- According to the state constitution, the state cannot pay for a service until the service is complete.
- Invoice vouchers are mailed for the provider to receive just before the end of the month.
- On a high volume day, as many as 30,000 paper invoices are returned by mail. Clerical delays may occur because of the large number of pages received.
- Quicker payment processing occurs when providers use Invoice Express to validate their invoice by telephone.
- Invoices are processed immediately after the end of the month of service.
- Some payments are delayed because messages are attached to or written on the invoice. Invoices with messages are set aside and read as soon as possible, delaying payment.
Payment to a provider 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 provider's geographical location and the speed of mail delivery.
Example: For the year 2013, June 3rd is the first business day of the month, and the first business day when SSPS payment for May services will be issued. Payment for services processed on June 3rd 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 June 5th, the third business day of the month.