How independent contractors are paid (net terms)

Last updated: August 19, 2026

Applies to: all independent contractors — US (1099/corp-to-corp) and international. Employees are paid on a payroll schedule instead — see When and how often will I get paid?

Summary: As an independent contractor you are not on a payroll cycle — you're paid on the net terms configured on your assignment, which reflect the payment terms in the contractor agreement you signed. After your time for a period is approved, your payment is scheduled for the period end plus your net-terms days (e.g. net-15 = about 15 days after the period ends), and you receive an email when it's scheduled with the exact date.

What "net terms" means

Net terms are the number of days between the end of a work period and when your payment is issued. Net-15 means payment is issued roughly 15 days after the period ends; net-30, 30 days. Your specific terms are:

  • set on your assignment when it's created, and

  • agreed in the contractor agreement you signed during onboarding.

If you're not sure what your terms are, check your signed agreement in your documents. If it's still unclear, email support@ascen.com.

The payment lifecycle

  1. You submit your time (or invoiceable work) for the period.

  2. It's approved — nothing is scheduled until approval, so late approval delays the clock.

  3. Your payment is scheduled for the period end plus your net-terms days. You'll receive an "Upcoming Payment Scheduled" email with the exact payment date, the amount, the period covered, and the last 4 digits of your bank account.

  4. The transfer is sent on the scheduled date — domestic transfers post within a few business days; international transfers can take longer depending on the destination.

Payment frequency

Most contractor assignments pay weekly periods (each week's approved time is paid on its own net-terms clock). Some assignments are configured for monthly cycles — monthly is only available for contractor (not employee) assignments, and carries a minimum net-terms requirement.

Before you can be paid at all

Your first payment can't go out until your onboarding paperwork is complete — including a valid W-9 (US) or W-8BEN / W-8BEN-E (international) on file, and your bank details. See How do I fill out my US contractor tax form (W-9)? or How do I fill out my foreign contractor tax form (W-8BEN)?

If a payment seems late

  1. Check your time for the period was approved — that's what starts the clock.

  2. Count from the period end + your net terms, not from the day you worked.

  3. Check the "Upcoming Payment Scheduled" email for the exact date.

  4. If the scheduled date has passed and nothing arrived, email support@ascen.com. Payments are issued by Ascen, so we're the ones who can see what's holding yours — your staffing partner can't release a payment. Include the period the payment covers and the date you were expecting it.

  • How do I fill out my US contractor tax form (W-9)? / When will I get my 1099-NEC? (US)

  • How do I fill out my foreign contractor tax form (W-8BEN)? (international)

  • When and how often will I get paid? (employees)

  • How long does direct deposit take to reach my bank?