A receipt is necessary when a service or good has been paid for and the parent/guardian would like to be reimbursed.
An invoice is necessary when a service or good has not been paid for and the parent/guardian would like the service provider to be reimbursed.
The receipts or invoices that are uploaded in the claim process should contain the following information:
Receipts to be reimbursed to the parent/guardian:
- The name and address of the service provider
- Name and address of parent/guardian that purchased the service or good
- Where possible, the name of the child should always be included
- Description of allowable service (e.g., tutoring, music lessons, language classes, or curriculum and materials).
- The date the service(s) occurred or will occur (NOTE: Funds must be used for eligible activities or goods occurring no later than September 1, 2025. The only exception is for parents or guardians seeking reimbursement for an eligible field trip to Washington, D.C., a trip deposit paid for by the parent or guardian by September 1, 2025, and scheduled to occur by October 2025.)
- Example: Dates of service may be included by listing specific dates (8/4, 8/11, 8/18, 8/25) or by listing the month, day, and time the service takes place (September, Wednesdays 5pm)
- The date the service was paid for
- The total amount paid
- Unit cost/cost per session for services and the total number of units (for example, 3 hours of tutoring at $20 per hour, total $60)
Invoices to be reimbursed to the service provider:
- The name and address of the provider
- Name and address of parent/guardian that purchased the service or good
- Where possible, the name of the child should always be included
- Description of allowable service (e.g., tutoring, music lessons, language lessons, or curriculum and materials)
- The date the service(s) occurred or will occur (NOTE: Funds must be used for eligible activities or goods occurring no later than September 1, 2025. The only exception is for parents or guardians seeking reimbursement for an eligible field trip to Washington, D.C., a trip deposit paid for by the parent or guardian by September 1, 2025, and scheduled to occur by October 2025.)
- Example: Dates of service may be included by listing specific dates (8/4, 8/11, 8/18, 8/25) or by listing the month, day, and time the service takes place (September, Wednesdays 5pm)
- The date the service was paid for or invoiced
- The total amount paid or invoiced
- An indication that the invoice has been reviewed and approved by the parent/guardian
- Unit cost/cost per session for services (for example, tutoring $20 per hour, $100 per week, etc.) and total number of units (for example, 3 hours at $20 per hour, total $60)
Receipts/Invoices for Curriculum and/or Materials for homeschool only:
- The name and address of the provider
- Name and address of parent/guardian who purchased the curriculum and/or material
- Where possible, the name of the child should always be included
- Description of allowable curriculum and/or materials
- The name of the curriculum and/or materials (homeschool only)
- The date the curriculum and/or materials were purchased or invoiced (homeschool only)
- The date the service was paid for or invoiced
- The total amount paid or invoiced
- An indication that the invoice has been reviewed and approved by the parent/guardian (for pay-to-provider claims only)
Fees included on invoices must align with the fee schedules found online or on file with Merit.
NOTE: Funds must be used for eligible activities or goods occurring no later than September 1, 2025. The only exception is for parents or guardians seeking reimbursement for an eligible field trip to Washington, D.C., a trip deposit paid for by the parent or guardian by September 1, 2025, and scheduled to occur by October 2025.
*Claims lacking the above items will be rejected, and a new invoice must be submitted for review. Resubmitted invoices will undergo expedited review to minimize delays (parents must notify Merit that the claim has been resubmitted).