Upwork Supports
Ukrainian Freelancers

Upwork Updates to Support Freelancers from Ukraine

Last week, Upwork released new product features to help Ukraine-based freelancers preserve their careers―even if they’re currently unable to work.

Here is an overview:

1. Upwork introduced 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.)

This update applies to all talent with a tax/profile address in Ukraine and an account in good standing. Effective Thursday, March 17, 2022.

For more information, read this help article on expedited payments.

2. Easy communication with clients

Upwork want to make it easier for freelancers to share their safety and work status. So, they launched optional check-ins for freelancers based in Ukraine. Upwork will reach out through email on an ongoing basis to help facilitate.

The update applies to all freelancers based in Ukraine with active contracts. But they are still rolling out this new functionality.

3. Preserve hard-earned reputations

To ensure there is no negative impact on the Upwork reputations of freelancers based in Ukraine, Upwork released an update preventing JSS from being affected negatively. JSS will still be able to increase or stay the same. This update has a few requirements, as not all freelancers will be eligible.

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

If you are impacted by the update, you should see this reflected in the JSS update on March 20, 2022. If your score has dropped since February 20, 2022, it will be updated to your score as of February 20.

4. Donations through Project Catalog.

Some clients want to help individual freelancers in Ukraine. They can purchase a Project Catalog offering by Ukraine-based talent and funds will be sent directly to them. There are no freelancer fees and no obligation for the freelancer to complete the work required. Visit Upwork.com/services/ukraine.

Thank you, Upwork, for your support!