Commonly Asked Questions About SSPS

Why isn't my payment any quicker than it is?

Payment to a vendor is considered timely if made within 30 days of the receipt of a properly completed invoice, plus mail time, according to RCW 39.76.010. SSPS makes it a top priority to not only pay faster than required, but to pay as fast as is technically and legally possible.

Direct deposit takes the guesswork out of address changes and other complications of postal delivery. Direct deposit may or may not be quicker than postal delivery, depending on the payee's geographical location and the speed of mail delivery.

Example:   For the year 2003, November 3rd is the first business day in the month of November, and the first business day when SSPS payment for October services will be issued. Payment for services processed on November 3th will not reach the U.S. mail for distribution for two business days (possibly three), because Consolidated Mail Service is used to achieve significant postal discounts. This means the U.S. Postal Service will begin mailing payments on November 5th: the third business day of November.

What does a state holiday mean to SSPS input and processing?

State holidays are not considered "business days." There is no daily processing, no payments created, and the SSPS headquarters office is closed.

I am providing social services, so why am I not being paid?

If you are providing social services that will be paid through SSPS, those services must be based on an agreement with a social service staff person. Until an SSPS authorization is written and submitted to the mainframe computer by that staff person, there is no mechanism by which to pay you. Social service staff have a regular and supplemental deadline each month that they must meet in order for you to receive the invoice needed for payment validation.

When are invoices mailed?

Invoices enter the U.S. Postal Service two - three business days after the published invoice print date. Delivery times by the U.S. Postal Service vary, depending on the payee's geographical location and speed of mail delivery.

When are W-2 and 1099 forms available?

They are mailed by the end of January.

Why are SSPS payments made after the service is completed?

According to the state constitution, payment cannot be made for services not yet completed.

Does a co-payment/participation amount pro-rate for a partial month?

No. The co-payment or participation that the service recipient/client pays to his or her provider is a set amount. If the dollar amount of the service is less than the co-payment, the client need only pay the actual amount of service.

How often does SSPS issue payment?

Payments are generally issued every working day (Monday - Friday, excluding holidays). Invoicing, for services that are invoiced, occurs twice per month: one regularly scheduled invoice process and a second supplemental process to catch late authorizations from local offices.

Is school holiday care paid during summer vacation for childcare services?

School holiday care is not paid for the months of June, July, and August and is only available for childcare paid on an hourly basis.

Where do I call to find out more about services paid through SSPS or questions I have about details of what was authorized?

Contact staff at the local office that authorized the service in question. The local office controls what is authorized and can make needed corrections.

Do you have questions about Invoice Express? Need more details?

View details of Invoice Express.

Do you have questions about Direct Deposit?

View Direct Deposit .

Do you want to know what date to expect invoicing or payment processing?

View the SSPS Calendar.