The short version
You always get paid for every hour you work. The Early Release policy is a safety net — extra protection that guarantees a minimum payout if a business dismisses you very early from a confirmed shift. You can only gain under this policy. You can't lose.
What it covers
If a business sends you home before the scheduled end of a shift, you're entitled to be paid for the greater of:
- Your actual time worked, OR
- 50% of the scheduled shift, up to a maximum of 4 hours
Whichever number is higher — that's what you get paid.
Why people misunderstand it
It's easy to read "50% capped at 4 hours" and think the policy limits your pay. It doesn't. The policy only ever adds to your pay — it's a floor, not a ceiling. If you've already worked past that floor, you're paid for your actual time, the same as always.
How it plays out
Here are some real-world examples:
| Scheduled shift | Hours you worked | What you're paid | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 hours | 7 hours | 7 hours | You already worked past the floor — paid for actual time |
| 8 hours | 3 hours | 4 hours | Policy floor (50% of 8 = 4) kicks in |
| 8 hours | 1 hour | 4 hours | Policy floor kicks in |
| 6 hours | 4 hours | 4 hours | Actual time — already past the 3-hr floor |
| 6 hours | 1 hour | 3 hours | Policy floor (50% of 6 = 3), under the 4-hr cap |
| 12 hours | 1 hour | 4 hours | Policy floor caps at 4 hours, even on longer shifts |
When the policy doesn't apply
Early Release compensation does not apply if:
- You left voluntarily
- You were removed for a Terms of Service or Talent Guidelines violation (you'll be paid for actual time worked only)
- The early dismissal was mutually agreed between you and the business
How you'll see this on your pay
Your payout will reflect the higher of your actual hours or the policy minimum — automatically. If you believe a shift was paid incorrectly, reach out and we'll review it.
The full policy
You can read the complete policy under "Early Release of Talent" in our Terms of Service.