Can You Get Reimbursed If You Bought Curriculum Before Your PEP SLP Was Approved?

No. Purchases made before your Student Learning Plan (SLP) is officially approved by Step Up for Students are permanently ineligible for Florida PEP reimbursement. There is no appeals process and no exception. This is one of the most expensive mistakes new PEP families make.

Why This Rule Exists

Step Up requires an approved SLP before any purchases because the plan documents your educational intent for the school year. Without it, Step Up has no framework for verifying that a purchase supports your child's education.

What Counts as "Before Approval"?

The date on your receipt must be on or after the date your SLP was officially approved. If your receipt is dated July 15 and your SLP wasn't approved until July 22, those purchases are ineligible, even if the exact same item bought on July 22 would have been fully reimbursable.

New Families Are Most at Risk

Back-to-school season drives many families to buy curriculum in July and August, often before they've applied to PEP, let alone had their SLP approved. This is completely understandable but unfortunately irreversible.

What to Do Going Forward

1. Submit your SLP application as your very first step, before planning any purchases.
2. Wait for your official approval notification in EMA before buying anything.
3. Screenshot your approval confirmation showing the exact approval date.
4. If you're unsure whether your SLP has been approved, call Step Up: (877) 735-7837.