Many items and services have been pre-approved as authorized uses of scholarship funds. However, some items or services require a parent to submit a pre-authorization request prior to making the purchase.

Items or services not listed as eligible in this Purchasing Guide require a pre-authorization approval before purchasing the item or service. Step Up For Students will not consider or approve pre-authorization requests for items that are prohibited.

A pre-authorization request requires:

• Completion of the pre-authorization request form and the completion of the Educational Benefit Form explaining how the purchase will benefit the student's education. The pre-authorization request should be specific to the student and contain as much detail about the specific item or service being requested, including the approximate cost of the item or service.
• Completion of the reimbursement or direct pay request if the pre-authorization request is approved. The items or services submitted for reimbursement should correspond to the pre-authorization request.

A pre-authorization request is not a confirmation of the provider's eligibility or the funding available for the reimbursement.

Approvals of pre-authorizations are decided on a case-by-case basis relevant to the needs of the individual student. An approved pre-authorization is valid for purchases in the school year in which it was approved.