We're very sorry to hear this sad news, and the whole team at Upwork extends our condolences. We're here to help you through this difficult process.
Collect Funds Owed
To collect money owed to a deceased freelancer, the executor of their estate needs to send all of the following documents to Upwork via email (legalnotices@upwork.com) or mail (Attn: Legal, 655 Montgomery St., Ste 490, DPT 17022, San Francisco, CA 94111-2676):
- A letter that states the freelancer is deceased and the executor wants to close the freelancer's Upwork account
- A copy of the death certificate
- A copy of the deceased's will or a legal document that identifies the requestor as the executor of the freelancer's estate (a probate court order is preferred)
- A copy of the executor's photo ID
Please allow at least seven business days for Upwork to review the documentation. Upon approval, we will close the freelancer's account and all funds in the account will be distributed via the freelancer's previously-designated payment method (ACH, Direct to Local Bank, PayPal, Payoneer, etc.). The estate executor is then responsible for collecting the funds from the payment vendor.
Resolve Existing Contracts
If you would like us to contact any hired freelancers or clients on behalf of the deceased, we can accommodate this request. Receipt of the official death certificate (by email to legalnotices@upwork.com or by mail to Attn: Legal, 655 Montgomery St., Ste 490, DPT 17022, San Francisco, CA 94111-2676) is required.
Release Funds Via Adjusted Payment Method
If, in the process of managing an estate, it is necessary for funds to be moved to a different withdrawal method, we can accommodate this request. Please provide a copy of the official death certificate, proof of beneficiary status, and a copy of your identification to our legal department (legalnotices@upwork.com) or mail (Attn: Legal, 655 Montgomery St., Ste 490, DPT 17022, San Francisco, CA 94111-2676). Once we confirm receipt of the death certificate and other documents, a new withdrawal method can be added and funds released.
