USAC Requires SAM.gov UEI for Universal Service Fund Payments Beginning August 2026

The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) has announced that beginning August 2026, it will require the use of SAM.gov banking information to process all Universal Service Fund (USF) disbursements. This change completes the transition to the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) system announced in April 2022. This is required for all service providers, including both those who receive direct USF payments and NECA pool participants, though USAC will continue to honor NECA selections and send payments to NECA on their behalf. JSI encourages all providers to take immediate action to ensure uninterrupted reimbursements.

All providers who invoice USAC and receive USF disbursements must register at SAM.gov to obtain a UEI and add their bank account information to their SAM.gov profile. The registration process typically takes four to six weeks to complete, so providers should begin this process immediately. Once SAM.gov confirms the UEI is active, providers can then log into E-File and add the UEI to their FCC Form 498.

SAM.gov requires annual renewal of registrations. Providers must complete the renewal process one year from their initial registration date and each subsequent year thereafter, or risk USF payment processing delays.

If you need assistance understanding these requirements or would like JSI to assist with your registration, please contact Lans Chase.