Index
Employment & LaborNew Jersey, USA

New Jersey 'Freelance Isn't Free' Act

Summary

Modeled after similar laws in NY and IL, this law protects freelance workers and independent contractors in New Jersey by ensuring they get paid on time and have written contracts.

Rights & Rules

  • 01.
    If a company hires you for freelance work worth $600 or more, they MUST provide you with a written contract.
  • 02.
    The contract must state exactly what work you will do, how much you will be paid, and the exact date you will be paid.
  • 03.
    If the contract doesn't state a payment date, the company MUST pay you within 30 days of you finishing the work.
  • 04.
    The company cannot force you to accept less money than agreed upon in order to get your check faster.

Penalties

  • 01.
    If a company refuses to pay you, you can file a complaint with the NJ Department of Labor or sue them in court for double the amount owed (liquidated damages) plus your attorney's fees.

Verified Citations

New Jersey Senate Bill S3716

Source
"Any freelance worker retained by a client... for services that are equal to or greater than $600, either by itself or when aggregated with all contracts for services between the same client and the freelance worker during the immediately preceding 120 days, shall be provided a written contract..."