August 29, 2016<\/p>\n
~ If you’re submitting a BEAR, you MUST have an approved 498 ~<\/p>\n
~ 2-step process for approval; takes 10-14 days to obtain approval ~<\/p>\n
~ Only 20.1% of PA applicants have approved 498s so far – list attached<\/a> ~<\/p>\n If you will be filing a BEAR Reimbursement Form (Form 472), you first must have a Form 498 submitted and approved by USAC.\u00a0 Why?\u00a0 Beginning immediately, no paper reimbursement checks will be mailed; all payments will be electronically transferred from USAC to the applicant’s bank account.\u00a0 In order for USAC to know where to transfer the funds, all BEAR-users must complete the Form 498 in order to provide USAC with their bank account and bank routing information.\u00a0 \u00a0Attached is a list<\/a> of the FY 2015 PA applicants showing whether they have a Form 498 approved yet or not — only 20.1% have approved 498s!<\/p>\n Important Notes:<\/strong><\/p>\n Attached is an updated step-by-step guide<\/a> to filing the Form 498.\u00a0 It’s an easy form to complete if you have this data available:<\/p>\n Note: \u00a0The Form 498 may be drafted by a consultant, but it must be “Sent for Certification” to an EPC user who is designated in the EPC User Permissions as a “School or Library Official.” \u00a0The attached Guide explains where see the EPC User Permissions.<\/p>\n Please don’t put off filing this form or you will run out of time in October to file the BEAR Reimbursement Form.\u00a0 If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at jtschell@comcast.net<\/a>.<\/p>\n Happy Filing!<\/p>\n — Julie<\/p>\n Julie Tritt Schell penn*link<\/p>\n\n\n
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\nPA E-rate Coordinator
\n717-730-7133 – o
\n717-730-9060 – f
\njtschell@comcast.net<\/a>
\nwww.e-ratepa.org<\/a><\/p>\n