The City’s Freelance Isn’t Free Act, which became law on May 15, 2017, creates new rights, remedies, and resources for freelance workers in New York City to help ensure they are paid on time and in full.

The Freelance Isn’t Free Act:

• Requires contracts between freelance workers and hiring parties that are worth $800 or more to be in writing.
• Prohibits hiring parties from paying workers late or underpaying workers.
• Protects freelance workers against retaliation for asserting their rights under the Law.

DCWP’s Office of Labor Policy and Standards (OLPS) assists with issues that impact immigrants, people of color, and women in the workplace.

In addition, OLPS:

• Enforces key municipal workplace laws
• Conducts original research, outreach, and education
• Develops policies that are responsive to New York City’s evolving economy and workforce

Learn more about the Office of Labor Policy and Standards.

The City of New York reached a settlement with L’Officiel over violations of NYC’s Freelance Isn’t Free Act. Under the settlement, L’Officiel must compensate 41 freelancers named in the settlement and any other eligible freelancers who file a claim.

• If you are named in the settlement: DCWP will email instructions on how to get payment. You do not need to file a claim.
• If you are NOT named in the settlement: If you are eligible, you must file a claim by February 7, 2024.

Eligibility

You may be eligible to receive compensation if you:

• Performed freelance work for L’Officiel or its affiliated titles between January 1, 2017 and July 11, 2023 AND
• Were not fully paid what you were owed for your work

Read the Notice to Freelancers Who Worked for L'Officiel Publications.

File a Claim

Download the claims form.

Get Help

Contact DCWP if you have questions about the settlement or need help filing a claim.

By Email

Email freelancer@dcwp.nyc.gov.

By Phone