> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.opencollective.com/oceurope/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.opencollective.com/oceurope/guides/expenses.md).

# Request a payment

Submit an expense, follow its review and check what happens next.

Use an expense request when someone needs to be paid from your collective’s budget. The expense must relate to the collective’s activities and have the appropriate supporting documents.

## Before you start

Check the available budget and agree the expense with the collective. Prepare a receipt or invoice and the payout details. Use [this guide to choose the document](/oceurope/guides/invoices-or-reimbursements.md).

## Submit the request

1. Open the collective’s page and choose **Submit Expense**.
2. Sign in, or create an account when prompted.
3. Select the expense type and identify who will receive the payment.
4. Enter the amount and currency, add a clear description and upload the documents.
5. Enter the payout details in the dedicated fields, review everything and submit.

Keep the public title brief and free of sensitive information. The platform’s [current submission guide](https://documentation.opencollective.com/expenses-and-getting-paid/submitting-expenses) explains the screens.

## Check before pressing Submit

| Check                        | What to look for                                                                                                               |
| ---------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Correct collective           | The request belongs to the group whose budget should pay it.                                                                   |
| Correct recipient            | The person or organisation receiving the money is correctly identified. Ask OCE if this differs from the intended beneficiary. |
| Amount and currency          | The requested total matches the documents and the agreed claim. Explain a partial reimbursement.                               |
| Public wording               | Use a neutral title, such as “Materials for the community workshop”. Put sensitive context in the appropriate private field.   |
| Documents and payout details | The attachments are legible and the payment information is complete.                                                           |

**Keep a link to the submitted expense.** You can find your requests under **Dashboard → Incoming Money → Issued Payment Requests**. Open the request to follow progress; use **More Actions → Copy link** when you need to share its reference with OCE.

The [platform instructions](https://documentation.opencollective.com/expenses-and-getting-paid/submitting-expenses) also explain how to edit a request. Do not create a duplicate just to correct the original.

**Illustrative example:** you paid for materials for a group activity. Agree the claim with the collective, choose reimbursement, attach the receipt and request only the agreed amount. This example explains the route; it does not approve a particular expense.

## What happens next?

First, a collective administrator reviews the request. Then OCE checks the documentation and whether the payment can be processed. If information is missing, we may ask you to correct or complete it.

An approved request still needs to be processed and received by the bank or payment provider. Follow the status on the expense page; contact OCE if you need an update on a specific payment.

## When will OCE execute the payment?

OCE executes a submitted expense within seven business days after a collective administrator has approved it. This is the time for OCE to execute the payment; your bank or payment provider may need additional time for the money to arrive.

If a problem prevents payment, such as missing documents or information that needs clarification, the timeframe may be extended. We will tell you what is blocking the payment and what information or action is needed. Check the expense for messages and reply to requests for information.

## A grant to an organisation?

A grant request has a different purpose and documentation. Read [requesting a grant from a fund](/oceurope/guides/request-a-grant-for-nonprofits-only.md).

For a missing payment or another difficulty, see [payment questions](/oceurope/guides/expenses-and-getting-paid-faqs.md).