Quick answers.
- When is the Florida PEP reimbursement deadline?
- For purchases made between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026, Step Up’s request window runs until October 31, 2026. For 2026–27 purchases (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027), the window runs until July 31, 2027.
- Which purchases does the October 31, 2026 deadline cover?
- Eligible purchases made from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, the 2025–26 purchase window on Step Up’s PEP Reimbursement page.
- What if I bought something in June 2026 for the 2026–27 school year?
- Step Up’s page says expenses purchased before the scholarship year begins may be reimbursed during the 2026–27 submission window, July 1, 2026 – July 31, 2027. Check with Step Up how that applies to your purchase.
- Can I submit a PEP reimbursement after October 31?
- Step Up’s page lists October 31, 2026 as the end of the request window for 2025–26 purchases and doesn’t describe late submissions. If you’ve missed it, contact Step Up directly rather than assuming either way.
- How long does Step Up take to review a request?
- Step Up says to allow up to 60 days for a request to be fully reviewed once all required documents have been submitted.
- What if my request is denied?
- You can appeal a denial once, in EMA, using the Appeal button on that request. Step Up says appeals aren’t reviewed by email or other channels.
The short version.
- October 31, 2026 is the last day in Step Up’s request window for 2025–26 PEP purchases, meaning anything bought from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.
- Requests are submitted in EMA, Step Up’s online account system, with a receipt or paid invoice.
- Step Up says to allow up to 60 days for review once everything is in, so submitting early also gives you time to fix anything that’s put on hold.
- 2026–27 purchases have their own window, which runs to July 31, 2027.
Which dates apply to you.
| You bought it between | It belongs to | Submit the request by |
|---|---|---|
| July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026 | 2025–26 | October 31, 2026 |
| July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 | 2026–27 | July 31, 2027 |
Step Up’s page also says expenses bought before the scholarship year begins may be reimbursed during the 2026–27 submission window (July 1, 2026 – July 31, 2027). Source: Step Up’s PEP Reimbursement page, read October 4, 2026.
The checklist, step by step.
- Gather every 2025–26 purchase. Check your card and bank statements, PayPal or payment-app history, and email receipts from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. Curriculum, books, tutoring, lessons, testing, and supplies are easy to forget.
- Cross off what’s already submitted. Compare your list with the requests in EMA so nothing is sent twice and nothing is missed.
- Check each receipt shows the five things Step Up asks for: the seller’s name, the full purchase date with the year, the item named specifically, the price breakdown (subtotal, taxes, shipping, total), and proof of payment.
- Add proof of payment where the receipt doesn’t show it, such as a card receipt, a bank or card statement, or a payment-app receipt. See proof of payment Step Up accepts.
- Check service invoices. Tutoring and therapy invoices need more than a store receipt, including the provider’s license number and dates of service. See tutor and provider invoices.
- Mark the items you want reimbursed if a receipt includes things you aren’t claiming. Step Up asks you to highlight or circle them, or cross out the rest.
- Submit in EMA (Reimbursements, then New), upload the receipt, confirm each item and amount, and select Submit for Approval.
- Keep a copy of everything you uploaded, and note the date you submitted.
Don’t wait until the last day.
- On-hold requests need a fix. Step Up’s reimbursement guide shows requests placed on hold when a receipt is missing required information. Submitting early leaves time to upload what’s missing.
- Gathering takes longer than you think. Statements, provider invoices, and missing receipts can take days to collect.
- Systems get busy near deadlines. Plan to finish a week or more before October 31.
If you’re close to the deadline and unsure about a specific purchase, Step Up’s support line is 1 (877) 735-7837.
After you submit.
- Review time: Step Up says to allow up to 60 days once all required documents are in.
- Watch EMA and your email for status updates.
- On hold: upload what’s missing.
- Denied: you can appeal once in EMA, using the Appeal button on that request. Appeals sent by email aren’t reviewed.
For everything about receipts, proof of payment, and EMA, see the full Florida PEP reimbursement guide.
See what’s still unsubmitted, at a glance.
The Florida PEP Tracker keeps every purchase with its status, flags receipts missing details before you upload, and shows what’s left to submit for each student.
Sources.
All read on October 4, 2026. We re-check them when new editions are published.
- PEP Reimbursement
Step Up for Students web page, read October 4, 2026: purchase and request windows for 2025–26 and 2026–27, advance purchases, review time, appeals.
stepupforstudents.org - Reimbursement Guide for Parent(s)/Guardian(s)
Step Up for Students PDF: receipt, proof-of-payment, and invoice requirements.
PDF - How to Request Reimbursement in EMA
Step Up for Students PDF: step-by-step EMA instructions.
PDF