FES-UA Matrix Codes Explained
How your child's funding is calculated — and what to do if the amount is too low.
Your child's FES-UA matrix code determines their annual funding. Understanding how it works helps ensure they're receiving the amount they actually qualify for.
💡 Quick Answer: How Is FES-UA Funding Calculated?
Your child's FES-UA award is determined by three factors: their matrix code (251-255, based on support intensity), their county of residence, and their grade band (K-3, 4-8, or 9-12). For 2026-27, awards range from $9,627 (Matrix 251-253, lower-funded counties) to $39,091 (Matrix 255, Monroe County).
When you apply for Florida's FES-UA scholarship, one of the first things you'll encounter is your child's "matrix code." This number — 251, 252, 253, 254, or 255 — determines how much funding your child receives each year. The difference between matrix codes can be tens of thousands of dollars.
Understanding how matrix codes work helps you ensure your child is receiving the funding they're entitled to. Many families are assigned lower matrix codes than their child's actual needs would support — often because evaluations are outdated or incomplete.
For information on whether your child qualifies for FES-UA in the first place, see our FES-UA eligibility guide.
What Is a Matrix Code?
A matrix code is Florida's way of rating the intensity of support your child needs. It's not a diagnosis category — children with the same diagnosis can have different matrix codes based on how much support they require day-to-day.
Think of it this way: Two children might both have autism. One needs minimal support and functions relatively independently. The other needs intensive support across multiple areas of daily life. They have the same diagnosis, but very different support needs — and therefore different matrix codes.
The Five Matrix Codes
| Code | Support Level | 2026-27 Award Range |
|---|---|---|
| 251 | Mild support needs | $9,627 – $14,381 |
| 252 | Mild-moderate support needs | $9,627 – $14,381 |
| 253 | Moderate support needs | $9,627 – $14,381 |
| 254 | Substantial support needs | $21,379 – $25,701 |
| 255 | Intensive support needs | $34,429 – $39,091 |
Notice the gap between 253 and 254 — and the larger gap between 254 and 255. If your child is on the border between levels, the difference in funding is significant.
Source: Step Up For Students 2026-27 FES-UA Scholarship Award Amounts
The Five Domains Assessed
Matrix codes come from Florida's Matrix of Services, which rates the level of services your child needs — from 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) — in each of five domains:
1. Curriculum and Learning Environment
- Accommodations vs. modified or alternate curriculum
- Small-group or one-on-one instruction needs
- Specialized settings or environmental adaptations
- Adult support needed to access instruction
2. Social/Emotional Behavior
- Self-regulation and emotional control
- Behavior plans and behavioral supports
- Safety awareness (elopement, self-injury, aggression)
- Social interactions with peers and adults
3. Independent Functioning
- Eating, dressing, toileting, and hygiene
- Mobility and navigating environments safely
- Fine motor skills (writing, manipulating objects)
- Level of prompting or physical assistance required
4. Health Care
- Health procedures (medication, tube feeding, catheterization)
- Health monitoring (seizures, blood sugar, oxygen)
- Nursing or trained-staff involvement
- Individual health care and emergency plans
5. Communication
- Understanding spoken language (receptive)
- Expressing needs and ideas (expressive)
- Using alternative communication (AAC) if needed
- Social communication skills
Each domain is rated based on the level of services required. The combined ratings across all five domains — plus a Special Considerations section for services like assistive technology, therapies, or specialized transportation — determine the matrix code. Level 4 and 5 ratings, along with special considerations, are what drive the higher codes (254-255). Only your local school district can complete or revise the Matrix of Services.
How County and Grade Band Affect Your Award
County Effects on Funding
Florida doesn't give every child the same dollar amount for each matrix code. Your county of residence affects your award because FES-UA uses the same funding formula as Florida public schools — and school funding varies by district.
Why the variation?
- Cost of living differences across Florida
- Local property tax revenue that supplements state funding
- Historical funding formulas
Practical impact:
A child with Matrix 255 in Monroe County (Florida Keys) receives $39,091 for 2026-27.
A child with Matrix 255 in a lower-funded county might receive $34,429.
That's a $4,600+ difference for the same matrix code.
Families in Orlando and Tampa fall somewhere in the middle, with award amounts closer to the state average. You can find the exact amounts for your county in the official 2026-27 award amounts PDF.
Grade Band Effects on Funding
FES-UA also adjusts awards based on grade band:
| Grade Band | Ages | Funding Weight |
|---|---|---|
| K-3 | Kindergarten through 3rd grade | Highest |
| 4-8 | 4th through 8th grade | Middle |
| 9-12 | 9th through 12th grade | Lower |
Why K-3 is weighted higher:
Florida's funding formula prioritizes early intervention. Research shows that intensive support in the early grades has the greatest long-term impact on student outcomes. The funding formula reflects this by providing slightly higher amounts for younger students.
The difference between grade bands is typically a few hundred dollars per year for the same matrix code and county — much smaller than the difference between matrix codes.
How Matrix Codes Get Assigned
Your child's matrix code comes from evaluation data. Here's the typical process:
If your child has an IEP:
The school district that created the IEP also generated matrix data. When you apply for FES-UA, Step Up For Students requests this data from the district. The matrix code is derived from the evaluation scores documented in your child's educational records.
If your child has a diagnosis but no IEP:
You'll need evaluation data to establish a matrix code. Options include:
- Request an evaluation from your local school district — Even if your child isn't enrolled in public school, Florida school districts must evaluate children upon parent request. This is free.
- Use a private evaluation to document the diagnosis — A comprehensive evaluation from a licensed professional can establish FES-UA eligibility, but it cannot set a matrix level. Only your local school district can complete Florida's Matrix of Services.
- Diagnosis-only funding — Students who qualify by diagnosis alone (without a district-completed matrix) are funded at their district's amount for Matrix Levels 251-253.
Is Your Child's Matrix Code Too Low?
Many families receive less funding than their child actually qualifies for. Here are signs your child's matrix code might be too low:
The evaluation is old
If your child's last comprehensive evaluation was more than 3 years ago, it may not reflect their current needs. Children's support needs change over time — sometimes increasing, sometimes decreasing.
Needs have changed
Has your child's condition progressed? Have new challenges emerged? Have they regressed in any areas? If the answer is yes but the evaluation doesn't reflect this, the matrix code may be based on outdated information.
The evaluation was incomplete
Some evaluations focus heavily on academic skills but don't thoroughly assess self-care, communication, or behavior. If your child has significant needs in these areas that weren't fully documented, the matrix code may be lower than appropriate.
Vague documentation
Evaluations that use vague language ("sometimes needs assistance") rather than specific descriptions ("requires full physical prompting to complete toileting routine independently") tend to result in lower matrix scores.
How to Request a Re-Evaluation
If you believe your child's matrix code is too low, you can ask your local school district for a new evaluation — the district is the only body that can assign or revise a matrix level. Under the current FES-UA handbook, a re-evaluation can be requested once every three years, or sooner only to correct an error in the existing matrix.
Request in writing
Send a written request to your local school district's exceptional student education (ESE) department. Even if your child is homeschooled or in private school, the district must evaluate them upon request.
Specify what you want evaluated
Ask for a comprehensive evaluation covering all five Matrix of Services domains: curriculum and learning environment, social/emotional behavior, independent functioning, health care, and communication. Don't let the district limit the evaluation to just academic skills.
Prepare documentation
Gather any supporting documentation that shows your child's support needs:
- Medical records
- Therapy reports
- Notes from teachers or tutors
- Your own observations of daily challenges
Participate in the evaluation
The evaluation should include parent input. Be specific and thorough when describing your child's challenges. Don't minimize difficulties.
Review the results
Once complete, the district must share the evaluation results with you. Review them carefully. If you disagree with the findings, you have the right to request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at the district's expense.
Timeline
Under the current FES-UA handbook, the district must complete the IEP or matrix evaluation within 30 days of your request and notify you of the outcome within 10 days of completing it. The updated matrix level is then reflected in your scholarship award.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a matrix code in FES-UA?
A matrix code (251, 252, 253, 254, or 255) is Florida's rating of your child's support intensity. It determines how much FES-UA funding your child receives. Higher codes mean more intensive support needs and higher scholarship amounts.
What's the difference between Matrix 254 and Matrix 255?
Matrix 254 is for students with substantial support needs ($21,379–$25,701 for 2026-27). Matrix 255 is for students with intensive support needs ($34,429–$39,091 for 2026-27). The difference can be over $13,000 per year.
How is my child's matrix code determined?
Matrix codes are assigned by your local school district using Florida's Matrix of Services, which rates services in five domains: Curriculum and Learning Environment, Social/Emotional Behavior, Independent Functioning, Health Care, and Communication — plus special considerations.
Why does county affect my FES-UA award amount?
Florida calculates FES-UA awards using the same formula as public schools, which varies by county based on cost of living and local funding. Monroe County has the highest rates; rural counties often have lower rates.
How does grade band affect FES-UA funding?
FES-UA uses three grade bands (K-3, 4-8, 9-12). K-3 students receive slightly higher amounts because early intervention is weighted more heavily in the funding formula.
Can I request a higher matrix code for my child?
Yes — through your local school district, which is the only body that can assign or revise a matrix level. You can request a re-evaluation once every three years, or sooner only to correct an error. If the new evaluation documents more intensive service needs, your matrix code can be increased.
How do I know if my child's matrix code is too low?
Signs include: your child's last evaluation is more than 3 years old, their needs have increased, or the evaluation didn't capture needs across the five Matrix of Services domains.
What are the five domains assessed for matrix codes?
(1) Curriculum and Learning Environment; (2) Social/Emotional Behavior; (3) Independent Functioning; (4) Health Care; (5) Communication — plus a Special Considerations section that can add to the rating.
How long does it take to get a matrix code changed?
Under the current FES-UA handbook, the district must complete the IEP or matrix evaluation within 30 days of a parent's request and notify the family within 10 days of completing it. The updated level is then reflected in your award.
Where can I find official FES-UA award amounts by county?
Step Up For Students publishes the amounts annually. The current 2026-27 amounts are available in their FES-UA Scholarship Award Amounts PDF.
Use Your Funding Effectively
Once you understand your child's matrix code and funding level, the question becomes: how do you use it most effectively?
Many families find that specialized tutoring is one of the highest-impact uses of FES-UA funds. We're a registered Step Up provider serving families across Florida. If you're receiving FES-UA, we can bill directly through your EMA account — no out-of-pocket cost.
Book a Free Consultation →Last updated: July 2026
Related FES-UA Guides
The Five FES-UA Matrix Domains
What evaluators assess and how to document support needs.
Requesting a Higher Matrix Code
Re-evaluation rights, documentation, and IEE options.
Managing Your FES-UA Balance
The $50,000 cap, rollover rules, and strategic spending.
FES-UA Program Overview
Matrix levels, funding amounts, and how the scholarship works.