Your client didn't pay. The Freelance Isn't Free Act says New York owes you double.
Since August 28, 2024, the statewide Freelance Isn't Free Act (GBL Article 44-A) gives freelancers real teeth: full payment, double damages on top, plus attorney fees, with six years to bring your claim. NYC freelancers have had parallel rights under the City's own law since 2017.
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Reviewed by Daniel Hochman, Esq. · Last updated November 1, 2026
Under New York's statewide Freelance Isn't Free Act (GBL Article 44-A), a client must pay on the date the contract sets, or within 30 days of completed work if none was set. A freelancer who wins recovers the amount owed plus double damages, plus reasonable attorney fees and costs, and has six years to sue. The Act covers contracts made on or after August 28, 2024; earlier NYC work falls under the City's 2017 law.
Works with or without a written contract; a missing contract is itself a violation. Note the Act excludes attorneys, licensed medical professionals, construction contractors, and commissioned sales reps. Next time, start with paper: the firm drafts a client services agreement that sets the deposit, the due date and late interest before the work begins.
Full payment, on time
Hiring parties must pay per the contract, or within 30 days of completed work if no date was set. Once work starts, they can't demand a discount for timely payment.
Double damages plus your legal fees
A prevailing freelancer recovers the amount owed plus double damages, plus reasonable attorney fees and costs. A $4,000 invoice can become $8,000 plus your legal fees for the client who ignored you.
Six year lookback
Nonpayment claims carry a six year statute of limitations. The statewide Act covers contracts entered on or after August 28, 2024; earlier NYC work is covered by the City's 2017 law.
Questions before you start
I never signed a contract. Am I covered?
Yes. The Act protects the work regardless, and where you asked for a written contract before starting, the hiring party's failure to provide one is a separate violation with its own two year window.
My client is outside New York. Does the Act apply?
Coverage depends on the facts; the intake captures where the hiring party is and where the work was performed, and the letter is drafted accordingly.