Approval releases payment and is final. Check before you approve, not after.
Before approving
- Does the deliverable match what the milestone required?
- Are the files complete and openable?
- Do the outputs (tables, figures, code, data) correspond to what was described?
- Have you read the screening result?
- Do you understand the work well enough to defend it?
That last one matters. If you cannot explain the method, ask the expert to walk you through it. That is a legitimate request and a good expert will expect it.
What approval means
The milestone amount releases to the expert, the milestone closes, rights in the deliverable transfer to you under the Intellectual Property Policy, and the milestone becomes non-refundable.
If you do nothing
The review window shown on the milestone runs out and it may auto-release. If you need longer, say so in the chat before the window closes.
After approval
You cannot un-approve. If a problem emerges afterwards, contact the expert first. Most will help. A refund after approval is only available in the narrow circumstances in the Refund & Cancellation Policy.