Freelancers in New York now have additional protections under a law that goes into effect today.

The Freelance Isn’t Free law requires written contracts for freelance work worth more than $800.

The freelancers must be paid before the agreed date or within 30 days.  Otherwise, the freelancer can file a complaint with the Department of Consumer Affairs’ Office of Labor Policy and Standards.

If that doesn’t work, freelancers have the right to sue.

The new rights apply regardless of a person’s immigration status.