Can a Palm Beach County family pay for devices, home internet & educational software with scholarship funds?
It depends on the program: Unique Abilities and Private School Scholarship can pay for it; PEP can pay only with conditions. The cards below give each program's rule.
One computer every two years (sooner with pre-authorization), other digital devices tied to the student's needs, some peripherals once every two years, assistive technology, in-home internet service and educational software.
Laptops, tablets, phones, printers and other digital devices are not allowed for 2026-27; home internet and educational software subscriptions are.
Home internet and educational software can be paid from leftover funds after tuition; computers are not payable.
Which rules apply to devices, home internet & educational software?
- FES-UA pays for one computer every two years, and an earlier replacement needs pre-authorization. PEP and the Private School Scholarship (FTC/FES-EO) do not pay for computers.
- Home internet service has to be billed to the residential address on the application, and a modem or router rental on that bill is allowed.
- The Internet Resources section dropped its mention of streaming services on 9/16/2026, yet streaming stays allowed under Educational Software and Subscriptions.
- Under FES-UA a monitor, headset, printer, speakers or VR/AR headset can be bought once per two years, and an earlier replacement needs prior approval.
What is not allowed for devices, home internet & educational software?
- Laptops, tablets and other digital devices under PEP
- Business and Starlink RV internet plans
- Gaming subscription services
How does devices, home internet & educational software work for a Palm Beach County family?
For a child with a diagnosis, device eligibility is a practical difference between FES-UA and PEP. A Palm Beach family comparing the two should list the devices the child actually needs before choosing.
How does a family buy devices, home internet & educational software?
Look in MyScholarShop first, because its listings are pre-approved. Next try Find Providers in EMA, which lets the account pay tutors, therapists and instructors directly. If neither fits, pay by card, hold the itemized receipt and file for reimbursement. A purchase the guides do not list as eligible needs pre-authorization before you spend.
What can the funds pay for, and what can they not?
For this category, the table sets allowed purchases next to excluded ones.
| Can pay for | Cannot pay for |
|---|---|
| Unique Abilities: One computer every two years (sooner with pre-authorization), other digital devices tied to the student's needs, some peripherals once every two years, assistive technology, in-home internet service and educational software. | Laptops, tablets and other digital devices under PEP |
| PEP: Laptops, tablets, phones, printers and other digital devices are not allowed for 2026-27; home internet and educational software subscriptions are. | Business and Starlink RV internet plans |
| Private School Scholarship: Home internet and educational software can be paid from leftover funds after tuition; computers are not payable. | Gaming subscription services |
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Sources: Step Up For Students purchasing guides for FES-UA, PEP and FTC/FES-EO (2025-26 editions) and its "Program Handbooks and Purchasing Guides: Summary of Changes" page (last modified October 22, 2026). These are summaries, not legal advice; your scholarship funding organization's current guide controls.