The Form 498 is an indication of the banking information to be used for direct deposit of BEAR reimbursements

• Applicants will continue to use an FCC Form 472, Billed Entity Applicant Reimbursement (BEAR) Form to request reimbursements for the discount portion against paid bills up to their approved funding committment
• An FCC Form 498, Service Provider and Billed Entity Identification Number and Contact Information Form must be completed prior to that in order to provide USAC with banking account information for direct deposits

The following timing constraints are applicable to the Form 498:

• The Form 498 must be submitted and processed before you can receive BEAR reimbursements via direct deposit against a funding commitment
• Once a Form 498 is on file for an organization, there is no need to complete another Form 498 in subsequent funding years unless banking information changes

The following steps must be completed:

• The applicant submits a completed FCC Form 498 to USAC using the EPC portal
  
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• The applicant submits supporting documentation verifying bank account information to USAC's secure e-file website
• USAC approves a 498ID for use on applicant BEAR forms

Save the following documentation:

• A copy of the completed Form 498