OnLocum Docs

Earnings & Payments

Understand how you earn money on OnLocum and withdraw your funds.

Earnings & Payments

This guide explains how you earn money on OnLocum, when you get paid, and how to withdraw your funds.

How Earnings Are Calculated

Hourly Rate Shifts

Most shifts pay an hourly rate:

  • Base Rate - The facility's posted hourly rate (e.g., KSh 800/hour)
  • Hours Worked - Based on check-in/check-out times, with location recorded when you allow it
  • Total Earnings = Base Rate x Hours Worked

Example:

  • Shift: 8 hours at KSh 800/hour
  • Earnings: KSh 6,400 (8 x KSh 800)
  • On open-market shifts OnLocum sources for a facility, a tier-based platform fee is deducted first (Standard 7%, Pro 4%, Elite 2%). On your own facility's staff and float-pool shifts there is no platform fee. The result is the amount credited to your wallet, less any deductions listed below

Flat Rate Shifts

Some shifts pay a fixed amount regardless of hours:

  • Posted Amount - The total shift payment (e.g., KSh 5,000)
  • No overtime - Flat rate covers the entire shift
  • Early completion - You still receive the full posted amount, less any platform fee that applies to the shift

Note

Flat rate shifts clearly display "Flat Rate" on the listing. The posted amount is the shift rate; any platform fee that applies is shown as your net pay before you accept.

Understanding Deductions

On open-market shifts OnLocum sources for a facility, a platform fee that depends on your trust tier is deducted from your rate: Standard 7%, Pro 4%, Elite 2%. On your own facility's staff and float-pool shifts there is no platform fee. Your earnings may also have these deductions:

DeductionDescriptionTypical Amount
Platform fee (open-market shifts only)Set by your trust tierStandard 7%, Pro 4%, Elite 2%
Withholding TaxGovernment requirement5% (where applicable)
InsuranceIf applicableVaries

Your earnings breakdown shows all deductions clearly before you accept a shift.

Payment Schedule

When You Get Paid

Payments are processed after shift completion:

  1. Shift Ends - You complete the shift and check out
  2. Facility Review - The facility approves your timesheet
  3. Processing - Payment is processed to your wallet
  4. Available - Funds appear in your OnLocum wallet

Typical Timeline

ScenarioTimeline
Standard shiftsPaid to your OnLocum wallet when the facility approves your timesheet, then withdraw to M-Pesa
Same-day withdrawalAvailable once funds are in wallet

Your OnLocum Wallet

Viewing Your Balance

  1. Open the OnLocum app
  2. Tap the Wallet icon (or go to Profile > Wallet)
  3. See your:
    • Available Balance (ready to withdraw)
    • Pending Earnings (awaiting facility confirmation)
    • Total Earnings (all-time)

Transaction History

View all your financial activity:

  • Earnings from completed shifts
  • Withdrawals
  • Bonuses and incentives
  • Any adjustments

Tap any transaction to see full details including:

  • Shift information
  • Hours worked
  • Rate breakdown
  • Deductions applied

Withdrawal Methods

The fastest way to get your money:

  1. Go to Wallet > Withdraw
  2. Select M-Pesa
  3. Confirm your phone number (or enter a different one)
  4. Enter the amount
  5. Tap Withdraw
  6. Receive funds within minutes

Tip

Ensure your M-Pesa registered phone number is correct in your profile. Withdrawals to unregistered numbers will fail.

Withdrawal Limits

The minimum and maximum you can withdraw are shown on the Withdraw screen before you confirm. Limits can change, so check that screen rather than relying on a figure written here.

Warning

Daily limits may apply to your account. If a withdrawal is declined for a limit, contact support.

Payment History and Receipts

Viewing Payment History

  1. Go to Wallet > History
  2. Filter by:
    • Date range
    • Transaction type (earnings, withdrawals)
    • Status (completed, pending, failed)

Downloading Receipts

For each completed shift or withdrawal:

  1. Find the transaction in your history
  2. Tap to open details
  3. Tap Download Receipt or Share
  4. Save as PDF or share via email/WhatsApp

Monthly Statements

Get a summary of all your earnings:

  1. Go to Wallet > Statements
  2. Select the month
  3. Download PDF statement

Statements include:

  • Total earnings
  • All completed shifts
  • Deductions and fees
  • Withdrawals
  • Running balance

Tax Considerations

Income Reporting

Your OnLocum earnings are taxable income. Keep records of:

  • All earnings received
  • Expenses related to your work
  • Monthly statements from OnLocum

Tax Documents

OnLocum provides:

  • Annual earnings summary (available in January)
  • Withholding tax certificates (where applicable)
  • Transaction records for your accountant

Note

OnLocum does not provide tax advice. Consult a tax professional about your obligations based on your total income and circumstances.

Deductible Expenses

You may be able to deduct work-related expenses:

  • Transportation to shifts
  • Professional certifications
  • Uniform costs
  • Mobile data for the app

Keep receipts for all work-related expenses.

Bonuses and Incentives

Referral Bonuses

Earn extra by inviting colleagues:

  • Share your referral code
  • Bonus paid when they complete their first shift
  • Check Profile > Referrals for current offers

Performance Bonuses

High performers may receive:

  • Shift completion bonuses
  • Rating milestone rewards
  • Loyalty bonuses for consistent work

Surge Pay

During high-demand periods:

  • Some shifts offer increased rates
  • Look for "Surge" or "Premium Rate" badges
  • Great opportunity for extra earnings

Troubleshooting Payments

Payment Not Received

If your payment is delayed:

  1. Check Wallet > Pending for status
  2. Verify the facility has confirmed your hours
  3. If the facility has approved your timesheet and you have not been paid, contact support

Incorrect Amount

If your payment seems wrong:

  1. Review the shift details in your history
  2. Check the rate and hours worked
  3. Review deductions applied
  4. Use the Dispute option to report discrepancies

Failed Withdrawal

If a withdrawal fails:

  1. Check your payment method details
  2. Ensure sufficient balance
  3. Try a smaller amount
  4. Contact support with the transaction ID

Common Withdrawal Issues

IssueSolution
"Invalid phone number"Verify M-Pesa registration
"Insufficient funds"Check available balance (not pending)
"Daily limit exceeded"Wait 24 hours or contact support

Best Practices

Managing Your Earnings

  1. Withdraw regularly - Don't let large balances sit
  2. Keep records - Download monthly statements
  3. Track deductions - Understand what's taken out
  4. Budget for taxes - Set aside a portion for tax obligations

Maximizing Earnings

  1. Complete your profile - Get access to higher-paying shifts
  2. Maintain high ratings - Premium shifts prefer top workers
  3. Be flexible - Evening/weekend shifts often pay more
  4. Watch for surge pricing - Take advantage of high-demand periods

Contact Support

For payment issues:

Include your:

  • Account email/phone
  • Transaction ID (if applicable)
  • Description of the issue
  • Screenshots if helpful

Next Steps

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