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Upwork Platform Updates to Support Freelancers Based in Ukraine

CourtneyC
Community Member

This month, we’ve released new product features to help Ukraine-based freelancers preserve their careers―even if they’re currently unable to work―access funds more quickly, and connect with clients about their safety and work status. 

 

Expedited payments

What is the update: We are introducing expedited payments for freelancers based in Ukraine. For hourly contracts, all freelancers based in Ukraine will now receive payments in 5 days (instead of 10 days). 

 

There are no changes to manual or automated disbursement processes and schedules. If freelancers want to withdraw funds that become available early, they must use manual disbursements. (Automated disbursements do not occur on Fridays.)

 

Who does it impact: The initiative currently applies to all talent with a tax/profile address in Ukraine and an account in good standing.

 

How does it work: As long as your client’s billing method can be charged successfully and they don’t dispute your hours, we will apply their payment to your Upwork account five days earlier if you reside in Ukraine. You can then withdraw the money anytime you prefer by clicking here and choosing “Get Paid Now.” 

 

To find the “Get Paid Now” button:

  1. Go to Reports -> Overview
  2. Choose the Get Paid Now button. This is available even if you have an automatic payment schedule set up and want your earnings sooner—and you won’t have to change your regular payment schedule.

 

When does it take effect: This will take effect immediately starting Thursday, March 17, 2022.

 

For more information, visit our help article on expedited payments

 

Easy communication with clients 

What is the update: We’re making it easier for freelancers to share their safety and work status by launching optional check-ins for freelancers based in Ukraine. Upwork will reach out through email on an ongoing basis to help facilitate. 

 

Who does this impact: Freelancers based in Ukraine, in active contracts. 

 

When will this take effect: We are currently rolling out this new functionality to impacted freelancers.

 

Preserve hard-earned reputations

What is the update: To ensure there is no negative impact on the Upwork reputations of freelancers based in Ukraine, we have released an update preventing JSS from being affected negatively. JSS will still be able to increase or stay the same.

 

You can read more about JSS and how it’s calculated here.

 

Who does this impact:  Freelancers are eligible if they meet the following requirements:

  • They have at least $1 in earnings before February 28
  • They have a profile address that was set in Ukraine on or before October 1, 2021

 

When will it take effect: You should see this reflected in the JSS update on March 20, 2022, and moving forward until further notice. If your score has dropped since February 20, 2022, we will update it to your score as of February 20.