November 5, 2016<\/p>\n
For applicants seeking to file BEAR reimbursement forms, a Form 498 (Banking Data) must be APPROVED by USAC before the BEAR can be submitted so USAC can electronically deposit your reimbursements. \u00a0If you submitted your 498, but have not yet received your approval e-mail, it\u2019s likely because you haven\u2019t yet uploaded a copy of the voided check to USAC to verify your banking data.\u00a0 If that\u2019s the case, use the following new<\/strong> upload link (USAC just switched it this week):\u00a0 https:\/\/efile.universalservice.org\/ContributorManagement\/V1\/BankValidation<\/a>.<\/p>\n Attached <\/a>is a list of FY 2015 PA applicants \u2013 if the 498 ID is showing, it means the form has been approved as of November 4.\u00a0 If you would like to check the approval status in real time, go to the 498 Status Tool at: http:\/\/www.usac.org\/sl\/tools\/498-ID-Status.aspx<\/a>.\u00a0 Status will be Certified (means Submitted), Approved or Denied. \u00a0Give the Tool a minute to load, and then use \u201cControl F\u201d to search for your BEN (billed entity number).<\/p>\n Note:\u00a0 If you\u2019re not filing any BEARs, you don’t need an approved 498.\u00a0 However, you’ll need one if you ever want to file a future BEAR, so it’s best to get it approved sooner than later.<\/p>\n Important Notes about the Form 498:<\/strong><\/p>\n Attached <\/a>is an updated step-by-step guide to filing the Form 498.<\/p>\n If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at jtschell@comcast.net<\/a>.<\/p>\n — Julie<\/p>\n Julie Tritt Schell penn*link<\/p>\n\n\n
\nPA E-rate Coordinator
\n717-730-7133 – o
\n717-730-9060 – f
\njtschell@comcast.net<\/a>
\nwww.e-ratepa.org<\/a><\/p>\n