Paying your service providers

Review and submit invoices

Service providers invoice Autism Funding using the billing number provided in the authorization letter. Families can request to view the invoice before Autism Funding processes the payment. Autism Funding pays service providers on your behalf. 

Service providers must be payable within Canada. Funds can be issued either: 

• By a cheque mailed directly to the service provider at a Canadian address that is not the same as the child's parent/guardian’s address. 
• By Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) or direct deposit into a Canadian bank account. 

Please note that service providers who contract their services to clients with Autism Funding are responsible for their own employment-related costs, including any costs associated with being payable within Canada (e.g., cost of setting up and maintaining a Canadian bank account). 

You can ask service providers to share invoices with you before submitting them or ask Autism Funding to ensure that all submitted invoices require your signature before they are paid. 

Manage your funding online. Use My Family Services to check your funding balance, see your invoices, submit your requests, or send a message to the Autism Funding team. This is not required to access your funding; however, it is the most effective way to access and submit requests 

Remember to follow the terms of the agreement. You must comply with the terms of the agreement. If not, the agreement can be cancelled and parents or guardians will only be able to access funding using the invoice payment method. 

All documentation submitted is subject to audit, which can commence at any time. You are responsible for paying back any amount that was spent on ineligible products or services or for any expenses that do not have proper records.

The Invoice Pathway allows approved service providers to be paid directly by the Children and Youth Disability Benefit Program for authorized services received by your child. 

As the Agreement Signatory, you are responsible for managing your child's funding and deciding which services and supports best meet your child's needs. 

Before your child can start services, you must submit a Request for Services Form to the Children and Youth Disability Benefit Program for approval. Once your request is approved, you will receive an Authorization Letter and can begin services. 

After services have been provided, your service provider will submit invoices directly to the Children and Youth Disability Benefit Program, using the billing number listed in your Authorization Letter. Approved payments will be made directly to the provider. 

Important 

Services must be authorized before they begin. Services provided before authorization may not be eligible for payment.

1. Choose a Service Provider 

Select a provider who can support your child's needs and help them work toward their goals. Review the Children and Youth Disability Benefit Invoicing Payment Operational Policy for Agreement Signatories (PDF, 100KB) to make sure the service is an eligible expense and the provider meets any required eligibility criteria. 

2. Submit a Request for Services Form 

Work with your provider to identify the services your child requires and submit a Request for Services Form for review and approval by the Children and Youth Disability Benefit Program. 

3. Receive Authorization 

After your request is approved, you and your service provider will receive an Authorization Letter, which confirms that services can begin and what the service provider’s billing number is. 

4. Services Are Delivered 

Your child or youth receives the authorized services. 

5. The Provider Submits an Invoice 

After services have been delivered, your provider submits an invoice directly to the Children and Youth Disability Benefit Program. 

6. The Program Pays the Provider 

The Children and Youth Disability Benefit Program reviews the invoice and pays the provider directly for approved services that have been delivered.

As the Agreement Signatory, you are responsible for:

• Meeting your obligations under your [AGREEMENT] and the [POLICY]
• Choosing eligible service providers
• Requesting services that support your child's needs and goals
• Submitting Request for Services Forms
• Ensuring services are authorized before they begin
• Monitoring services your child receives
• Tracking funding usage
• Asking questions about services, invoices, or costs
• Making informed decisions about how your child's funding is used

Invoices must accurately reflect the services that were delivered and received. 

Before services begin, ask your provider to explain their cancellation and attendance policies. 

You should understand: 

• How much notice is required to cancel an appointment 
• What happens if an appointment is missed 
• Any grace allowances or exceptions 
• Whether missed appointment fees may be charged 
• Missed or cancelled appointments are not eligible expenses under Disability Benefit Annual Funding. Any fees charged for these appointments must be managed directly between you and your provider. 

You are responsible for managing your child's Annual Funding and ensuring it is used to support your child's needs and goals. 

By staying informed about services, invoices, and funding usage, you can make informed decisions and help ensure your child's funding is used effectively.