> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://opentrain.ai/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Milestone payments

> A shared reference for OpenTrain AI milestone statuses and how employer funding turns into AI trainer payouts.

Milestones are the payment units inside an OpenTrain contract. Each milestone has an agreed scope, amount, and status. Employers fund milestones before work starts, and AI trainers request payout after completing the work.

Use this page as a shared status reference. For the step-by-step workflow, use the role-specific guide for your account type.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Employer milestone and invoice workflow" href="/employers/invoicing-payouts">
    Create milestones, fund work, approve completed milestones, and download invoices.
  </Card>

  <Card title="AI trainer milestone and payout workflow" href="/trainers/payments-payouts">
    View funded milestones, request payout from the Contract tab, and track payout records.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## How the payment flow works

<Steps>
  <Step title="Employer creates and funds a milestone">
    The employer defines a work unit, amount, and optional due date. Funding the milestone charges the employer's payment method and marks the milestone **Active & Funded**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="AI trainer completes the work">
    The AI trainer sees the funded milestone in the contract view and completes the agreed deliverable.
  </Step>

  <Step title="AI trainer requests payout">
    The AI trainer clicks **Complete & Request Payout** from the Contract tab. The milestone moves to **Pending approval** while the employer reviews the work.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Employer approves and releases payment">
    The employer clicks **Approve & Release Payment**. OpenTrain marks the milestone **Paid** and starts payout to the AI trainer's connected bank account.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Milestone statuses

| Status               | What it means                                                                                         |
| -------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Not Funded**       | Created but not yet funded — no payment committed                                                     |
| **Active & Funded**  | Employer has funded the milestone; payment is committed but not released                              |
| **Pending approval** | AI trainer has submitted work; employer review needed                                                 |
| **Paid**             | Employer approved the work; payout is completed or pending to the AI trainer's connected bank account |
| **Disputed**         | Milestone is under review                                                                             |

## Disputes

If there is a disagreement about whether work meets the milestone criteria, the milestone may enter a **Disputed** status. If you reach a point where you cannot resolve a dispute directly with the other party, contact [support@opentrain.ai](mailto:support@opentrain.ai) for assistance.