When Do Freelancers Get Paid?

Payment after approval, not before.

Freelancers get paid after a milestone or project is formally approved and funds are released from escrow. GigBig uses a structured, approval-based payout system for financial protection and transparency.

Payment sequence
  • Funds secured in escrow
  • Work submitted
  • Client review and approval
  • Escrow release
  • 20% platform fee deducted
  • 80% payout credited
In This Section
How Payment Protection WorksWhen Funds Are SecuredWhen Freelancers Get PaidGuaranteed Payment ConditionsWithdrawal ProcessPlatform Fees StructureTax Responsibilities

Payment timeline overview

  1. Client deposits funds into escrow
  2. Work is completed and submitted
  3. Client reviews deliverables
  4. Client formally approves the milestone
  5. Payment is released from escrow
  6. Platform fee (20%) is deducted
  7. Net payout (80%) is credited to the freelancer

Payment depends on milestone approval.

Payment in Single Service

  • Funds secured before work begins
  • Predefined deliverable completed
  • Client approval triggers release
  • Final approval completes payout cycle

Payment only after structured confirmation.

Payment in Team Service

  • Package payment secured in advance
  • Milestone approvals within fixed package days
  • Release aligns with approved milestones
  • Earnings based on allocated share after fee

Payment follows structured team execution.

How long after approval?

  • Release initiated automatically
  • Processing depends on payment gateway cycles
  • Payout timing may follow platform withdrawal schedule
  • Status visible in the dashboard

Timing varies by payout method.

If approval is delayed

  • Project Manager follows up
  • Communication logs reviewed
  • Structured resolution may apply if needed

Payment cannot be released without formal approval unless dispute policy applies.

What happens during a dispute

  • Funds remain secured in escrow
  • Dispute resolution procedures begin
  • Payment released only after resolution decision

Escrow protects both parties.

What freelancers should know

  • Paid only for approved milestones
  • Scope-aligned deliverables required
  • No payout for unapproved work
  • No informal confirmations outside dashboard

All payouts follow system workflow.

Transparency in payment

  • Escrow status
  • Milestone approval status
  • Gross project value
  • 20% platform fee deduction
  • Net payout amount
  • Payment history

All transactions are documented.