The &^%$# government does it again!
Effective immediately, the government is discontinuing the Direct Funding option and transitioning everyone to Invoice Funding.
How do I transition from Direct to Invoice Funding?
There are a few things that you need to know about Invoice Funding that will work differently than what you are used to.
Every team member that you expect to get paid by the Autism Funds will have to register individually as a "Service Provider".
Each Service Provider will have a separate billing number.
At the end of the month everyone will submit invoices to the government (fax, email or snail mail) and the government will pay the Service Provider directly.
Expect a delay of 3-6 weeks before people get paid, although they swear things are getting faster.
The invoice can be submitted by the Service Provider or the parent.
Service providers who receive Autism Funding can set up a Direct Deposit. The Direct Deposit form must be set up for a bank account with the same name that is used on all invoices.
What needs to be included on the 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
Refer to the government site Autism Spectrum Disorder - Payments for more information
How does the accounting work?
OK, now things are going to get really bizarre. You have to decide how the total funding is going to be allocated and notify the government using the form CF0925 Request to Pay Service Providers/Suppliers. You may decide that your consultant will receive $10,000, BI number 1 will get $6,000 and BI number 2 will get $6,000. Remember to leave room for material funding. These portions are now set aside and can't be used for any other purpose. If you decide that your consultant needs $11,000 and BI number 1 only requires $5,000, you will have to notify the Autism Funds Unit using form CF092A Request to Amend Invoice Payment Authorization to re-allocate your funds. Repeat as many times as necessary. Only a government (or an idiot) could come up with this one!
For a more detailed explanation, refer to this presentation created by the Autism Funds Unit. You may want to have a stiff drink first!
GST & HST
If the consultant bills the government directly for services they do not add GST to the bill. Over time, this is a significant savings to you. If the consultant bills you for services rendered, then GST and HST (July 2010) must be added to the invoice. Yes, it sucks. This is our government at work.
What is the easy answer?
If your consultant bills are going to take up all of the available funding, then have the consultant invoice the ministry and pay everyone else out of your pocket.
What if I can't pay up front for travel, training and equipment?
If a parent is unable to pay for travel, training, or equipment and then have the expenses reimbursed, the ministry may be able to pay for those costs directly. This obviously applies only to the invoice method. Contact the Autism Funds Unit for more information.
I've never heard of the AFU actually doing this. If I am wrong, please let me know.