How to Apply for FES-UA with Step Up For Students

Applications for the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA) go through Step Up For Students, not through Behavioral for Kids. We can help you understand therapy next steps after (or while) you apply—but Step Up owns the application, document checklist, and deadlines.

Start here: Unique Abilities Scholarship · Main site: stepupforstudents.org

High-level application flow

Exact screens change over time. Families typically:

1. Create / sign in to the account Step Up specifies for Unique Abilities / EMA.
2. Complete the FES-UA application for the correct student and school year.
3. Upload documents from Step Up’s checklist (residency, identity, diagnosis/IEP materials, etc.).
4. Track status inside the portal and respond quickly to requests for more information.
5. After award, learn how to use EMA Marketplace / Find Providers or reimbursement tools.

Timing: do not hardcode fragile dates

Application windows and funding cycles can change by school year. For 2026–27 (and any later year), treat Step Up’s published windows as the source of truth—confirm dates on their site rather than relying on a clinic article. If a friend applied last spring, your deadline may differ.

Documents families often gather early

• Proof of Florida residency (or military documentation path)
• Child identity / age documentation
• Qualifying diagnosis report(s) from an eligible licensed professional
• IEP or school evaluation packet if that is part of your eligibility story
• Guardianship or custody notes if portal questions require them

Step Up publishes a document checklist—use theirs.

After you apply: therapy planning in parallel

You do not have to wait in silence. While Step Up reviews an application, you can:

• Call Behavioral for Kids to discuss ABA assessment readiness
• Organize prior therapy notes
• Decide whether you expect marketplace direct billing or reimbursement
• Ask about bilingual parent training needs

Call (786) 360-2655 or email info@behavioralforkids.com.

Security tip from Step Up

Step Up reminds families they will never ask for account credentials or banking information by phone, text, or email. Use official channels only.

Related guides

• FES-UA eligibility
• Using FES-UA for ABA
• FAQs