Short answer
Step Up For Students funding schedule, 2026-27
The Florida Department of Education sends scholarship funds to Step Up For Students four times a year: August 1 (renewals) or September 1 (new students), November 1, February 1 and April 1. Student accounts can take up to two weeks after each date to show the money.
Step Up For Students deposit dates
| Date | What is deposited | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| August 1, 2026 | Quarter 1 funds (July–September) | Renewing students |
| September 1, 2026 | Quarter 1 funds | New and late-renewal students |
| November 1, 2026 | Quarter 2 funds (October–December) | All funded students |
| February 1, 2027 | Quarter 3 funds (January–March) | All funded students |
| April 1, 2027 | Quarter 4 funds (April–June) | All funded students |
- To keep receiving deposits, the account balance must be at or below $24,000 (Private School and PEP) or $50,000 (Unique Abilities) by November 15, 2026, February 15, 2027 and April 15, 2027.
- Private School scholarship students must be enrolled in EMA by the quarter deadline (December 15, 2026 for Q3; February 15, 2027 for Q4). Unique Abilities and PEP students do not need EMA enrollment.
- Accounts with no spending for two consecutive fiscal years are closed and the funds returned.
- For 2026-27 a second scholarship organization, Sunshine State Kids, also administers FES-EO and FES-UA on the Odyssey platform. Families with that organization should follow its schedule.
Source: Step Up For Students: 2026-27 scholarship schedule (PDF) (as of October 21, 2026)
How much is Step Up For Students worth in 2026-27?
The Florida Legislature sets amounts each year. They vary by county and grade band, and for Unique Abilities also by the student's matrix level.
| Student / category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Private School (FTC / FES-EO) and PEP, grades K-3 | $8,238 – $12,217 |
| Private School (FTC / FES-EO) and PEP, grades 4-8 | $7,654 – $11,617 |
| Private School (FTC / FES-EO) and PEP, grades 9-12 | $7,463 – $11,421 |
| Unique Abilities, matrix 1-3 or diagnosis, K-3 (incl. ages 3-4) | $10,402 – $14,381 |
| Unique Abilities, matrix level 4 (254) | $21,379 – $25,701 |
| Unique Abilities, matrix level 5 (255) | $34,429 – $39,091 |
- Unique Abilities students who had a scholarship in 2020-21 receive the greater of the calculated amount or their 2020-21 amount.
Source: Step Up For Students: 2026-27 scholarship amounts (PDF) (as of October 21, 2026)
After the deposit: how Step Up For Students money gets spent
School tuition (direct pay)
The school and the parent each have 30 days to approve the invoice in EMA. Payment starts within 7 business days of both approvals and can take up to 5 more business days to arrive.
EMA Marketplace providers
Use Marketplace → Find Providers for approved tutors, therapists and part-time schools that bill the scholarship account directly.
MyScholarShop
Pre-approved products with no out-of-pocket cost. Orders can take up to two weeks to process.
Reimbursement
Submit in EMA with an itemized receipt showing the full date and amount paid. Review takes up to 60 days after complete documentation and restarts if the request is put on hold. 2026-27 requests are due by July 31, 2027.
Source: Step Up For Students: 2026-27 FES-UA family handbook (as of October 21, 2026)
Who qualifies and how to apply
- Private School (FTC / FES-EO): any Florida resident eligible for K-12 public school, regardless of income. Renewals come first, then families at or below 185% of the federal poverty level, then 185–400%.
- Unique Abilities: Florida residents aged 3 to 22 (or through grade 12) with an IEP or one of 23 qualifying diagnoses.
- PEP: K-12 students not enrolled full time in a public or private school, at least 5 by September 1, any income.
- New 2026-27 Private School and Unique Abilities applications are open until November 15, 2026; new students accept or decline by December 15, 2026. PEP applications closed April 30, 2026.
Source: Step Up For Students: Private School scholarship (as of October 21, 2026)
Step Up For Students funding FAQ
When does Step Up For Students money arrive in 2026-27?
The state funds Step Up on August 1 (renewals) or September 1 (new students), November 1, February 1 and April 1. Your child's account can take up to two weeks after each date to show the funds.
How much is the Florida scholarship for 2026-27?
Private School and PEP awards range from about $7,463 to $12,217 depending on county and grade. Unique Abilities awards range from $9,627 to $39,091 depending on matrix level and county.
How fast does Step Up pay my child's school?
Once both the school and the parent approve the invoice in EMA, payment starts within 7 business days and can take up to 5 more business days to reach the school.
Is it too late to apply for 2026-27?
New Private School and Unique Abilities applications are open until November 15, 2026. PEP applications closed April 30, 2026.
Dates and amounts come from the official sources linked above and can change mid-year. Your account portal is the final word for your family. Questions about your own account: Step Up For Students contact page. GetESAPaid is not affiliated with the program. Maintained by the GetESAPaid Research Desk.