The deadline to submit BEAR and SPI invoices for non-recurring services for FY2024 and prior funding years is fast approaching. The final deadline is Wednesday, January 28, 2026. This later deadline reflects the September 30 purchase and installation deadline for internal connections equipment, which extends invoicing beyond the recurring services deadline.
Please review all remaining FRNs and confirm that invoices have been submitted or that an invoice deadline extension request has been filed on or before the deadline to avoid the loss of funding.
Invoice Deadline Extension Overview
A one-time, automatic 120-day invoice deadline extension may be requested directly in EPC. Requests submitted on or before the original invoice deadline are automatically approved.
Steps in EPC (FY2016 and later)
- Log in to One Portal and open EPC.
- From your EPC landing page, go to Records and open your billed entity record, then select Related Actions and click Invoice Deadline Date Extension Request.
- Enter the FRN(s) for which you need more time (separate multiple FRNs with commas) and click Check Eligibility.
- Review the table of eligible FRNs and remove any you do not want to include, then click Submit.
You will receive an email confirmation listing FRNs with approved extensions and the new invoice deadlines. Retain this email for your E-Rate records.
Key rules
- Each FRN is entitled to one automatic 120‑day extension; no additional extensions are available from USAC.
- The extension request must be filed on or before the existing invoice deadline.
- If the deadline has already passed, you must instead file a waiver request with the FCC.
To file an invoice deadline extension in EPC, only a small amount of information and access is required.
Access and user permissions
- You must be a full- or partial-rights EPC user for:
- The billed entity (for applicants or their consultants), or
- The SPIN (for service providers).
Information you need to have ready
- The Funding Request Number(s) (FRNs) for which you want to request the 120‑day extension.
- The FRNs must:
- Belong to your BEN or SPIN.
- Have a current invoice deadline that has not yet passed.
- Not already have an approved invoice deadline extension.
What you actually enter in EPC
Once you navigate to Invoice Deadline Date Extension Request:
- Enter the FRN(s) into the open text field, separated by commas (no extra spaces).
- Click Check Eligibility and then Submit for the eligible FRNs listed in the first table. No narrative, amounts, dates, or documentation are required.
An email confirmation will be sent once the extension is approved. Be sure to save this notice for your E-Rate compliance records.
Helpful Links
USAC additional information about invoice Deadline Extension: USAC Invoice Deadline Extension Information
EPC Log in Portal: EPC Log In
How to Update Your E-Rate EPC Profile: Update EPC Profile
How to Obtain 498 ID: Purpose of FCC Form 498
E-Rate FRN Invoice Deadline Tool: Open data Invoice Status Check
