Why your distribution might be delayed

Last updated: August 2, 2026

Summary: Partner distributions are funded by client invoice payments — a distribution for an invoice is created and paid after the client pays that invoice. The most common reasons a distribution is delayed: the underlying invoice hasn't been paid yet, invoices on the account are seriously past due (60+ days can lead to withholding), a required tax form (W-9 / W-8BEN) is missing, or normal transfer timing.

How distributions are funded

Your distribution on an assignment comes out of the client's payment of the related invoice. When the client pays, we create your distribution for that invoice and send it via your configured payout method. This is why a distribution is never ahead of its invoice: no client payment, no distribution yet.

Common reasons a distribution is delayed

1. The invoice hasn't been paid.
The most common reason by far. Check the invoice's status in your portal — if it's still outstanding, your distribution hasn't been funded yet. See How do you handle late invoices? for how we chase overdue invoices.

2. Invoices on the account are seriously past due.
When invoices go 60 or more days past due, amounts may be withheld from distributions to cover the unpaid exposure, per your partner agreement and account settings. Resolving the aged invoices releases this.

3. A required tax form is missing.
Distributions can't be transferred until we have a valid W-9 (US entities) or W-8BEN / W-8BEN-E (foreign entities) on file. If your form is missing, expired, or inconsistent (for example, a US tax ID on a foreign form), the transfer is blocked until it's corrected.

4. Your account is under review.
Changes to payout details and certain account events can put transfers on a brief hold while they're verified — this protects you against payment fraud.

5. Normal transfer timing.
Once sent, ACH and international transfers take time to post — domestic transfers typically a few business days; international transfers can take longer depending on the destination.

What to check first

  1. Invoice status — is the underlying invoice paid?

  2. Aged invoices — does the account have anything 60+ days past due?

  3. Tax forms — is your W-9 / W-8BEN current?

  4. Payout details — is your bank information up to date?

If all of those look right and a distribution still hasn't arrived, email support@ascen.com or reach out to your Customer Success Manager with the invoice number.

  • When do I receive payment from assignments?

  • How do you handle late invoices?

  • How do I know when invoices are paid?