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🎉 Big News: We’re Now a Direct Pay Provider for the Unique Abilities Scholarship!
Hello, Glow in Wellness community! I’ve got some exciting news to share: Glow in Wellness Therapy Center is now an approved direct pay provider under the Step Up for Students Unique Abilities (FES-UA) scholarship program. That means if your child qualifies for the Unique Abilities Scholarship, you can use those funds directly for counseling, therapy, or supportive services with us — no complicated reimbursements needed (in many cases).
I’m deeply grateful for this opportunity, because it helps make mental health support more accessible and equitable for students who need it most.
🧩 What Is the Unique Abilities Scholarship (FES-UA)?
The Unique Abilities Scholarship (also known as the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities) gives Florida families with children who have certain diagnoses more flexibility in how they use education funds.
Here are the key features:
- It functions like an Education Savings Account (ESA), meaning families can direct funds toward approved services, therapies, curriculum, or school tuition.
- It’s available for students from ages 3 through grade 12 (or up to age 22) who meet eligibility criteria (diagnoses, etc.).
- Funds are used quarterly and can pay providers directly (if they are approved) or via reimbursement if paying out-of-pocket.
- The average scholarship is around $10,000, though amounts vary based on county, diagnosis, level of services, and matrix ratings.
Because of this flexibility, families can use FES-UA funds not just for school, but for therapy, counseling, tutoring, assistive technology, and more.
💡 Why Being a Direct Pay Provider Matters
By becoming a direct pay provider, I can:
- Accept scholarship funds on behalf of my clients — meaning fewer financial barriers for families.
- Make the payment process smoother and more transparent.
- Help ensure students get consistent, ongoing support without the stress of managing reimbursements.
- Expand access so more children who need counseling, anxiety support, or emotional wellness work can get it.
For many families, this change means more time focused on healing and growth — and less time worrying about paperwork or bills.
📚 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does “direct pay provider” mean under FES-UA?
A: It means I’m an approved provider who can receive payments directly from the student’s ESA account (managed via the Step Up system) for eligible services.
Q: Do all therapy services qualify under FES-UA?
A: Services must be approved under FES-UA guidelines. Counseling and mental health services are among the specialized services recognized, as long as the provider meets the credentialing and enrollment requirements.
Q: What if a service isn’t approved or the provider isn’t on the list?
A: You may pay out-of-pocket and then submit for reimbursement — if the expense meets the scholarship’s criteria and is pre-approved.
Q: How much funding can a student receive?
A: The amount varies by county, level of need, diagnosis, and matrix score. The average is around $10,000, but higher levels of need may lead to higher funding.
Q: How do I know if my child qualifies for FES-UA?
A: Students must (a) meet the age or grade limits, (b) have one of the qualifying diagnoses, and (c) meet other eligibility criteria set by Step Up.
Q: How do payments work and how often?
A: Funds are deposited quarterly into the family’s ESA/EMA account. As a direct pay provider, I can bill services directly to that account for approved services.
Q: Can unused funds roll over?
A: Yes — unused funds in the account can roll over from year to year.
Q: What’s the process for me to use this with your services?
A: Once you confirm eligibility and scholarship status, I’ll be able to coordinate service authorization and billing through the Step Up system. We’ll walk through the paperwork together.
I’m honored and excited to be able to serve your family in this new way. If you have questions, want help checking eligibility, or want to set up services under the Unique Abilities Scholarship — just reach out! 💛
Apply For A PreK-12 Scholarship Today - Step Up For Students
