Reimbursements
Making Educational
Spending Easier
At Step Up For Students, we understand that investing in your child's education often means making out-of-pocket purchases. That's why we've streamlined our reimbursement process to help you reclaim these expenses from your scholarship funds. Whether you're paying for tuition, instructional materials, curriculum, specialized programs, or educational services, our reimbursement system is designed to support your family's unique educational journey.
From submitting requests to tracking their status, we're here to guide you through each step, ensuring you can make the most of your scholarship while focusing on what truly matters – your child's learning and growth.
For added convenience, parents can also explore using MyScholarShop for direct purchases with scholarship funds. This online platform allows for the purchase of approved educational items and services without the need for reimbursements.
For more details on MyScholarShop, click here.
Overview of Reimbursable Expenses
What You Need to Know
Eligibility: Reimbursements are available for approved educational expenses paid out-of-pocket by parents or guardians of scholarship students.
Timing: Reimbursement requests can be submitted after the purchase is made, as long as the items or services were purchased within the current school year (July 1 to June 30).
Documentation: Proper documentation is crucial for a successful reimbursement request.
Approval Process: All reimbursements are subject to review and approval by Step Up For Students.
Eligible Expenses Include:
Tuition and fees
Specialized therapies
Curriculum materials
Educational technology
Tutoring services
For a more streamlined shopping experience, consider using MyScholarShop to directly purchase many approved items. Learn more about MyScholarShop by clicking here.
Purchasing Guides
The Reimbursement Process: A Quick Guide
Getting reimbursed is simple and straightforward. Here's how it works:
Make an eligible purchase
- Choose from a wide range of approved educational expenses
- Keep your receipts and invoices handy
Gather your documentation
- Collect all relevant receipts, invoices, and proof of payment
- Ensure documents clearly show the student's name, date of purchase, and item details
Submit your request online
- Log in to your EMA account
- Fill out the reimbursement form and upload your documents
- Double-check all information before submitting
Track your reimbursement status
- Monitor your request through our online system
- Receive updates via email at each stage of the process
- Respond promptly if additional information is needed
Receive your funds
- Choose your preferred payment method: direct deposit, check, or PayPal
- Funds are typically processed within 2-3 weeks of approval
Remember, our team is here to help you every step of the way. If you have any questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to our dedicated support team.
Resources
Certain items listed in the Purchasing Guide require pre-authorization prior to purchase. Learn more about the process and how to submit your request.
To simplify your purchase process, you might also explore using MyScholarShop for educational expenses.
Other Helpful Documents
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, as of January 8, 2023, families will need to log in to their EMA account to select their preferred payment method prior to submitting an expense for reimbursement. Reimbursement funds will no longer be made to the families U.S. Bank Focus Card. If you need assistance with your U.S. Bank Focus Card, call (888) 863-0681.
Families with a balance on their U.S. Bank Focus Card can continue to use those funds until they run out, withdraw them at a bank or call U.S. Bank and request a check for the balance that remains on the card. New reimbursement funds will not be added to the U.S. Bank Focus Card after January 8, 2023. If you need assistance with your U.S. Bank Focus Card, call (888) 863-0681.
When choosing between direct bank transfer, Check, or PayPal®, consider factors such as speed of access, convenience, banking access and accessibility.
If you receive a 1099k from PayPal®, it means that you have reached the threshold for receiving payments that require additional tax reporting. To address this, it is important to consult with a tax professional. You can learn more on PayPal's website here.
Stepping Up To Success
