How to Cancel a Shift on Instawork Due to Illness and Explore Alternatives
If you're unable to work a scheduled shift on Instawork due to illness, there are multiple ways to manage your situation using the app. These steps ensure clarity and proper handling while minimizing penalties.
Late cancellations—defined as those within 24 hours of the shift start—may result in reliability score impacts, penalties, or suspension. Repeated cancellations could lead to accounts being permanently deactivated. You can cancel a shift within 15 minutes of booking it without incurring any penalties, which offers some flexibility for accidental bookings.
Canceling a Shift Due to Illness
To cancel a shift directly in the Instawork app, follow these steps:
Open the Instawork app and log in.
Tap on Shifts located at the bottom-left corner of the screen.
Go to the My Shifts section.
Select the shift in question.
Tap on "Cancel shift" and choose "I can't make it."
Scroll down and follow prompts to provide a reason and confirm by selecting "Cancel shifts."
Canceling your shift as soon as you know you can't attend helps Instawork find a replacement and minimizes the impact on your account. Late cancellations may lead to penalties but can sometimes be appealed. If a cancellation is made very close to the shift start time, it might be categorized as urgent, potentially leading to further account suspensions.
Late cancellations might also temporarily reduce access to future shifts if they occur frequently or without valid reasons.
Alternatives to Canceling a Shift
Instead of canceling the shift, you have two main alternatives:
Transfer the Shift to Another Worker: Use the Transfer Shift option within the app to pass the shift to another eligible worker.
Apply for Paid Sick Leave: If you're unable to work due to a documented illness, you may be eligible for paid sick leave. To apply: - Open the Instawork app. - Navigate to the Paid Sick Leave section from your shift details or help/support area. - Submit the required information, including proof of illness if requested. Note: Transfers are capped at three every 30 days and are subject to eligibility requirements.
When transferring a shift, ensure that the selected worker confirms the transfer, as the shift remains your responsibility until then. Additionally, paid sick leave claims should include appropriate documents such as doctor's notes or COVID test results when requested.
Impacts on Account and Appeals
Repeated or late cancellations, especially without valid reasons, can lead to account penalties or suspension. To manage such cases:
In emergencies, notify your supervisor immediately and document any communication such as messages or call logs to support your case. If the supervisor or onsite contact is unreachable, cancel via the app and file an appeal outlining your situation with documentation.
Provide a valid reason for the cancellation (e.g., illness) using the app flow.
If your account is suspended following an illness-related cancellation, submit an appeal within 24 hours. Use the app’s appeal process to describe your situation and attach any supporting documentation, such as a doctor’s note.
Additional Recommendations
Cancel Early: Whenever possible, cancel your shift well before its start time. Early cancellations allow Instawork more time to find a replacement and reduce the risk of penalties.
Explore Paid Sick Leave: Applying for paid sick leave is the best option to avoid penalties while ensuring compensation during illness, provided you're eligible.
Document Illness: Keep documentation, like a doctor's note, at hand to provide proof if needed for appeals or paid sick leave claims.
Keep your cancellation rate low to retain access to benefits like Top Pro status and preferred shift selection.
If health-related symptoms cause multiple cancellations, Instawork may require a temporary 5-day suspension, which could be reduced with proof such as a doctor's note.
By following these steps and exploring alternatives, you can manage your shifts effectively while safeguarding your account’s status.
Here's an example of how to cancel your shift in the Instawork app:
What happens if I cancel due to illness?
Instawork understands that genuine emergencies happen. One-time exemptions may be granted for illness-related cancellations to keep your account active.
Eligibility for Exemption:
✅ You may qualify if:
This is your first urgent cancellation in 60 days
You have a valid medical reason (illness, injury, emergency)
You can provide documentation (doctor's note, test results)
You have a good track record (no recent violations)
You appeal within 24 hours of the suspension
❌ You likely won't qualify if:
You've had multiple recent cancellations
You cannot provide documentation
You have a pattern of last-minute cancellations
You've received exemptions in the past 60 days
How to Request an Exemption:
Open the Instawork app
Go to the cancelled shift
Tap "Submit appeal"
Select "Medical emergency/illness"
Upload your documentation (must show your name and date):
Doctor's note
Positive COVID test
Hospital paperwork
Prescription with your name
6. Explain your situation clearly
When you became ill
Why you couldn't notify earlier
Steps you took to find coverage (if any)
7. Wait for review:
Our team will review your case
Documentation will be verified
Decision typically within 24-48 hours
Important: Exemptions are granted on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed. Providing thorough documentation significantly improves your chances.
"How many times can I cancel before my account is suspended?"
It depends on the type and timing of cancellations:
Non-Urgent Cancellations (more than 24 hours):
Each count as 0.5 violation points
2 or more in 30 days = 24-hour suspension
Minimal impact on shift access
Urgent Cancellations (less than 24 hours):
Each count as 1.0 violation point
1 urgent cancellation = 24-hour suspension
Significant impact on reliability score
Account Deactivation:
10+ total violation points = Permanent deactivation
Pattern of repeated cancellations = Permanent deactivation
Multiple suspensions = Increased deactivation risk
Important: These limits are cumulative and rolling over 30–60-day periods. Even if you've been suspended before, additional cancellations can lead to permanent deactivation.
Account impacts from cancellations:
Immediate effects:
❌ Your reliability score drops
❌ You'll see fewer shifts in your feed
❌ You may receive a suspension notification
❌ Your account may be suspended for 24 hours
❌ Partners may see your cancellation history
Long-term effects:
❌You may lose Top Pro status if you have it
❌ You'll get lower priority when booking shifts
❌ You'll have limited access to premium shifts
❌ Your account may be permanently deactivated
❌ Your ability to work with certain Partners may be restricted
"Will I be paid if I cancel my shift?"
- No. You will not receive payment for any shift you cancel, regardless of when you cancel.
Payment scenarios:
You cancel (any time): No payment
Partner cancels less than 24 hours: You may receive up to 4 hours pay
You're sent home after arriving: You may receive up to 4 hours pay if you arrived on time
W2 workers only: You may receive payment if approved for paid sick leave
EXCEPTION: If you qualify for and are approved for paid sick leave, you may receive compensation (for W2 Worker).