# Settlement pauses FAQ

This FAQ applies to Stripe accounts where payment proceeds settle into a default business account that also supports eligible money-management features.
A settlement pause temporarily holds affected payment proceeds in a settlement reserve instead of adding them to your available balance. This includes new payments and payment funds that are still pending. You can continue accepting payments, and funds that were already available aren't automatically held. If Stripe needs information from you, you’ll see a task or notification in the Stripe Dashboard.
Any other restrictions on your account apply separately and will be shown in the Dashboard.
## What is a settlement pause?
A settlement pause temporarily directs affected payment proceeds, including new payment funds and payment funds that are still pending, to a reserved balance until the underlying issue is resolved. Funds in the settlement reserve aren’t available for payouts or other money movement until they're released.
A settlement pause doesn't hold funds that were already in your available balance or stop you from accepting new payments. But instead it pauses incoming payments only and allows you to still use funds already settled in your account.
## Why was a settlement pause placed on my account?
Stripe may place a settlement pause when an issue must be resolved before affected payment proceeds can be added to your available balance. Check your [Stripe Dashboard](https://dashboard.stripe.com/account/status) and communications from Stripe for information about the restriction and any action you need to take.
A settlement pause holds affected payment proceeds without restricting funds that were already available.
## What funds are affected by a settlement pause?
A settlement pause applies to affected proceeds from payments that are new or still pending when the pause starts. Those proceeds may be placed in the settlement reserve.
Funds that were already available before the pause aren't automatically moved into the settlement reserve.
## Can I continue accepting payments?
Yes. A settlement pause itself doesn't prevent you from accepting payments. While it is active, affected payment proceeds will be added to the settlement reserve instead of your available balance.
If a separate restriction affects your ability to accept payments, it will be shown separately in the Dashboard.
## Can I still make payouts or use my available balance?
The settlement pause itself doesn't block funds that are already shown as available. You can continue using those available funds for payouts or other supported money movement unless a separate restriction applies.
Funds shown in the settlement reserve can’t be paid out or otherwise used until they're released. Separate account restrictions may also affect how you can use your available balance.
## How can I resolve a settlement pause?
1. Open the settlement-pause notice in the Stripe Dashboard or check the Account status page under [Settings](https://dashboard.stripe.com/account/status).
1. Select View task if that option appears.
1. Provide all requested information and submit the task.
1. Monitor the Dashboard and email for updates or additional requests.
If no task is shown, contact Stripe Support to confirm whether any action is required.
## I completed the task. Why is the settlement pause still active?
Submitting a task doesn't always remove the settlement pause immediately. Stripe may need time to review the information you provided. An active pause after submission doesn't necessarily mean that your submission was unsuccessful.
Monitor the Dashboard and email for the outcome or for any request for more information.
## How long will the settlement pause remain in place?
A settlement pause doesn't have a standard scheduled expiration date. It remains active until the related review or requirement is resolved.
Complete any task in the Dashboard and check the Dashboard or Stripe communications for the current status.
## When will my reserved funds be released?
Once the settlement pause is lifted, the affected funds are released from the settlement reserve to your regular balance. The funds keep their original payment-availability timing: funds whose normal availability date has passed can become available, while funds with a future availability date remain pending until that date. Any separate account restrictions still apply.
Stripe Support can’t promise a release date before the review is complete.
## How is a settlement pause different from a payout pause?
A settlement pause affects new payment proceeds before they're added to your available balance. Funds that were already available aren't automatically blocked.
A payout pause prevents funds from being paid out. It can therefore affect funds that are already available. If both controls apply to your account, the Dashboard will show the relevant restrictions.
## What should I do if I don’t see a task or need more help?
Check the Dashboard account status, balance details, and recent communications from Stripe. If you don’t see a required action, contact Stripe Support to confirm whether Stripe needs anything from you.
## How do refunds and disputes affect funds in the settlement reserve?
Refunds and disputes continue to be processed while a settlement pause is active. When a refund or dispute relates to a payment whose proceeds are held in the settlement reserve, eligible held funds are released to help cover that refund or dispute. Any remaining funds stay reserved until they're otherwise released. Currently, a full refund or dispute triggers release of the corresponding reserve hold. Partial refunds and disputes don't yet trigger a proportional release.
## Can I appeal a settlement pause?
You can ask Stripe to review the settlement pause. Complete any requested task in the Stripe Dashboard and provide the requested information. If no task is available, or if you believe the pause was applied incorrectly, contact Stripe Support. Stripe will route the request to the team responsible for the restriction. Submitting information or requesting a review doesn't guarantee that the pause will be removed immediately. Other restrictions may also remain in place.