Direct Funding Option and Payments to Service Providers

The Direct Funding Option provides funding directly to parents through an Autism Funding Agreement. Eligible intervention services are paid for using these funds and parents are solely responsible for making payments to service providers.

After services have been provided, the parent pays the service provider who should provide either a signed receipt or an invoice showing proof of payment. The receipt or invoice must include the following information:

• Name of the child
• Name, address and phone number of the service provider
• Date and description of the service provided
• The hourly rate and number of hours of service provided
• The total amount being billed

Parents are required to report autism expenses to the Autism Funding Unit on a monthly basis for Autism Funding: Under Age 6 or on a quarterly basis for Autism Funding: Ages 6-18. The report must include a record of expenses (Schedule B of funding agreement), original detailed receipts or invoices with proof of payment, and bank statements.

Invoice Payment Option and Payments to Service Providers

The Invoice Payment Option provides payment directly to service providers for eligible intervention services. Parents choose the service(s) they need and the service provider(s), and notify the Autism Funding Unit using a Request to Pay Service Providers/Suppliers form. After the form is reviewed a letter is sent to both the parent and the service provider that includes a billing number for invoices.

The Ministry of Children and Family Development pays the service provider within 30 days of receipt of the invoice, either by direct deposit or cheque. If already receiving direct deposit from the Province of BC, payments for autism intervention services will be deposited into the same account.

Invoices submitted to the Autism Funding Unit must include the following information (click here for sample invoice):

• Billing number
• Name of the child
• Name, address and phone number of the service provider
• Date and description of the service provided
• The hourly rate and number of hours of service provided
• The total amount being billed