
INVOICING GUIDELINES - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Invoice Processing
Vendor receives an authorization document (e.g., DR 297) that includes the specific service(s) and/or good(s) authorized, the
consumer or individual who is to receive the good(s) or service(s), and the service period and cost.
- Vendor provides the service(s) and/or good(s) to the consumer.
- Vendor prepares and submits invoice to the District Office through either
the VRC Portal account,
district invoice email, or mail; then submits the required supporting VR services forms as directed by
the District or Branch Office.
- DOR reviews invoice to ensure accuracy and confirms that the goods and/or services have been provided.
Upon approval, DOR requests the State Controller’s Office (SCO) to issue payment.
- SCO audits the invoice and, if approved, issues a check to the Vendor’s remittance address listed on the invoice.
DOR audits each invoice for the following:
- The invoice includes all items required for processing the
invoice through State Controller’s Office (SCO).
- The goods and services were authorized.
- The goods and services were actually provided to the consumer.
- The good and/or service provided and amount invoiced is
consistent with the DOR authorization.
- All required service reports and/or other required documents
were submitted.
- If acceptable, the invoice is forwarded on to Central
Office Accounting and SCO for approval and payment.
If you are receiving payment through a contract or grant, are
an Individual Service Provider, or you provide Supported
Employment or health care/medical services, you must submit
invoices on the DOR required form(s). Otherwise, you may
submit an invoice on your business letterhead or template.
However, to ensure timely processing and payment it is
important that the invoice includes the required information.
To receive payment from DOR, you must have a completed
STD 204 on file with the department. If any changes are
needed, notify DOR of the change as follows:
- For name, address, and/or Social Security number
changes, complete and submit a new STD 204.
- For phone number or email changes, submit the
change request in writing on letterhead from an
authorized representative.
Yes, you may submit an invoice if you provide some services
to a consumer or after delivery of a partial order of goods.
The invoice must include only the pre-authorized items
already provided at the rate or dollar value authorized,
and within the authorized service period.
Yes, if but only if pre-approved by DOR and listed on
the authorization document.
No. You may only invoice up to the pre-approved items, approved
rates, and total cost as indicated on the authorization document
issued by DOR. Additions, substitutions and extensions must be
pre-approved by DOR. If the consumer requires additional services
or goods, contact the consumer’s VRSD team to request approval.
If DOR agrees, the existing authorization document will be amended
to include the approved changes or a new authorization may be
issued for supplemental goods and services.
No. You may only invoice for services provided during the service
period identified in the DOR authorization for goods and services.
Any additions, substitutions and extensions must be pre-approved
by DOR. If the consumer requires additional services outside of
the approved period, contact the consumer’s VRSD team to request
approval. If DOR agrees, the existing authorization document will
be amended to include the approved changes or a new authorization
may be issued for supplemental goods and services.
Yes, if you provide pre-approved goods and services for multiple
consumers, you may invoice for the goods and services provided
on a single invoice. The invoice must include the details for
each consumer and line items billed. If you provide goods or
services for more than one DOR district, submit separate invoices
listing multiple consumers served through each district.
The DOR strives to pay vendors in accordance with the
California Prompt Payment Act
. The Act requires state
agencies to pay properly submitted, undisputed invoices
within 45 days of initial receipt. If the overall payment
process takes longer than 45 days, eligible vendors may
receive a late payment penalty.Some factors that could
delay processing and payment of your invoice:
- The invoice submitted did not include required
vendor information, with sufficient detail on
the goods and services provided to the consumer
(e.g., missing tax identification number, goods
not itemized, missing DOR authorization number)
- An invoice was submitted with information that
did not match the STD 204 on file (e.g., vendor
has a new address, name or tax identification
number).
- The invoice packet did not include the required
consumer service or medical/health reports,
and/or other documents required to be submitted
by DOR to support payment.
- DOR was unable to verify with the consumer that
goods and services were received.
- The invoice included goods and services not
consistent with the pre-approved authorization
document. DOR will take appropriate action, such
as deciding whether to dispute the full invoice,
approve a partial payment, or take alternative
action.
By mail. After an invoice is submitted and approved by
DOR and SCO, SCO will send a check in the mail to the
vendor "remit to" address listed on the invoice.
If an invoice cannot be approved for payment, in
whole or in part, DOR must send you a STD209 -
Invoice Dispute Notification. The STD209 will
include the reason why the invoice could not be
approved as submitted, and what is needed from
you to meet invoicing requirements. You may
resubmit corrected invoices, or if you disagree
with the dispute, may contact the person listed
on the STD209 for further information. After
reviewing relevant information, a final decision
will be made by the Department regarding payment
of the invoice. If DOR denies payment, you may
file a claim directly with the
Victims Compensation and Government Claims Board
.
Since Federal and State funds are time limited it is
extremely important that you submit your invoices to
DOR timely after the provision of goods and/or services
to ensure payment. Claims can be filed through the
Victims Compensation and Government Claims Board
.
However, approval to pay is not guaranteed.
Authorizations and Amendments
No. You must receive a DOR authorization document
describing the pre-approved goods and services
before providing them to a consumer. If you provide
the goods and services without an authorization,
your invoice will be disputed and returned without
payment.
If you are unable to find an authorization for a
particular consumer, contact the DOR counselor’s
office to request a copy for your records.
No, a copy is not required to be submitted with the invoice.
However, the authorization number for the specific goods and
services provided must be included on the invoice. This will
ensure DOR can process your invoice timely for payment.
Confirmation of Consumer Receipt of Goods and Services
To ensure proper use of federal and state funds, DOR is required to confirm that the pre-approved goods and services were received by DOR or its consumers prior to approving an invoice for payment.
- For goods, provide consumers with a detailed receipt.
- For services, submit all required completed service
or medical/health reports.
If you mailed the goods to a consumer, submit the transmission
document to DOR for follow-up with the consumer. If you do not
have evidence of service provision or goods, DOR will contact
the consumer to discuss and determine whether payment is
warranted.
Who To Contact
You can submit invoices through your VRC Portal account.
And/or
Refer to your DR 297 Authorization for submission and contact information
And/or
Go to Find An Office to find a DOR office near you to submit invoices and supporting
records/services reports. You can ask to speak with the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for invoicing questions.
Go to
Find An Office
to find a DOR office near you. If serving
consumers from multiple districts, for questions related to
invoices for specific consumers, refer to the applicable DOR
Authorization "Bill To" District Address to reach the right
SPOC who can best assist you.
The DOR is committed to being responsive to vendor questions
or requests for information and will strive to respond within
48 hours of vendor contact.
Basically, the Prompt Payment Act requires payment of an
undisputed, properly submitted invoice within 45 calendar
days of invoice receipt, or delivery or acceptance of the
subject goods or services, whichever is later, to avoid
accruing late payment penalty interest if you qualify.
If this timeframe has passed and you still have not received
payment, contact your district SPOC. They can research the
status of the invoice and assist in expediting payment for
goods and services provided.