FES-UA vs Hope Scholarship: What Florida Families Need to Know in 2026
Why Hope Is Transitioning and What It Means for Your Family
💡 Quick Answer: Hope Scholarship Is Ending
Hope Scholarship is transitioning out in 2026. Per Step Up For Students' legislative update, new Hope applicants are being directed to apply for FTC (Florida Tax Credit) or FES-EO (Education Options) instead. If your child has a documented disability, apply for FES-UA — it provides higher funding and isn't going anywhere. Existing Hope recipients keep their remaining funds until they're exhausted.
What's Happening to the Hope Scholarship?
The Hope Scholarship was created in 2018 for students who experienced bullying, harassment, or violence at their public school. It allowed families to use state funds for private school tuition or approved educational expenses.
As of 2026, Hope is no longer accepting new applicants. The Florida Legislature consolidated several scholarship programs, and Hope's functions have been absorbed into other scholarships:
- FTC (Florida Tax Credit Scholarship) — Income-based, for families who qualify financially
- FES-EO (Family Empowerment Scholarship for Education Options) — Income-based, similar to FTC but administered through the ESA model
- FES-UA (Family Empowerment Scholarship for Unique Abilities) — For students with documented disabilities, regardless of income
If you're a current Hope recipient, your funds remain available until exhausted. But if you're a new family looking for options, Hope is no longer the path forward.
FES-UA vs Hope: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | FES-UA | Hope Scholarship |
|---|---|---|
| Status (2026) | Active | Transitioning Out |
| Who Qualifies | Students with documented disabilities (IEP, 504, or physician diagnosis) | Students who experienced bullying/harassment at public school |
| Income Requirement | None — disability-based, not income-based | None |
| Funding Amount (2025-26) | $10,697 – $35,973 based on matrix level | ~$7,000 – $8,000 (fixed) |
| Approved Expenses | Tutoring, therapy, curriculum, private school, assistive tech | Private school tuition, transportation |
| Payment Method | EMA direct pay to providers | EMA direct pay to providers |
| Can Use for Tutoring | ✓ Yes | Limited |
| New Applications | ✓ Open | ✗ Closed — redirected to FTC/FES-EO |
Which Scholarship Is Right for Your Family?
Your child has a documented disability
Apply for FES-UA. This is the most comprehensive option — higher funding, broader approved expenses (including tutoring and therapy), and it's not going anywhere. You don't need to prove bullying or meet income requirements.
Your child experienced bullying but doesn't have a disability
Apply for FTC or FES-EO. These income-based scholarships have absorbed Hope's function. If your family meets the income guidelines, you can use these for private school tuition.
Your child has a disability AND experienced bullying
Apply for FES-UA. You can't stack scholarships (you must choose one), and FES-UA provides significantly higher funding. The disability pathway is almost always the better choice if your child qualifies.
What If You're Already a Hope Recipient?
If your child is currently receiving Hope Scholarship funds, you're grandfathered in. Your remaining balance stays available until it's exhausted or until your child ages out of the program.
However, if your child also qualifies for FES-UA (has a documented disability), you may want to consider switching. FES-UA typically provides higher annual funding, and you'd gain access to a broader range of approved expenses including specialized tutoring and therapy services.
Important: You cannot receive both scholarships simultaneously. If you switch to FES-UA, you forfeit your remaining Hope balance. Run the numbers before deciding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Hope Scholarship ending?
The Florida Legislature consolidated multiple scholarship programs to simplify the system. Hope's functions were absorbed into FTC and FES-EO. The goal was to reduce administrative complexity while maintaining options for families.
Can I apply for Hope Scholarship in 2026?
No. New Hope applications are no longer being accepted. Step Up For Students directs new applicants to FTC, FES-EO (if income-eligible), or FES-UA (if the student has a disability).
Is FES-UA better than Hope Scholarship?
For families who qualify, yes. FES-UA provides significantly higher funding ($10,697 – $35,973 vs. ~$7,000 – $8,000), covers more expense categories (tutoring, therapy, assistive technology), and has no income requirements. The only requirement is a documented disability.
Can I use FES-UA for bullying-related issues?
FES-UA doesn't require you to prove bullying — it's disability-based. However, many children who experience bullying also have underlying conditions (anxiety, autism, ADHD) that qualify them for FES-UA. If your child has a diagnosis, the disability pathway is typically the better option.
What's the difference between FTC and FES-EO?
Both are income-based scholarships for families without disability documentation. FTC (Florida Tax Credit) is funded by corporate tax credits; FES-EO (Education Options) uses the ESA/EMA model. Functionally similar for most families — apply through Step Up For Students and they'll guide you to the right one.
Can I switch from Hope to FES-UA?
Yes, if your child qualifies for FES-UA (has a documented disability). Contact Step Up For Students to initiate the switch. Be aware that you'll forfeit any remaining Hope balance — the scholarships can't be combined.
Does FES-UA cover tutoring?
Yes. Tutoring from approved providers is a qualifying FES-UA expense. We're a Step Up approved provider — we bill directly through EMA so you never pay out of pocket or wait for reimbursement.
How do I apply for FES-UA?
Apply through Step Up For Students at stepupforstudents.org. You'll need documentation of your child's disability (IEP, 504 plan, or diagnosis from a licensed physician or psychologist). Most families receive a decision within 2-4 weeks.
Related FES-UA Guides
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