Paying for Services
Paying for Goods
If there is something on your spending plan that you would like to purchase, reach out to your Financial Management Service (FMS) to find out their process. Most have a Purchase Request Form. You will need to provide information so the FMS can purchase it on your behalf. There is no reimbursement so do not purchase items yourself!!
Paying Local Businesses
Each Financial Management Service (FMS) has its own way of paying local businesses. Check your FMS rules to be sure they can pay for what you need. You can compare FMS providers to find one that works best for you.
How a business usually charges affects how they get paid.
Invoicing
If a business usually sends invoices, they will “vendor” with your FMS. This just means they sign up to be paid through your FMS’s bill-pay system.
The participant (or their support person) must approve all invoices. Some FMSs have invoices emailed to you for approval, while others let providers enter them directly into the system. Ask your FMS how their invoicing process works.
Credit Card Payments
FMSs may pay providers with a company credit card or give you a prepaid card to use. Others may still require the provider to “vendor” first. Choose an FMS that handles payments in a way that fits your needs.
Note:
According to the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Directive from December 26, 2023, payments must follow the same process that local businesses normally use.