What are the steps to becoming a QESP?

Step 1 : Complete the application process online at www.keep.ks.gov.

a. Upon approval, you will receive an email from help@merits.com alerting you that an organization has been created for you on the Merit platform and that you have been assigned an Admin role. 

b. Once you have accepted this email invitation, you will be directed to create your Merit account.

Step 2 : Create a Merit Account 

Using your new account, you can access your custom dashboard and choose to connect a bank account to your Merit account

Step 3 : Familiarize yourself with the obligations of QESPs

1. Approved students and families will begin receiving their beneficiary award to spend with QESPs.

a. When a parent/guardian submits a claim for your services, you will receive an email from Merit indicating that claims are pending in your dashboard.

b. Services provided by/for family members do not qualify for reimbursement.

c. You must review and validate or reject receipts/invoices submitted by parents/guardians within 10 days of receiving the email. Timely action allows faster claim payment.

d. These funds are only authorized to be used for approved goods and services. It is your responsibility to alert Merit if a refund is issued to a parent/guardian that used KEEP funds to pay for an item or service. Merit will work with the parent on returning the funds to the State of Kansas. It is also your responsibility to report any suspected fraud, waste, or abuse. 

e. You must notify Merit if your services or program offerings change to remain in the marketplace and ensure compliance with state regulations. 

f. You are free and welcome to post/advertise about your status as a KEEP Qualified Education Service Provider so that people are aware they can spend their award with your organization. Please see the resources available to you at www.keep.ks.gov/qesp-toolkit.

g.You should inform Merit if you have any questions or concerns or want to change your marketplace listing.

h. Please use the qesp-help@keep.ks.gov email address for all communications.