Here at eRate Solutions we are currently well underway with eRate funding year FY23, which officially began on July 1st, 2023 and will continue through June 30th, 2024. Category 1 funding can be applied starting on July 1st, 2023, and may continue through June 30th, 2024. The Category 2 funding year officially began as of April 1st, 2023, and will remain open through September 30th, 2024.

Funding year FY24 is just getting started. Please be aware that we will be filing for new and renewed eligible internet access services as well as internet access equipment needs for all of our entities that qualify for funding in the upcoming FY24 eRate funding year.

Please be aware that a form 498 is now required for all participants who choose BEAR (direct deposit, with fully paid invoice) method reimbursement. The 498 must be filed by a School or Library official via their applicant EPC account, as it will contain banking information that must remain secure with the applicant entity. The form 498 is specifically for direct deposit of all current and future BEAR disbursement. As of FY23-24, a SAM.gov account will also be required for all new and updated 498 applications in order to obtain and UEI (unique entity identifier). The SAM.gov accounts will need to be directly linked to a School or Library official and must be filed by the applicant entity for this reason. The form 498 itself will only need to be updated if banking changes have been made during the prior funding year. The 498 will stay active for ongoing funding years without need for renewal as long as banking changes have not occurred at the School or Library.

Again, it should be noted that approved Category2 applications can actually begin to be applied as early as April 1st and can continue through September 30th of the given funding year in which they were filed (effectively adding approximately 6 months for purchasing, implementation, and billing of all Category2 equipment).

Please also note that all telecom/phone related reimbursement percentages have dropped to zero (0) for all entities, as telecom funding is no longer included as a part of the eRate program. School and Library budgets will need to be adjusted accordingly to account for this program wide funding change.

For prospective clients: Are you having trouble with PIA Reviews or other eRate form filing dilemmas? Do you need help with reimbursements for prior and current funding years? Perhaps the changes to eRate have you looking for answers that aren’t readily available? Would you like to have someone take over the complete E-Rate process for you?

Contact eRate Solutions, LLC at 1-866-33-ERATE for assistance with all of your E-Rate filing needs.