E-Rate guides

The program’s sharpest edges, in plain language — written by the team behind the E-Rate Wave tracker. Reviewed September 9, 2026.

• “Action Required: Your Payment is on Hold” — USAC, SAM.gov and the UEI on Form 498
  Since September 8, 2026 USAC pays BEAR reimbursements through SAM.gov and holds payment when the Form 498 has no UEI. What the notice means, how to check your BEN free, and how to add the UEI in EPC.
• When Is Form 486 Due? E-Rate Filing Deadline | E-Rate Wave
  How to check the Form 486 deadline, early-filing conditions, and the urgent-reminder grace period. A practical guide for E-Rate consultants.
• E-Rate Invoice Deadline Extensions: The 15-Day Window | E-Rate Wave
  Check the E-Rate invoice extension window, EPC request route, conditional 60-day corrected-invoice rule, and FCC waiver route.
• Category Two Budgets, FY2026–2030 | E-Rate Wave
  Understand E-Rate C2 budget multipliers, district-wide budgets, and Form 500 reductions. Track potential unused commitments across your consulting portfolio.
• Proposed FCC E-Rate Consultant Rules: What to Watch | E-Rate Wave
  Separate proposed E-Rate consultant requirements from adopted rules. Review the FCC’s 2026 FNPRM and organize agreements, LOAs, and client records.