Fixed-price work submitted, client has not released payment
14 days · the day you click Submit work (work shared elsewhere does not count)The client has up to 14 days to review after you submit work; with no response the funds are released automatically. Submitting through the Submit work button starts the countdown.
“Take no action - if there's no response within 14 days, funds are automatically released” Source: support.upwork.com/hc/en-us/articles/211063718-How-payments-for-milestones-and-fixed-price-contracts-work
Funds in Pending (five-day security hold)
5 days · the day the payment is approved or auto-releasedAfter approval or automatic release, fixed-price and bonus payments sit in Pending for a five-day security hold, then become Available.
“Once payment is approved or auto-released, the funds move to Pending for a five-day security hold.” Source: support.upwork.com/hc/en-us/articles/211063718-How-payments-for-milestones-and-fixed-price-contracts-work
Hourly contract payment not yet available
10 days · Sunday on which the weekly billing period endsHours are billed weekly (Monday to Sunday UTC), invoiced Monday, reviewed by the client until Friday, and earnings become available the following Wednesday: in most cases 10 days after the billing period ends.
“In most cases, you are paid for your time 10 days after the weekly billing period ends each Sunday.” Source: support.upwork.com/hc/en-us/articles/211063668-How-payments-for-hourly-contracts-work
Client disputes hours on an hourly contract
5 days · Monday after the billing week endsThe client must review and approve or dispute the invoice by 11:59 PM UTC on the Friday after the billing week (a five-day Dispute Period). Upwork may also review the freelancer's work for 30 days before the dispute.
“Client must review and approve or dispute the Hourly Invoice by 11:59 PM UTC of the Friday following submission of the Hourly Invoice.” Source: www.upwork.com/legal#escrow-hourly
Client asks for a refund, ends the contract with funds in escrow, or does not release a milestone
7 days · date of the client's refund request or contract endYou have seven calendar days to review the payment details and file a fixed-price dispute; if not, the remaining funds go back to the client. The client then has five calendar days to respond; an agent gives a non-binding resolution (typically within two days); each side has two calendar days to accept or reject.
“You have seven calendar days to review the payment details and submit a fixed-price dispute. If you do not submit a dispute within seven days, any remaining funds will be refunded back to the client.” Source: support.upwork.com/hc/en-us/articles/211068528-Dispute-non-release-of-a-milestone-payment
Notice of Non-Resolution (binding arbitration offered)
7 days · date of the Notice of Non-ResolutionA demand for arbitration must be made within 7 calendar days of the Notice of Non-Resolution; in escrow disputes no resolution after 14 calendar days leads to this Notice. If both parties decline or do not pay, escrow funds are released to the client.
“within 7 calendar days of the date of the Notice of Non-Resolution” Source: www.upwork.com/legal#fp
Account restricted or suspended (appeal)
2 business days · date you submit the appealMost appeals are reviewed within two business days. After a suspension for poor client feedback you must wait six months before appealing.
“Most appeals are reviewed within two business days.” Source: support.upwork.com/hc/en-us/articles/5313574196627-How-to-appeal-an-account-suspension
Withdrawal held or delayed by Payment Escrow (information, dispute risk, fraud suspicion)
No fixed term publishedNo period stated. Payment Escrow may hold disbursement at its sole discretion if it needs information (tax, ID), suspects dispute or chargeback, or suspects fraud.
“Payment Escrow may refuse to process, may hold the disbursement of the Freelancer Fees or any other amounts and offset amounts owed to us, or take such other actions with respect to the Escrow Account as we deem appropriate in our sole discretion” Source: www.upwork.com/legal#useragreement
Withdrawal not possible (name mismatch, tax information, sanctions, automatic disbursement)
90 days · date fees are released to the Freelancer Escrow AccountUpwork automatically disburses available funds no more than 90 days after fees are released to the Freelancer Escrow Account, unless the balance is below the minimum threshold. For freelancers outside the US blocked by sanctions or partner refusal, automatic disbursement is suspended and funds are safeguarded.
“Upwork will automatically disburse available funds no more than ninety (90) days after the Freelancer Fees are released to the Freelancer Escrow Account, unless the amount in the Escrow Account is less than the Minimum Threshold.” Source: www.upwork.com/legal#useragreement
Chargeback or reversal after payment was released
No fixed term publishedNo period stated. Upwork reserves the right to seek reimbursement if a chargeback is received from the Payment Method used by you or your client despite the services being provided.
“we reserve the right to seek reimbursement from you, and you will reimburse us” Source: www.upwork.com/legal#useragreement