The UFA application process is simple and light touch. You can read more about it in the Family Handbook in Chapter 2.
The applicant (typically a parent or guardian) will create an account with their email address and a password.
ACE Scholarships verifies identity and residency using a software called Plaid. In order to do this, we require the applicant’s phone number and DOB. The application will send a 5 digit code to the phone number entered. If we are able to verify identity, a screen will appear with the applicant's name, address, phone number and social security number (redacted except for a few digits)
Verification may fail if the applicant has recently moved or changed contact information like name or phone number. If we are unable to verify identity, we will ask that the applicant enter their full name, address, social security number and upload a government issued photo ID.
The application then collects information on the scholarship student(s). There are later screens to add additional student applications. The applicant will be asked for the (first) student’s full name, grade level and social security number (optional).
Applicants will be prompted to enter information on whether they plan to apply for or participate in either the Carson Smith Scholarship Program, or the Special Needs Opportunity Scholarship, and will be reminded that while they are encouraged to apply for all, they may only use one during the school year.
The next question collects information on whether the applicant plans to use a public district or charter school to educate their student in the upcoming school year. The applicant is reminded that full time enrollment in the public school while using the scholarship will render the scholarship student ineligible for the program. These questions assist in communicating program requirements and guidelines only, and will not impact an eligibility determination.
The application will then require an upload of the student’s birth certificate. If you do not have a birth certificate available for your student, you must file an attestation explaining why you do not have the birth certificate, file an affidavit and upload alternate acceptable documentation to verify the student’s age.
Once the birth certificate is uploaded, the applicant will be asked if they would like to add another student to the application, and the process repeats for each student.
In order to place the household application in an enrollment preference category, ACE Scholarships collects income information (based on Adjusted Gross Income from 2023).
An applicant has the option to bypass income verification by clicking the link to “skip income verification.” In this scenario, all student applications tied to this account will be placed in the last enrollment preference category.
The applicant has a second opportunity to bypass income verification. When the applicant is prompted to enter their household size, the applicant will be asked if their household income exceeds 555% of the federal poverty level for their specific household size. If the applicant chooses “yes,” they are attesting that their income places them in the last enrollment preference category, and no further income information is collected.
First, an applicant will have the option to select whether they file taxes as a single income, or they file taxes jointly.
If filing single: an applicant will be asked to disclose the number of people in their household, as well as the number of income earners in their household. The applicant may opt to connect to their employer to verify their income, or they may manually upload tax documentation. A Form1040 is ideal; a Form W2 and Form 1099 are also acceptable. The applicant will then be asked if they earn non-taxable income, such as disability or social security, and will be asked to upload their award letter. The applicant then has opportunity to review all data entered in the application.
If filing jointly, an applicant will be asked to disclose the number of people in their household, as well as the number of income earners in their household. The applicant is then prompted to upload their 2023 1040 document. If the applicant does not have a Form 1040, they may upload Form W2 and/or Form 1099 for each income earner. They will then be asked if they earn non-taxable income, such as disability or social security, have the opportunity to review all data entered in the application.
The applicant may have multiple income earners who file individually. In this scenario, each individual will verify income by connecting to their employer or they may manually upload tax documentation. They will then be asked if they earn non-taxable income, such as disability or social security, have the opportunity to review all data entered in the application.
Finally, the applicant will attest to 5 statements and submit the application.
Here is a link to the application, if you are ready to begin.