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Reimbursement, without the second submission
Reimbursement is the slowest of the three ways to spend your funds, and almost every delay comes from the same place: something was missing the first time. Step Up asks you to allow up to 60 days after all required documentation is in — that clock only starts when the file is complete. Most families see payment in 7–14 business days outside of peak season.
Work down this list before you upload. Tick as you go — it stays on your phone and nowhere else.
How you get paid
Reimbursements are paid to the parent or guardian from the student’s scholarship account by direct deposit (ACH), check, or PayPal. Whichever you choose, make sure the details inside EMA are current — an approved reimbursement can still sit unpaid because the payment method is out of date.
Two 2026–27 changes worth knowing
- PEP families can no longer buy digital devices — laptops, computers and peripherals came off the approved list for FTC-PEP. Check the current purchasing guide before you spend.
- Florida Prepaid and 529 contributions moved to direct pay as of June 30, 2026. They are no longer handled through reimbursement.
If it has been longer than 60 days
Log in to EMA and check the status on the request itself first — it will usually say what is missing. If it is genuinely stalled, call Step Up For Students at 1-877-735-7837, Monday to Friday, 8–5 ET. Do not use any third-party service that offers to chase it for you; Step Up’s user agreement prohibits giving another business access to your account.
Sources: Step Up For Students parent handbooks and reimbursement timeline guidance, and the 2026–27 summary of handbook changes. Checked August 2, 2026. Rules change — confirm in your account.