In the right place? The information below refers to Payment Authorizations processed by Disbursements. Payments for entertainment or mileage reimbursement are handled by UCSD Travel.

Direct Deposit

Direct deposit is the preferred method of payment for employees, non-employees, and vendors.

Payment authorizations and requests

Campus departments complete a Payment Authorization online to pay a vendor or to request reimbursement for an employee who has purchased goods or services for UCSD business. Read about Payment Authoritzation and Requests

How payments are issued

• Payments to vendors are mailed directly to the vendor's remittance address. Vendors with an ACH (Automated Clearing House) account receive payments electronically in a specified bank account.
• Payments to persons can be mailed directly to the recipient or to the campus department requesting the payment. Employees who have signed up for Disbursements direct deposit will receive the payment electronically in their specified bank accounts.
• Note: An explanation must be included on the request if the campus department chooses to receive the payment and deliver it to the recipient.

Gifts and Awards

Specific rules and regulations apply to the giving of gifts and awards to employees and non-employees. Read about Gifts and Awards.

Memberships

If you belong to, or need to become a member of a professional organization, read about guidelines to see if UCSD will pay for the membership.

Other forms of payment

• Use Scrip to pay participants in clinical trials.
• Use wires and drafts for international transactions.

Approval

Departmental approval is required. The departmental approver must have a signature authorization on file with Disbursements. This establishes signature authority for the departmental approver.

Turnaround time

Typically, payment will be issued 2 to 3 working days from the date of the final departmental approval. Disbursements can issue an emergency check when a justifiable need exists. In this case, if you submit the Payment Authorization by 11 a.m., a check will be issued the same day.

Need an expert? Contact a payment request specialist.