Freelancer Isn’t Free

Freelance Isn’t Free,
Sounds Pretty Basic to Us

This groundbreaking law protecting freelancers from nonpayment was a victory for Freelancers Union members in New York City and now serves as a blueprint for other cities and states.

Freelancers Union is working every day to expand these protections across the country.

Timely Payment, Enforced

Your Rights to Get Paid

Ever done the work but faced a battle to get paid? That’s where the Freelance Isn’t Free Law comes in. Think of it as your backup, making sure clients play fair. It’s pretty straightforward: if you’re doing the work, you need a proper contract, and you deserve to get paid on time. No more chasing payments or worrying about retaliation for speaking up. Whether you’re crafting, coding, consulting, or creating, this law is built to protect your work, without the struggle.

  • Mandatory Contracts
  • Default 30-Day Payment Terms
  • Anti-Retaliation
  • Double Damages

Need Help?

Freelance Isn't Free

New York City

Learn more about the Freelance Isn’t Free law here.

File a complaint
Seattle

Learn More about the Independent Contractor Protections Ordinance here.

File a complaint
Los Angeles

Learn more about the Freelance Worker Protection Ordinance here.

File a complaint
Minneapolis

Learn more about the Freelance Worker Protections​ Ordinance here.

File a complaint
Illinois State

Learn more about the Freelance Worker Protection Act here.

File a complaint
New York State

The Freelance Isn't Free Act goes into effect on August 28, 2024.

Read about the Act

What is Freelance Isn’t Free?

The Freelance Isn’t Free law can include:

  • 30-Day Payment Terms Unless otherwise specified in a contract, clients must pay freelancers within 30 days of work completion.
  • Mandatory Contracts Clients must use a contract when hiring a freelancer for over $800 of work and they can face fines if they refuse to provide one.
  • Payment Agreement Protections Clients cannot require that freelancers accept less than they’re owed in exchange for timely payment.
  • Anti-Retaliation Clients cannot retaliate against a freelancer for pursuing payment.
  • Legal Assistance A city agency will investigate, may try to collect on the freelancer’s behalf, and will provide court navigation services if needed.
  • Double Damages Freelancers can collect double damages and attorneys fees in court, and repeat offenders can face penalties of up to $25,000.

Ready to bring #FreelanceIsntFree to your community?

Together, we can grow the movement to help make sure freelancers everywhere get paid on time every time!

  • Spread the word about Freelancers Union to your network with the hashtag #FreelanceIsntFree
  • Download the Organizer’s Toolkit to learn how you can take action and become a local campaign leader