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FES-EO

FES-EO reimbursement guide for private-school families

Short answer: A full-time private-school student’s scholarship award is applied to tuition and fees before remaining funds can be used for other eligible expenses. Families requesting reimbursement in EMA need program-accepted proof of payment and category-specific support. For 2026–27 purchases, submit by July 31, 2027.

Prepared by Sunshine Claim Buddy; reviewed by its founder, a Florida FES-UA parent.

Last reviewed: July 18, 2026

Private-school-family workflow

  1. Confirm tuition and eligible school fees have been funded and check the student’s remaining balance.
  2. Verify the expense and provider under the current private-school handbook or purchasing guide.
  3. Buy through MyScholarShop when appropriate, or retain a complete out-of-pocket record.
  4. In EMA, select the correct student/category and upload the itemized purchase record, proof of payment, and required support.
  5. Monitor Submitted, In Review, Complete, On Hold, Approved, or Denied.

FES-EO compared with FES-UA

FES-EO FES-UA
Private-school tuition and fees are the scholarship’s first use. Personalized education plan with broader disability-specific categories and pre-authorization paths.
Remaining funds may cover eligible additional expenses. Families manage eligible education expenses directly within FES-UA rules.
EMA may show a Complete status before final decision. The handbook’s core list emphasizes Submitted, In Review, Approved, Denied, and On Hold.

Anonymized packet example

A private-school family uses remaining funds for an eligible learning device. The packet includes the store’s paid receipt showing the full transaction date, itemized costs, and amount paid, plus the student, category, and any category-specific documentation in EMA.

Timing and corrections

Step Up may take up to 60 days after receiving all necessary documents. If the request is On Hold, respond within 30 days; a correction restarts the review period.

October 31 is not the reimbursement deadline. In the Private School Family Handbook, October 31 is the deposit date for interest accrued from July through September. The 2026–27 reimbursement submission deadline is July 31, 2027.

Organize out-of-pocket documents before EMA

Match the receipt, payment proof, and student details in one private claim packet.

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Related resources

MyScholarShop vs reimbursementChoose a purchase path.Invoice templateCheck required fields.EMA status guideKnow the next action.

Official source checked

Workflow, deadline, timing, and status language were checked against the 2026–27 Private School Family Handbook.

2026–27 Private School Family Handbook

Independent resource: Sunshine Claim Buddy is not affiliated with Step Up For Students. Verify eligibility in the current handbook and EMA.