needs of Florida learners and their families. Understanding which scholarship your learner receives can help you plan how to use the funds more effectively. Here’s a closer look:

• Florida Tax Credit (FTC) Scholarship: Designed to support income-eligible families, this scholarship can be used primarily for private school tuition, giving learners access to more customized or values-aligned educational environments.
• Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO): This option expands school choice by funding tuition at private schools or out-of-district public schools. It's ideal for families seeking a different academic fit than their zoned public school.
• Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA): Specifically created to support students with disabilities, this scholarship can fund a range of services, including therapies, assistive technologies, and specialized programs that meet your learner’s unique developmental and academic needs.
• Personalized Education Program (PEP): Geared toward homeschoolers, PEP gives families greater control and flexibility to craft an interest-driven, at-home education experience. Funds can be used for curriculum, enrichment classes, instructional materials, and more.
• New Worlds Scholarship: This scholarship helps students in grades K–5 who are struggling with reading or math by offering support for tutoring, high-quality curriculum, and family engagement. It's designed to help close learning gaps early and support foundational skills through supplemental services and materials.

Each scholarship comes with its own eligibility rules, usage guidelines, and documentation requirements. It’s a good idea to review the official purchasing and program guides regularly, especially as you plan how to use your funds throughout the school year.

What funds can be reimbursed?

SUFS scholarships open the door to incredible learning opportunities, but understanding what expenses qualify for reimbursement is key. SUFS works on a reimbursement model: families pay out of pocket and then submit a request through the EMA portal.

To simplify things, SUFS also offers MyScholarShop—a curated online store where you can purchase pre-approved materials using scholarship funds directly, no upfront payment needed. It’s a great option for busy families who want to skip the reimbursement step.

For more guidance, be sure to check out the official purchasing resources and provider updates.

Eligible expenses may vary slightly depending on your scholarship program, but here are some of the most commonly reimbursed items:

• Instructional materials: Textbooks, workbooks, and hands-on learning tools to support academic progress
• Curriculum: Pre-approved, structured learning programs that align with your learner's educational goals
• Tutoring: One-on-one or small-group instruction from certified professionals to help reinforce or enrich learning
• Therapies: Services such as speech, occupational, and physical therapy, especially for learners with unique abilities
• Technology: Devices like tablets, laptops, or assistive tech that are essential for accessing or supporting instruction

Some purchases—especially those not listed in SUFS's pre-approved categories or those above a certain cost threshold—may require pre-authorization before purchase. To avoid hiccups or rejected claims, review the purchasing guide thoroughly, explore MyScholarShop for pre-approved items, or reach out to SUFS for clarification.

Submitting a Reimbursement Request: Step-by-Step

Once you’ve made an eligible purchase using your own funds, you’ll need to submit a reimbursement request through the EMA (Education Market Assistant) Portal. This is the platform SUFS uses to manage scholarship accounts, payments, and reimbursements.

If you're new to the process or want a quick visual reference, check out SUFS’s official step-by-step PDF guide.

Here’s how to submit a request:

1. Log in to the EMA Portal
   
   Visit the Step Up For Kids site and click on "Login" in the top right corner.
2. Access the Reimbursement Section
   
   From your dashboard, go to the Reimbursements tab and click “New” to start a new submission.
3. Select the Student
   
   Choose the student profile associated with the purchase.
4. Enter Purchase Details
   
   Add the date of purchase, amount, and a short description of how the item or service supports your learner’s education. Be specific but concise.
5. Upload Required Documents
   
   You’ll need to provide:
   • An itemized receipt
   • Proof of payment (credit card statement, cleared check, or a screenshot of the transaction)
   • Any supporting documentation, if applicable
6. Choose Your Payment Method
   
   If you haven’t done this already, set your preferred reimbursement option in your EMA account (ACH, check, or PayPal).
7. Review and Submit
   
   Double-check all your entries for accuracy. Make sure uploaded files are easy to read. Then hit “Submit.”

Pro tip: Submitting clear, complete documentation on your first try reduces delays. Blurry photos or missing payment confirmation are common reasons for processing holdups.

Pre-authorization: When you need it (and how to get it)

Some educational purchases require approval from SUFS before you make them, especially if they fall outside the standard list of approved items or involve a higher-than-usual cost. This is called a pre-authorization request.

You’ll need to submit a pre-auth if:

• The item or service is not listed in the standard purchasing guide
• The purchase is high-cost or highly specialized
• You're unsure if it qualifies and want to be safe before buying

Submitting your request is simple but requires attention to detail. Here's what to do:

To submit a pre-auth request:

1. Log in to the EMA Portal and select the student for whom you are making the request.
2. Go to the 'Pre-Authorization' section on your dashboard.
3. Fill out the online form, including:
   • A clear item/service description
   • Its educational benefit
   • The estimated cost
4. Attach supporting documents—this might include product screenshots, a quote from a vendor, or an explanation from a provider.
5. Submit your request and wait for email confirmation once it has been reviewed.

For more detailed steps and examples, you can reference this official guide to submitting a pre-authorization request.

Common Hurdles (And How to Avoid Them)

Even with clear guidance, families may face a few bumps in the road while navigating reimbursements. Here are some common issues—and how to steer around them:

• Missing documentation? Reimbursements require both an itemized receipt and proof of payment, like a credit card statement or screenshot of a cleared check. Be sure everything is legible, itemized, and clearly linked to your learner.
• Missed a deadline? Unfortunately, SUFS won’t reimburse late submissions. We recommend setting digital calendar reminders and bookmarking all key dates. Consider building in a buffer window so you're not racing the clock.
• Not sure if something is eligible? If you're even a little unsure, double-check before making the purchase. Review the purchasing guide, use MyScholarShop for pre-approved items, or ask SUFS directly.
• Technical trouble in the portal? Don’t stress alone. SUFS offers "How-To" PDFs, step-by-step videos, and a support team that’s ready to help. If something seems broken, reach out early so you’re not stuck waiting near a deadline.

Staying organized, proactive, and informed can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth reimbursement experience.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

As you navigate your ESA journey, questions about Step Up For Students reimbursement are natural. Here are straightforward answers to help you confidently manage your educational funds. Remember, you're not alone in this process.

Can I submit multiple reimbursement requests?

Yes! You’re not limited to a single submission. You can file several reimbursement requests throughout the year, as long as each one includes complete documentation and falls within your scholarship’s approved categories and funding limits.

What if I miss a deadline?

Unfortunately, missed deadlines typically mean the expense won’t be reimbursed. Make sure to keep track of important dates like the pre-authorization deadline (April 30) and school year end (June 30). Creating a calendar reminder for each scholarship milestone can help keep things on track.

Are there reimbursement limits?

Yes, each scholarship has an annual funding cap, which varies depending on the program. It’s important to track your balance through the EMA portal so you don’t exceed what’s available. Once your funds are fully spent, additional reimbursements won't be approved.

How do I update my payment method?

Log in to your EMA account, go to your profile settings, and select your preferred reimbursement method: ACH (direct deposit), PayPal, or check. Make sure your information is up to date before submitting a reimbursement request to avoid processing delays.

Your Path Forward with ESAs

Navigating reimbursements through Step Up For Students can feel like a big lift at first, but with the right tools, planning, and support, it becomes a powerful way to take charge of your child’s education. From uploading receipts to submitting pre-authorization requests, staying organized and informed is the key to making the most of your scholarship funds.

As a Florida family using SUFS, you have access to generous education funding that can unlock curriculum, tutoring, therapy, and more. And when you’re ready to bring those plans to life, Outschool can help. Thousands of ESA families use Outschool to access live classes, expert tutoring, and flexible, interest-driven learning for ages 3–18—all designed to fit seamlessly into a custom educational path.