STEP 1 – GETTING STARTED

There are several things to consider before you begin the filing process for E-rate. First you’ll need to know your District or School’s student enrollment? Next you’ll need to understand your goals. Use the tools below to determine your E-rate discount pecentage and find out your National Students Lunch Program percentage.
Use the USAC scoring matrix to map the NSLP percentage to your E-rate discount percentage
Use the urban/rural online tool on the USAC site to determine your classification

STEP 2 – FILING YOUR FORMS

The Form 470 is the application form that begins the E-rate process. This form lets interested vendors and service providers know that you are applying for E-rate funding.
Form 470 instructions
Download Form 470
After your 470 form has been submitted, vendors have 28 days to bid on your project. You’ll want to submit your 471 form now, which announces your chosen bidder & requested costs.
Form 471 instructions
Download Form 471

STEP 3 – PROGRAM INTEGRITY AUDIT (PIA)

During the Program Integrity Audit (PIA) process, your E-rate application forms & processes are reviewed for compliance. During this process, you are issued a series of questions that you must respond promptly. At the end of the PIA process, a Funding Commitment Decision Letter (FCDL) is sent to all parties detailing the funding status & amount.
USAC PIA process information from USAC

STEP 4 – FILING 486 FORM

The Form 486 is filed to “turn on the funding pipeline”. After receipt, a notification letter is sent to all parties. You can then start the project or service.
Form 486 instructions
Download Form 486

STEP 5 – INVOICING

472 BEAR (Billed Entity Application Reimbursement): Using this invoice method, the school pays the vendor in full, then is reimbursed by USAC.
Form 472 instructions
Download Form 472
474 SPI (Service Provider Invoice): Using this method, the vendor invoices the school and USAC directly for their designated portions.
Form 474 instructions
Download Form 474