Does budget mean it's paid or does it have to be in escrow?

[79147b91]

I'm new to Upwork and have plenty to learn.

This was my first gig and my work was approved but does this mean it's been paid or not? Is there any action I should take? Thanks!

[xuraniumx]

Its not paid yet. When its paid you will find the escrow have 25$.

[sofia2008]

The amount in the budget is not important. Freelancers should only work on funded milestone and are paid the amount in escrow when they submit the work through the «Submit work» button in their contract.

In your situation, you started and delivered the work without an amount an escrow. You might no be paid unless you contact your client and ask him to fund the milestone.