This quick guide provides an overview of the billing process to be followed where advocates have been instructed to undertake work as part of a non-family case.
This guide should be used by both advocates and providers.
Summary of Process
In non-family cases the provider can claim on behalf of the advocate or allocate costs to the advocate through CCMS allowing the advocate to submit their own claim.
When the provider claims on behalf of the advocate:
- The advocate is not assigned to the case on CCMS or is assigned to the case but has zero costs allocated to them on CCMS.
- The advocate’s costs are included within the provider’s bill. The provider must submit a copy of a fee note signed by the advocate, to confirm permission has been given for the provider to claim on behalf of the advocate. Costs will be paid to the provider who is responsible for ensuring costs are forwarded to the advocate.
When the advocate submits their own claim:
- One or more advocates can be assigned to a case. If costs have been allocated
- to them they will submit their own bill.
- Advocates can only submit their bill once the provider has submitted their own claim for costs.
- Once the provider submits their bill CCMS will recognise if any advocates have been allocated costs on the system. CCMS will generate a notification for each advocate.
- If the advocate has not submitted their bill, the provider will be sent an action through CCMS to contact the advocate and request they submit their claim.
- The advocate should advise the provider once they have submitted their bill.
- The provider should respond to the action to confirm the advocate has submitted their bill.
- The provider’s final bill will be actioned after all advocates’ claims have been received.