The short answer
A strong FES-UA reimbursement request includes an itemized receipt or invoice, proof the parent or guardian paid, the correct student and EMA category, and every category-specific document. Check that names, dates, amounts, and service details agree across the packet before submission.
2026-27 reimbursement dates and review time
| Rule | 2026-27 date or timing | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible purchase window | July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027 | Use the scholarship year that matches the purchase or service. |
| Reimbursement submission deadline | July 31, 2027 | Submit 2026-27 requests by this date. |
| Review time | Up to 60 days after all required documents arrive | An on-hold correction restarts the stated review period. |
| Prior-year reminder | July 31, 2026 | This is the deadline for requests using 2025-26 funds. |
Do not confuse this with October 31. In the Private School Family Handbook, October 31 is an account-interest deposit date. The 2026-27 reimbursement submission deadline is July 31, 2027.
Printable FES-UA reimbursement packet checklist
- The invoice or receipt identifies the item or service and shows the complete date and cost breakdown.
- Proof of payment shows a complete transaction date and the amount paid, or the invoice clearly shows paid in full or a zero balance.
- The student name matches the name in EMA when the category requires it.
- The EMA category matches the actual item or service—not merely the nearest broad label.
- Service dates, provider credentials, license numbers, attendance, or educational-benefit documents are attached when the category requires them.
- Names, dates, and amounts match across the required documents for the scholarship program being used.
- Every uploaded file opens, is readable on a phone, and keeps required fields visible after redaction.
- The reimbursement amount includes only the eligible line items being claimed.
Anonymized packet example
“Therapy — $240” invoice, no student, no service dates, and no indication that the balance was paid.
Itemized provider invoice with student and service dates, complete transaction date, matching $240 payment, $0 balance, and the required provider credential.
Submit in this order
- Confirm the expense is eligible in the current handbook or purchasing guide.
- Match the receipt or invoice to proof of payment.
- Choose the category and gather its supporting documents.
- Redact unrelated sensitive information without hiding required evidence.
- Enter only the amount and dates supported by the files.
- Save a copy of the packet and submission details for follow-up.
Check your packet before EMA
SunshineClaimBuddy compares receipt and proof-of-payment details, flags missing information, organizes upload files, and prepares fields for manual copy into the official portal.
How this guide was reviewed
We checked the Step Up For Students 2026-27 FES-UA Family Handbook and current reimbursement FAQ, then translated the official requirements into a parent-facing preparation checklist. Read our editorial method.
Official sources to verify
Rules can change. Use these official pages as the final source of truth for a live request.
2026-27 FES-UA Family Handbook Step Up reimbursement FAQ Step Up purchasing guidesIndependent resource: SunshineClaimBuddy is not affiliated with or endorsed by Step Up For Students. Verify current rules and requirements on the official Step Up website before submitting.