USACRural Health CareRHC Service Providers Process
Step 5: Invoice USAC

Step 4

Step 5: Invoice USAC

USAC pays invoices to the service provider. Please note that the invoicing processes differ in the Telecommunications (Telecom) and Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF) Programs. 

USAC Invoice Payment Cycle (HCF and Telecom Programs) for Service Providers 

USAC pays invoices to service providers in batches. Batches are paid on the 6th and the 21st of each month (except weekends and holidays, where the payment batch date would fall on the next business day). Invoices that USAC approves are typically processed in the upcoming payment batch. Service providers can expect the payment from the approved invoice (FCC Form 463 or Telecom Program Invoice) to arrive in their bank accounts three (3) business days after the payment batch date. 

Additional Resources

RHC Connect User Guide – Invoice Filing Deadline Extension
RHC-Connect User Guide – FCC Form 463

In the HCF Program, invoicing is a joint process between you and the HCP using the FCC Form 463 (Invoice and Request for Disbursement Form). 

The FCC Form 463 is submitted in RHC Connect. As you submit the FCC Form 463, please keep in mind that the General Contact on the FCC Form 498 is the only user for the company who can create additional logins for other users in that company. 

Please use the RHC Connect User Guide – FCC Form 463 for Service Providers and the FCC Form 463 Forms Guide for Service Providers to assist you with submitting the FCC Form 463 in RHC Connect. 

If you are having trouble accessing RHC Connect, it may be a result of outdated information on the FCC Form 498 (Service Provider and Billed Entity Identification Number and General Contact Information Form). To correct the issue, please update your FCC Form 498 as soon as possible. For more information, please visit the Manage Your 498 ID webpage. 

HCF Invoice Filing Deadline 

The invoice filing deadline will be four months (120 days) from the service delivery deadline or the date of a revised FCL approving a post-commitment request or a successful appeal of a previously denied or reduced funding request, whichever comes later. The service delivery deadline for recurring and non-recurring services is June 30 of the funding year for which the program support is sought. 

This invoice filing deadline is included in the funding commitment letter (FCL), which USAC sends via email after approving the FCC Form 462 (Funding Request Form). Remember, this deadline refers to the date by which the FCC Form 463 must be approved, signed, and certified by both you and the HCP, and submitted to USAC. This means that you and the HCP must allow plenty of time in advance of the invoice filing deadline to review the form, check for and resolve any errors, certify and sign the form, and then submit to USAC through RHC Connect. 

Note: Once your invoice filing deadline passes, you and the HCP will be unable to create an FCC Form 463 in RHC Connect. 

The FCC Form 469 is the new invoicing form for the Telecom Program and replaces the FCC Form 467. For Funding Year (FY) 2024, the FCC Form 467, the Healthcare Provider Support Schedule (HSS), and the Telecom invoice are eliminated in the Telecom Program. For information and resources about the FCC Form 469, visit the Welcome to RHC Connect – FCC Form 469 webpage. 

If you are having trouble accessing RHC Connect, it may be a result of outdated information on the FCC Form 498 (Service Provider and Billed Entity Identification Number and General Contact Information Form). To correct the issue, please update your FCC Form 498 as soon as possible. For more information, please visit the Manage Your 498 ID webpage. 

Telecom Program Invoice Filing Deadline 

The invoice filing deadline is four months (120 days) from the service delivery deadline or the date of a revised FCL approving a post-commitment request or a successful appeal of a previously denied or reduced funding request, whichever comes later. The service delivery deadline is June 30 of the funding year for which program support is sought. This invoice filing deadline is included in the funding commitment letter (FCL), which USAC sends via email after approving the FCC Form 466 (Funding Request Form). 

For FY2024 and forward, this deadline refers to the date by which the FCC Form 469 must be approved, signed, and certified by both you and the HCP, and submitted to USAC. This means that you and the HCP must allow plenty of time in advance of the invoice filing deadline for you to submit the form in RHC Connect and the HCP to review the form, resolve any errors, certify, and sign the form, and then submit it to USAC. 

Invoice Filing Deadline Lookup 

Use the Invoice Filing Deadline Tool to look up your invoice filing deadline. The tool contains all FCC FRNs with future invoice filing deadlines as well as all FCC FRNs that are less than six months past their expiration. 

This tool only allows you to identify your commitment’s invoice filing deadline; it does not reflect form submissions, payment status, or funds remaining. To answer questions on remaining funding, log into RHC Connect or email the RHC Customer Service Center. 

Next Step 

Invoicing is the final step of the service provider process. However, there are several actions for service providers that may be required outside of the regular application process, including corrections before or after commitment and other actions, including appeals, document retention, and obsolete equipment.  

The material on these web pages is provided for general information only and should not be relied upon or used as the sole basis for making decisions without consulting the RHC program rules, orders, and other primary sources of information. Applicants and service providers are ultimately responsible for knowing and complying with all RHC program rules and procedures.Â