Learn what to do if a client on Upwork stops replying on hourly or fixed-price contracts. Understand payment protection, disputes, and how to safely end your contract.
What should I do if a client I'm working with stops replying to me?
Clients may go quiet for many reasons — from shifting priorities to tech troubles to personal emergencies. If you find yourself working with a client who isn't responding, here’s what you need to know before ending the contract.
For hourly contracts
You can end an hourly contract at any time. Logged hours that meet the requirements for Hourly Payment Protection will still be invoiced and paid through the usual weekly cycle — even if your client doesn’t respond or fails to pay.
Keep in mind: Any hours not properly logged or outside protection criteria are not covered by Hourly Payment Protection.
For fixed-price contracts
Fixed-price projects work a bit differently. If you end a contract before submitting work, you may lose access to any project funds set aside for that milestone. Instead:
- Complete your current milestone
- Submit your work for the milestone properly by going to Deliver work > Your active contracts
- Wait 14 days — if the client doesn’t respond, we’ll release the funds to you automatically
If the client responds and disputes, but you believe your work meets the agreed-upon terms, you can initiate a dispute too.
Important: Only milestone funds deposited in "project funds" are covered by Fixed-Price Protection.